Braille
is a system of raised dots, which enables visually impaired
people to read with their fingers. It is made up of patterns
of six dots,
allowing 63
possible combinations, which correspond to letters of the alphabet, numbers,
punctuation and letter groups or words.
Basic system
Words are formed by the use of all possible combinations
of six dots, numbered and arranged
Numbers and punctuation
The first ten letters preceded by the number sign 9dots 3,4,5,6)
represent numbers. Combinations of dots in the lower part
of the cell
from punctuation marks.
Grade 1 Braille
Grade 1 Braille is letter-for letter transcription which
can be read by all Braille users, and it is the first stage
of learning to read Braille but,
because it is bulky, it
is usually replaced by Grade 2 Braille which is contracted
form.
Grade 2 Braille
Grade 2 Braille consists of contractions added to the combinations
to represent common letter groups such as ‘the ‘ and ‘for’:
the
contractions are too numerous to list here. Grade 2
may be appropriate for longer instructions, ie, an opening
plaque or site description.
Grade 2 is also widely used for the production of books,
magazines and leaflets. It occupies less space than Grade
1 but all Braille is bulky.
For example, using Braille, one
A4 printed would need approximately two and a half pages.
Practical considerations
1 Braille can be incorporated
into and should be located directly below the text (and arrow)
and ranged left. A small embossed arrow
can be used to indicate
direction, either before or after the Braille.
2 A locator along the left – hand
edge of the signboard should be provided. This allow people
to determine the exact location of the
Braille, by sliding
a finger down until they reach an intended notch, or similar
mark, to indicate the Braille location.
3 Because Braille is felt
by the pads of the finger not the finger tips, it is important
that no obstructions, such as frames or raised
borders, should
b surround it.
4 The Braille to be used should
be English standard Braille.
5 Braille dots should be rounded.
6 Braille does not differentiate
between upper and lower characters.
