How to Create a “PROPER BRAILLE SIGNS”

 Dear all

Let’s delve into the crucial aspects of maintaining accurate tactile signs, including thickness, character size, style, color contrast, and the geometry of Braille elements:

1. Thickness:

• Why It Matters: The thickness of tactile signs impacts their durability and readability. Signs that are too thin may warp or break easily, ( if Acrylic is used), while overly thick signs can appear bulky and obstructive and may slide down or fall due to weight if not fixed or mounted properly. 

• Well proven thickness would be 3mm for Acrylic base.

• Hence it is better to use High impact modified acrylic, specially formulated laminates, excellently engineered products like Rowmark, Gemini, IPI or P-mark of GGK. If this HIMA sheets are used, even 1.6 mm  is enough. These materials are opaque and surface finish is non glare and has advantage of self dual color engraving.

• Ideal Thickness: Tactile signs should have a thickness of approximately 1/32 inch (0.8 mm). This ensures they are sturdy enough to withstand wear and tear without being overly prominent.

2. Character Size:

• Importance: Proper character size ensures readability for both sighted and visually impaired individuals.

• Braille Characters: Braille dots should have a diameter of 0.059 inches (1.5 mm). Convex in nature. This standard size allows users to distinguish individual dots by touch.

• Raised Characters: Raised characters (such as letters and numbers) should be at least 5/8 inch (16 mm) in height. Larger characters enhance visibility and readability.

3. Style and Font:

• Sans Serif Fonts: Use sans serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Helvetica) for raised characters. These fonts lack decorative flourishes, making them easier to recognize.

• Clear and Simple: Opt for clear, simple letterforms. Avoid overly ornate or intricate styles that may confuse users.

4. Color Contrast:

• High Contrast: Ensure a strong contrast between the background and raised characters. High contrast improves readability.

• Color Combinations: Dark characters on a light background or vice versa work well. For example:

• Black characters on a white background.

• White characters on a dark blue background.

• Avoid Low Contrast: Low contrast strains the eyes and hinders readability.

5. Geometry of Braille Elements:

• Braille Cells: Each Braille character consists of a 2x3 grid of dots (referred to as a Braille cell).

• Dot Placement:

• The dots are arranged in two columns, with three dots in each column.

• Left first column dots are 1,2and3.

• Right column is 4,5 and 6

• Otherwise arranged in three rows

• The top row contains dots 1, 4

• The middle row is 2 and 5,

• The bottom row is 3 and 6.

• Spacing: The distance between adjacent Braille cells should be at least 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) to prevent accidental overlap.

Very Important:

It is very important to have Tactile Raised Letters in accordance with the guidelines in all “CAPITALS “ to be followed by Braille Script in Grade1 in India,Australia, and more whereas GRADE2 should. be for USA. Remember, accurate tactile signs are essential for creating an inclusive environment. By adhering to these guidelines, we ensure that everyone can access critical information independently.

Written and published by

GGK 

REF: 

   1.   Harmonized Guidelines 

2. ADA GUIDELINES.

3. Check with CONSULTANTS

Accessibility & its Importance

This tiny article is written, highlighting the importance to follow the accessibility acts like ADA,ADAG,OSHA strictly to achieve our primary aim for finding proper accessibility solution in making BRAILLE & TACTILE signs.

Ensuring accessibility is not just a legal obligation; it’s a fundamental step toward creating an inclusive and equitable environment for everyone. Let’s delve into the significance of adhering to accessibility acts like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Architectural Barriers Act (ADAG), and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) when designing Braille and tactile signs:

ADA and ADAG Compliance:

Equal Access: The ADA and ADAG mandate that public facilities provide equal access to individuals with disabilities. Braille and tactile signs play a crucial role in achieving this goal.

Navigational Aid: Braille and tactile signs guide people with visual impairments by providing essential information about room numbers, restrooms, elevators, and other spaces. These signs empower individuals to independently navigate public buildings.

Legal Requirement: Failure to comply with ADA and ADAG standards can result in legal consequences, including fines and penalties. By following these regulations, organizations demonstrate their commitment to accessibility and avoid potential legal issues.

