Braille signs

Description

Figure 4-8. A Braille street name is pictured on a sign above the pushbutton. The street name is also provided in high contrast large print (but not raised print) at this location

Figure 4-8. A Braille street name is pictured on a sign above the pushbutton. The street name is also provided in high contrast large print (but not raised print) at this location

Braille signs should state the name of the street that the pushbutton controls on the sign above the pushbutton housing.

Additional information

Although this may be helpful to some pedestrians who are blind, many may not locate the sign and the braille without orientation to the device.

Many individuals who are blind do not read Braille, however, those who do would prefer Braille information to confirm which street is controlled by the pushbutton

The street name on a device should be the name of the street whose crosswalk is controlled by the pushbutton.

A combination of information formats, raised characters, Braille, and audible information, will accommodate the most users.

References

The MUTCD in paragraph 11 of Section 4E.09 states: "The name of the street to be crossed may also be provided in accessible format, such as Braille or raised print ." It refers the reader to the Americans with Disability Act Accessibility Guidelines for specifications for the Braille or raised print.

How used by pedestrians who are blind or who have low vision

A pedestrian who is familiar with the installation of Braille but unfamiliar with a particular intersection would search the provided sign for Braille in order to learn or confirm the name of the street that is controlled by the pushbutton.

Braille signs may be helpful to individuals who are deaf-blind and who would not benefit from audible pushbutton information messages.

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