Braille Implementation for Signage & Wayfinding

November 15, 2023
Classroom sign with the Braille translation

Improving Braille Implementation with SignAgent

Classroom sign with the Braille translation

For most people, wayfinding programs are a visual means of navigating through the built environment. But for people who are blind or who have vision impairment or low vision, physical signage is a tactile means of navigating. So, It’s extremely important that signage with braille is properly positioned and that the braille meets ADA Signage Standard requirements.

Implementation of braille signage can be a significant challenge for wayfinding and signage professionals creating sign programs for large, complex facilities.

Most facility operators, wayfinding designers, and sign fabricators struggle with these three issues:

1. Volume

Hundreds (maybe thousands) of signs require braille translations. Creating each individual translation one by one is extremely time consuming and error prone.

2. Fonts

Without a reliable source for Standard and California Braille fonts, implementing braille according to ADA standards is very difficult.

3. Software

Your current braille software is no longer up to date or fully supported.

Good News! Two new braille fonts from SignAgent.

SignAgent has developed two new braille fonts and has incorporated them into the SignAgent platform to make braille implementation much easier!

First, along with all of its other efficiency characteristics, the SignAgent platform can now automatically translate sign messaging into Grade 1 or Grade 2 Braille characters, reducing the risk of errors in braille representation.

And second, with the assistance of typeface designer Russell McGorman, we’ve created Grade 1 and and Grade 2 Braille fonts according to ADA and UEB (Unified English Braille) standards. These fonts were designed according to the requirements for accessibility and usability for individuals with disabilities.

Like any other font you use in your sign design, these fonts can be loaded into SignAgent to enable the design and fabrication of braille signs. (Disclaimer: These fonts were developed according to ADA standards, but we do not guarantee compliance of your braille translations. Your translations should always be reviewed and verified by a braille expert before proceeding to production.)

If you’re a SignAgent user, click here for a basic overview of how our Automatic Braille Translation feature works, and be sure to get in touch if you need any help.

By James Bosma, VP Marketing Communications

November 15, 2023

Posted in Blog, Build, Design, Manage, Uncategorized and tagged , , ,