Tactile Sign Importance:

Accessibility: Tactile signs are specifically designed for touch. Raised characters and Braille allow individuals who are blind or have low vision to identify rooms, floors, and other spaces.

Doorway Cues: Doorways serve as natural cues for locating signs. Tactile signs placed near doorways ensure that people can find essential information by touch.

Exit Safety: OSHA requires Braille and tactile exit signs. In emergency situations, these signs guide individuals safely toward exits. Properly marked doors prevent confusion and enhance evacuation procedures1.

Visual Significance:

Low Vision Accessibility: Visual requirements for signs ensure they are accessible to people with low vision. High contrast, legible fonts, and appropriate character sizes are essential.

Content Diversity: Signs often display multiple types of content (e.g., room numbers, hours of operation, occupant names).

Each content type must be evaluated for visual and tactile accessibility2.

Non-Glare Finish: Following ADA rules includes using non-glare finishes to enhance readability for all users. 

In summary, strict adherence to ADA, ADAG, and OSHA guidelines ensures that Braille and tactile signs fulfill their purpose: providing essential information, promoting independence, and contributing to a more accessible world. Let’s continue championing accessibility for all

GGK

Founder owner of 

GGK BRAILLE SIGNS 

visiwww.braillesignsggk.com

ELECTRONIC “BRAILLE TALK”

GGK's "Electronic Braille Talk" is a groundbreaking product launched in India to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. Here's what you need to know about this innovative device:

Purpose and Functionality: The Electronic Braille Talk is designed to assist individuals with visual impairments in accessing information and navigating their surroundings more independently. It combines the functionalities of a Braille display and a talking book player, providing users with multiple modes of interaction.

Braille Display: The device features a refreshable Braille display, allowing users to read text in Braille format. This tactile interface enables individuals with visual impairments to access written information such as books, documents, and electronic messages.

Talking Book Player: In addition to the Braille display, the Electronic Braille Talk includes a talking book player feature. This functionality enables users to listen to audiobooks, podcasts, and other audio content, providing an alternative means of accessing information for those who prefer auditory input.

Navigation and Controls: The device is equipped with intuitive navigation controls, making it easy for users to navigate menus, select options, and control playback functions. These user-friendly controls enhance the overall usability of the device for individuals with visual impairments.

Connectivity Options: The Electronic Braille Talk offers connectivity options such as Bluetooth and USB, allowing users to connect external devices such as smartphones, computers, or external storage devices. This enables seamless integration with other technologies and expands the device's capabilities.

Compact and Portable Design: The device features a compact and portable design, making it convenient for users to carry it with them wherever they go. Its lightweight construction and long-lasting battery ensure extended usability without the need for frequent recharging.

Localization and Language Support: GGK has ensured that the Electronic Braille Talk is localized for the Indian market, with support for multiple Indian languages. This ensures that individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds can access information in their preferred language.

Affordability and Accessibility: GGK is committed to making the Electronic Braille Talk accessible to a wide range of users, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The device is priced competitively to ensure affordability without compromising on quality or functionality.

Training and Support: GGK provides comprehensive training and support to users of the Electronic Braille Talk, ensuring that they can fully utilize its features and capabilities. This includes instructional materials, tutorials, and ongoing assistance as needed.

Impact and Empowerment: The Electronic Braille Talk has the potential to significantly impact the lives of individuals with visual impairments in India, empowering them to access information, pursue education and employment opportunities, and engage more fully in society.

In summary, GGK's Electronic Braille Talk represents a significant advancement in accessibility technology, offering a versatile and user-friendly solution for individuals with visual impairments in India. With its combination of Braille display, talking book player, and connectivity options, the device holds the promise of enhancing independence, inclusion, and empowerment for users across the country.

GGK’S BRAILLE TALK (Audio)

 GGK's "Electronic Braille Talk + “ is a groundbreaking product launched in India to enhance accessibility for individuals with visual impairments. 

