General Overview
Braille is a tactile writing system used by individuals who are blind or have low vision. It consists of raised dots arranged in cells to represent letters, numbers, and other symbols. While not all blind individuals use braille, it remains a vital tool for many, offering greater independence and access to information. Cultural organizations (such as museums, theaters, and galleries) can improve accessibility by providing braille materials for visitors, including programs, exhibit labels or guides, signage, tactile maps, menus, and reports. Offering these materials ensures that blind and low-vision visitors can fully engage with your organization — whether they are reading performance details, navigating your space, or exploring exhibits. There are specific requirements in the ADA Standards for Accessible Design that indicate when braille must be included on signage.
Implementation
Focus on materials that will enhance your visitors’ experience and support their independent access to your organization’s services. Common materials to consider producing in braille include:
- Performance programs
- Menus for your organization’s café or cafeteria
- Exhibit guides
- Labels for artwork in exhibits, or identification of items in displays
- Permanent signage for rooms, as well as temporary signage for spaces that may evolve in usage (see the Hub page on Signage and Wayfinding for more information)
- Tactile maps for your organization to assist blind and low vision guests in navigating your facility, with specific emphasis on restrooms, coat check, and audio description/assisted listening device pickup areas
When preparing materials for braille production, consider these important guidelines:
- Simplify and streamline content: Braille takes up more space than printed text, so condense materials like theater programs to ensure they’re manageable. Consider your audience’s time, offering key details—like performance highlights or a musical numbers list—so that they can easily access relevant content without feeling overwhelmed.
- Provide files in Word format: For optimal translation, always submit documents in Word format rather than PDFs. Many PDF files are incompatible with braille translation software and may incur additional conversion fees.
- Estimate quantities accurately: Overestimating the number of copies you need can lead to unnecessary expenses. Work closely with your braille producer to get an accurate estimate based on your audience size and program schedule.
Partnering with a knowledgeable braille producer is crucial for ensuring accuracy. The Braille Authority of North America (BANA) provides standardized guidelines for braille usage in North American English, which your producer will follow.
Here are some key things to consider when working with a braille producer:
- Ensure experience: Choose a producer with experience in producing high-quality braille materials. Their expertise ensures that the materials will be useful and readable.
- Consult for correct formats: Work with the producer to determine the best format for your specific needs. For example, theater programs may need to be formatted differently from exhibit labels or menus.
- Incorporate feedback: Regularly ask for feedback from braille readers and community members to ensure that your materials are truly accessible and effective.
Braille materials should not only be readable but also designed with tactile accessibility in mind. Consider the following design elements:
- Font and size: Braille is only available in one size, but it’s essential that the dots are raised clearly for easy reading.
- Layout: Organize content in a way that makes it easy to navigate, with a consistent layout that avoids clutter. Use clear and simple language to maximize understanding.
- Spacing: Ensure that there’s enough space between braille cells to avoid confusion and make reading more comfortable.
Accessibility is not a one-time effort, but an ongoing commitment. Also consider longer-term arrangements like these:
- Discuss a plan for maintaining and updating braille materials over time, especially if you make changes to exhibits, menus, or programs.
- Set up a system for regularly reviewing and refreshing your braille materials as part of your overall accessibility strategy.
Once you’ve implemented braille, make sure to let your visitors know! Promote your accessible services on your website, social media channels, and through direct communication. Offering braille materials shows your dedication to providing an inclusive experience, and visibility of these offerings can help attract and retain blind and low-vision visitors. (Visit the Hub page on Communicating Access Information to learn more.)
Associated Legal Requirements or Obligations
Please note that, while this content was developed by people with expertise in the ADA and legal requirements related to access, it was created for informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.
- Title II of the ADA
Requires state and local governments to provide auxiliary aids to ensure effective communication for individuals who are blind or have low vision, including providing print materials in Braille and Braille on certain signage per the ADA Standards of Accessible Design.
- Title III of the ADA
Requires businesses and nonprofits open to the public to provide auxiliary aids to ensure effective communication for individuals who are blind or have low vision, including providing print materials in Braille and Braille on certain signage per the ADA Standards of Accessible Design.
U.S. Access Board Guidance to ADA Standards of Design: Chapter 7: Signage
Section 703 covers braille requirements on signage such as:
- Signs identifying permanent rooms and spaces must include Grade 2 braille and raised characters.
- Signs must be positioned on the latch side of the door and be 48-60 inches above the floor, with high contrast and a non-glare finish.
U.S. Access Board Guidance to ADA Standards of Design: Chapter 4: Elevators
Section 407 covers elevators and requirements for braille on buttons, symbols and floor designations
See also:
- 2010 Standards for Accessible Design
- ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act)
- Auxiliary Aids and Services
- Effective Communication
- Reasonable Accommodation
- Title II of the ADA or a Title II Entity
- Title III of the ADA or a Title III Entity
- Undue Burden/Hardship
- Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS)
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