Braille and tactile signs are an important part of making sure that everyone can access your business. In Australia, it is a legal requirement for businesses to make their premises accessible for people with disabilities, which means providing adequate signage in braille and tactile format. But what exactly are braille and tactile signs, and why should you consider fitting them at your business?

What Are Braille and Tactile Signs?

Braille tactile signs consist of raised symbols that represent letters, numbers or words in the Braille alphabet. The symbols are arranged in patterns correlating to the written words they represent. These signs are used by people who are blind or visually impaired to read the information in a format they can understand. Tactile signs also use raised symbols but with more complex designs than braille signs. They may include arrows, shapes, diagrams, or even 3D images of objects such as toilets or elevators. Tactile signs are designed to provide information about an area or object without having to read words.

Why Should You Fit Them in Your Business?

Fitting braille and tactile signage is an ethical choice and a legal requirement for businesses operating in Australia under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. This act requires all businesses to make "reasonable adjustments" so that disabled customers can access their services just as easily as non-disabled customers do. Installing appropriate signage is one way that businesses can demonstrate compliance with this law and ensure that disabled customers have the same level of access as non-disabled customers when visiting their premises. It's also worth noting that this law applies even if there isn't currently anyone using the premises with visual impairments — it's still important to fit these signs as you never know who may need them in future.

Where Kind of Signs Are Available?

Braille and tactile signage are available in a range of different products, including self-adhesive stickers, cast metal plaques, vinyl decals, engraved plates, laser-etched polycarbonate plates, illuminated boxes, customised 3D models, etc.

What to Remember

Braille and tactile signage is an important part of making sure your business is accessible for everyone — including those with disabilities — according to Australian law. Installing these types of signs helps you demonstrate compliance and shows your commitment towards providing equal access for all visitors regardless of ability level. So, if you want further information about the signs, get in touch with a specialist supplier for more information.