Here's what you need to know about this innovative device:

Purpose and Functionality: 

The Electronic Braille Talk is designed to assist individuals with visual impairments in accessing information and navigating their surroundings more independently. It combines the functionalities of a Braille Sign display and a talking mechanism instantly with aid of a “SENSOR” and an “ ANNOUNCER “providing users with multiple modes of interaction.

Braille Talk and Add-ons:

The device features in recognising the person and talks on its own explaining the details of facility, layout of the accessible rooms.

Also comes with an excellent 

“VOICE-SUPPORTED QR code specially produced in conjunction with word famous NaviLens team, which works In different angles thus avoiding the need for pointing the Camera lens exactly to the QR Code.

This multifunction unit enables individuals with visual impairments to access written information on the Braille signs and as well as details of the access route and more.

The Braille Talk+, can also be used to announce audio content, providing an alternative means of accessing information for those who prefer auditory input.

Navigation and Controls: 

The device is can be preloaded with very useful content , making it easy fo users to navigate routes, listen to menus and other fixed information/s about the facility.

All these versatile functions enhance the overall usability of the device for individuals with visual impairments.

Connectivity : 

The Electronic Braille Talk doesn’t requires  Wi-Fi connectivity or options such as Bluetooth or USB .

Compact and Portable Design: 

The device features a compact and portable design, making it convenient for users to fix the product wherever required very easily.

Its lightweight construction and long-lasting battery ensure extended usability without the need for frequent recharging.

Localisation and Language Support: 

GGK has ensured that the Electronic Braille Talk is localized for the Indian market, with support for multiple Indian languages. This ensures that individuals from diverse linguistic backgrounds can access information in their preferred language.

Affordability and Accessibility: 

GGK is committed to making the Electronic Braille Talk accessible to a wide range of users, including those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The device is priced competitively to ensure affordability without compromising on quality or functionality.

Training and Support: 

GGK provides comprehensive training for the accessibility requirements to all populations who may need the details of using the products and support to users of the Electronic Braille Talk, ensuring that they can fully utilize its features and capabilities. 

This includes instructional materials, tutorials, and ongoing assistance as needed.

Impact and Empowerment: 

The Electronic Braille Talk has the potential to significantly impact the lives of individuals with visual impairments in India, empowering them to access information, pursue education and employment opportunities, and engage more fully in society.

In summary, GGK's Electronic Braille Talk  and High end Braille signs, represents a significant advancement in accessibility technology, offering a versatile and user-friendly solution for individuals with visual impairments in India. With its combination of Braille signs, Talking,features and QR code options, the device holds the promise of enhancing independence, inclusion, and empowerment for users not only across the country but also outside India too.!!

Article by GGK 

FOR KNOWLEDGE BUILDING in Accessibility needs.

Signs are important. 

Braille Signs are very important. 

Uniform color code and pictographs are very very important. 

This is what I am trying to make all users, facility owners, builders, creators, architects, and designers understand the importance of Braille signs which has to be created in uniform international standard, constant colors, size and universally approved pictographs.

Many a persons are unaware of the actual facts but do have the tendency to create to match the interiors and try give more complex designs unnecessarily. We at GGK Braille Signs concentrate more on the critical and utility factors. Of course we do them with utmost care and give the ultimate client a product for purpose with high quality output with maximum resistance to vandalism.

Our primary aim is to maintain uniformity in color and ultimate product look for people to identify them easily. Very look should say that the sign sign meant for differently able population and in particular to the vision impaired. The size too has to be standardized, The standardization of sizes are done considering the available sizes of raw material so that wastage are minimized. For example you are aware that how A4, A3 or A2 and so on are arrived at in stationary and engineering drawing specs.

This blog is specially being published to bring awareness to people who are seriously involved in providing a quality product for the minority population to whom we have commitment to help them to live on their own. "ACCESSIBILITY" needs standardization of signs and right path for travel.

Keep reading, this is just a beginning of our informative blog. We will publish more useful and informative points for you to implement.

wait for more from

GGK,
9986634448 (INDIA)
ggk48@hotmail.com
VISIT
http://www.braillesignsggk.com