Survey of tactile reading codes

Title:
International survey of tactile reading codes.

Author:
Heather Cryer, Dave Gunn, Sarah Home, Sarah Morley Wilkins.

Publisher:
RNIB.

Year of publication:
2009.

Background

An international survey was carried out to explore the use of, and perceived need for tactile reading codes alternative to braille around the world.

Key findings

  • Braille is by far the most popular tactile reading code and in most cases the only tactile code in use
  • Where other codes were used - such as raised print, Fishburne and Moon - these tended to be for specific purposes (labelling, signage) or for small numbers of people.
  • Whilst some organisations highlighted potential gaps which could be filled by an alternative tactile code, most promoted other formats to non-braille readers (such as audio/IT) or indeed worked hard to increase uptake of braille.
  • Findings suggest that there may be gaps which could be filled by an alternative tactile reading code, and further work is required to determine what these gaps might be.

Downloads

Last updated: 17 January 2011

Make a donation

Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.