braille signs accessible signage

Braille and Tactile

Braille and Tactile signage are essential for individuals with visual impairments, promoting independence, equal access to information, legal compliance, emergency preparedness, social inclusion, and dignity.

Our custom produced signs offer a branded and practical solution for your organization.

Types of AODA/Accessible Signs

Braille signs

Braille is a form of tactile writing learned and used by the visually impaired, including individuals who are blind, deafblind, or who have low vision. The raised pattern of dots represent different characters and can be read with the eyes, as well. Braille signs have domed or rounded braille dots with a height of 0.6 to 0.9mm and a base diameter of 1.5 to 1.6mm. Contracted braille is used for signs with sentences comprised of 10 or more words, and uncontracted braille is used for floor directories and signs with 10 words or less.

Tactile Signs

Tactile means “understood through sense of touch”. Characters and pictograms are raised 0.8 to 1.5 mm above the surface, and have Grade 1 Braille located directly below the associated pictograph or large text. All doors within the public spaces of a facility should be identified with tactile signage.

Where are accessible signs needed?

Accessible signs should be provided for any feature of a building that would normally be given a print sign. Signs have three functions:

Informational

communicate information

Directional

direct to a facility or service

Locational

identify a location

It’s recommended that braille and high-contrast tactile print signage be provided in the following places. These are examples only and do not represent an exhaustive list.

  • Washrooms and Showers – both general and specifically accessible facilities.
  • Elevators – controls and floor indicators.
  • Numbers on stair landing handrails to allow identification of floors.
  • Office and hotel room name/number plates.
  • Emergency doors and exits.
  • Emergency evacuation instructions.
  • Cautionary signage.
  • Floor and building directories.
  • Door controls on public transportation vehicles – emergency and standard.
  • Free telephones in shopping malls.
  • Bus stop and train platform numbers.
  • Signage in assembly areas and gathering places (arenas, stadiums, auditoriums, places of worship).
  • Operating instructions e.g., for vending machines or toilets.
braille signs office interior

Where detailed information is provided through signage, for example emergency evacuation instructions or building directories, consider providing this information separately in alternative formats such as braille with tactile diagrams, large print, accessible electronic text and audio. This allows building users to read and refer to the information when they are not standing directly next to the sign.

Learn more about the importance of Braille

Braille Signs - Did You Know?

The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) aims to make Ontario accessible by 2025 through the development, implementation, and enforcement of standards relating to 5 areas: customer service, employment, information and communications, transportation, and the built environment (buildings and outdoor spaces).

The standards goal is to ensure that all Ontarians can take part in everyday activities — working, shopping, taking public transit, using the Internet, attending sporting and cultural events, and enjoying parks and other public spaces.

Our team is ready to help you navigate the intricacies of AODA compliant signage, through design, proofing, production, and installation.

Braille & Tactile Signage FAQs

Process One: Layered UV Printing
Our ADA compliant UV-LED flatbed printer will print on objects up to 5.9″ thick. Braille is created by producing layers of ink – and curing it immediately.

Process Two: Digital Braille Tool:
The braille spheres are inserted into small holes by a spring in the tool. The tool is supplied with a plunger that has two purposes; to force the spheres into the internal funnel, and to indicate the number of spheres remaining in the tool.

Common materials include acrylic, metal, plastic, and sometimes wood. The choice of material depends on the location and purpose of the sign.

All our signs are custom made to meet your specific needs and to fit the unique look of your space and branding. Create signs with custom shapes, colours, and graphics to enhance your space.

Just contact us or fill out our quick and easy quote form to get the process started. Our team will reach out to discuss and confirm your specific needs.

Time may vary, but signs can be produced in as little as 24 hours.

We need the text content, any specific symbols or logos, preferred material, size, and color preferences. You can also provide us with your custom artwork files.

Today, there are braille codes for over 133 languages.

Braille signs should be installed at a height of 48 to 60 inches from the ground, typically on the latch side of doors or at key locations like elevators and restrooms.

Braille signs can be installed using adhesive backing, screws, or mounting brackets, depending on the surface and location.

Yes, we offer installation services across Ontario and beyond. Please inquire about availability and pricing.

Braille signs should be cleaned gently with a soft, damp cloth and mild detergent if necessary. Avoid using abrasive materials that can damage the raised dots.

Yes, we can provide samples upon request. This allows you to evaluate the quality and design before placing a larger order.

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