Braille products help vision impaired people live full, independent lives.

Created by Louis Braille in 1821, Braille is a method of reading and writing used by the blind or those with low-vision. Today, there are a number of Braille products available to serve the needs of blind people who not only live independently, but pursue active lives immersed in art, careers and social involvement.

In addition to books and signs, Braille products include home goods, technical equipment, art and games. Manufacturers and organizations like National Federation for the Blind continue to expand the use of Braille not only in products for the blind, but in products designed to enable businesses to be more accessible to the blind.

Here are a few examples of interesting uses of Braille:

Awards

Companies, sporting events, community organizations or any group hosting an awards ceremony can have an award customized with Braille. Blind or low-vision award winners not only feel the weight and shape of their award, but they get to read their name, date and other details. This gives a blind person the same experience and sense of pride that everyone feels when they receive an award.

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Menus

Multiple Braille presses specialize in converting menus into Braille. These menus preserve the establishment?s branding and provide all of the information on the menu word-for-word. Vision impaired customers read the menu, consider the offerings and discuss appealing dishes with their party or they can enjoy the convenience of Braille take-out menus from the comfort of home.

Sheet Music

The company Dancing Dots specializes in Braille products for blind musicians studying music independently. Devices can scan printed scores and convert them to Braille music composition or play back notation so musicians can hear a score.

Art

Paintings and photographs are printed with text and Braille incorporated into an image. According to the Braille Art website, original images with a relationship to emotional words are selected and mounted to wood frames.

T-shirts

Metallic nail heads or crystals are used to produce customized t-shirts featuring phrases in Braille.

Recipe Books

For cooks, a number of presses convert recipe books into Braille. From baked goods and vegetarian cuisine, to recipes using only three common garden ingredients, these cookbooks are versatile and user friendly.

Knitting and Crocheting Patterns

Blind crafters make use of Braille knitting and crochet patterns to create homemade gifts and winter wear for loved ones.

Documents

Manufacturers, landlords and institutions use Braille presses to convert important documents like rental agreements, instructions, contracts, loan agreements and manuals into Braille. India is one country that publishes parliamentary acts in Braille, including the Right to Information Act.

From clocks and watches to board games, toys and jewelry, today, almost any company can convert important information into Braille to make their products accessible to the blind.

References:
Braille Authority
Vision Aware
The Mayo Clinic Diet