It makes good business sense to ensure your customers can find their way around your shop, transport hub or public building easily and without creating unnecessary stress.
But it's also a legal requirement to ensure your signage doesn't exclude anyone from accessing your services. Are you fulfilling your obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in terms of signage?
We help in various ways and have listed a number of them here. Over the years, we've helped manufacturers, buyers and designers across a range of sectors.
Audits of signage schemes
RNIB can audit the signage scheme in your existing building as well as making recommendations for signage schemes in new builds at planning stage.
We also work on outdoor signage schemes in towns and city centres, airports, train and bus stations to encourage accessibility for all.
Do you make or design signs?
If you are a manufacturer or sign designer, we can provide you with feedback on the design of your signs based on the Sign Design Guide and our experience of accessible environments. We've got a range of services set up to help you.
Black dot artwork (turning text into braille)
Send in your text for us to transcribe into a 2D black dot braille pattern
Proofreading of braille
We can translate your braille back into text from artwork or sample sign. Helpful if you're just starting to do your own braille and what to check what you've designed.
Sign assessment
Send us your sample sign and we will supply feedback on your chosen design. A great service if you're unsure of the colours, font or layout that you want to use.
Signage procurement advice
We'll work with you on a procurement specification for signage that is personal to your situation. Or if you already have a supplier but have questions about proposed designs, we can give you feedback based on current best practice and our real world experience.
Signage and your brand
We can help you with your sign design policies to build recommendations that support your brand whilst maximising accessibility of your building or outdoor spaces.
Sign design training
RNIB offer an extensive range of training courses relating to the built environment, including Signage and Wayfinding training.
These courses are usually run in-house so that we can personalise the approach to suit your organisation.
Other wayfinding solutions
RNIB can also offer two systems to help people to find their way around:
-
RNIB React - a talking sign system, that can also be integrated into real time information.
-
RNIB Map for All - a static sign design concept of designing maps to be read by sight and touch. We can also supply handheld maps in tactile, large print and clear print formats
We've also got some great publications available from our online shop:
-
Sign Design Guide - this book gives information on creating effective and consistent signs
-
The Accessible Office (Designing the inclusive workplace) - a comprehensive guide about the inclusive workplace.
-
Building Sight - a handbook of building and interior design solutions to include the needs of blind and partially sighted people. Ideal for architects, designers and anyone concerned with the built environment.
We also have factsheets available on a variety of subjects. Call us on 01733 37 53 70 or email businesslink@rnib.org.uk and tell us what areas you're interested in.
Signage and the law
From October 2004, the Disability Discrimination Act (1995) has required that any companies that provide a service to the public, should make "reasonable adjustments" to the physical features of their premises, to overcome barriers to access.
The term "physical features" covers a huge range of things, some of which you may not already have thought about. For example, not only are stairways, entrances and exits included but also paving, parking areas, gates, lighting and lifts.
External features are also covered under the legislation, which includes signs, paths and outdoor seating.
As well as your premises, the legislation also requires you to look closely at your services, ensuring that you make reasonable adjustment to physical features so they do not provide a barrier to disabled customers and employees.
Clear, well-planned signage, whether across your entire business or outdoor spaces makes sense not only for your customers and employees with sight problems, but for everyone.
How else can we help?
RNIB offers a range of services to support organisations striving to embrace diversity and improve their business. These services include training and consultancy for accessible buildings, websites, accessible information, products and more.
Please explore the information in the professionals section, or call us on 01733 37 53 70 to find out more.
Contact us
RNIB Disability Access Services
Phone: 01733 37 53 70
Email: businesslink@rnib.org.uk