PART 7 | Braille

Because of the complexity of Braille and the very small number of Braille users in the population (less than 2/10 of 1% of the population), working with Braille is very difficult for most designers and fabricators. Most fabricators use software that turns text into properly-positioned Braille; they rely on that software to be correct. But the results often include mistakes. So to develop Braille on signs, designers should know the different types of Braille.

Grade 1 Braille
Grade 1 Braille is in full spelling and consists of the letters of the alphabet, punctuation, numbers, and a number of composition signs that are special to Braille. Grade 1 Braille is often used by students new to Braille.

Grade 2 Braille
Grade 2 Braille consists of Grade 1 Braille and 189 contractions and short-form words, and is often known as "English Braille". Grade 2 Braille is permitted on ADA signs in most states (703.3).

Click here to read the rest of SEGD ADA White Paper Update 4 2006 PDF