5 Ways To Ensure Your Braille Signage Is Accessible

A yellow sign on a brick wall showing a wheelchair accessibility symbol with a set of braille underneath it.

Many businesses install braille signs, thinking they’ve checked the accessibility box, only to realize their signage fails to serve people with visual impairments. Proper braille signage requires more than simply adding raised dots to your existing signs. With these five ways to ensure your braille signage is accessible, you can guarantee the navigation of your space is intuitive and safe for everyone.

Follow ADA Spacing Requirements

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), in conjunction with standards outlined by the Braille Authority of North America (BANA), specifies precise measurements that allow braille readers to interpret signage effectively. Each braille dot should measure between 0.037 and 0.043 inches in diameter, and the height of each dot must fall between 0.015 and 0.019 inches.

Dots should be spaced 0.090 to 0.100 inches apart horizontally, while vertical spacing between dots in the same cell must also measure between 0.090 and 0.100 inches. The distance between cells should range from 0.241 to 0.300 inches, ensuring tactile readability for users.

Using these measurements guarantees that fingers can distinguish individual characters quickly and move through text smoothly. On-site inspection services verify that your signage meets these exacting standards before installation teams complete the project.

Appropriate Materials and Finishes

Material selection affects braille signage’s durability and tactile clarity. High-contrast materials help people with low vision read visual text, while smooth backgrounds prevent interference with braille reading.

Acrylic and metal substrates provide excellent durability for high-traffic areas, while maintaining the clean surface finish essential for clear tactile communication. Matte finishes reduce glare that can impair reading for individuals with partial vision, and weather-resistant materials ensure that outdoor signs remain functional throughout the seasons.

Position Signs at Correct Heights

Strategic placement makes braille signage accessible to users of varying heights and mobility levels. Mount signs between 48 and 60 inches from the floor, measuring to the baseline of the lowest tactile element.

This range accommodates standing users and wheelchair users. Position signs adjacent to door handles on the latch side, allowing people to locate signs naturally while approaching entrances. Avoid placing signs where they might interfere with door operation or create safety hazards in busy corridors.

Design for Intuitive Navigation

A logical information hierarchy helps users understand and remember sign content more quickly. For example, place room number signs with braille or primary identifiers first, followed by secondary information, such as room names or functions.

Consistent formatting across all signs in a building creates predictable navigation patterns, reducing confusion and increasing independence. Consider the cognitive load of processing tactile information while keeping messages concise.

On-Site Inspection to Guarantee Compliance

On-site inspection services can secure your investment in accessible signage while maintaining compliance with accessibility standards. Experts in compliance understand mounting requirements, spacing specifications, and safety considerations that affect long-term performance.

They ensure signs remain securely attached while positioning them for optimal access. Quality on-site inspection prevents common issues, such as loose mounting, incorrect positioning, or damage that could compromise accessibility.

The Next Steps

Choose experts in on-site compliance and installation, in both technical requirements and user experience, who can help you implement these five tips to ensure your braille signage is accessible. Braille Sign Pros specializes in accessibility, bringing knowledge of current standards, material innovations, and design. Their knowledge of the best practices will make sure your signage serves its intended purpose effectively.

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