In this article:

Introduction to tactile images and maps

Why is accessibility important to your organisation?

There are around two million people in the UK with significant sight loss and millions more who struggle with standard print and signage. We understand that whilst you may want to offer them the same high quality of customer service and communication enjoyed by your sighted customers, you may not know how best to achieve this.

Tactile images, maps and touch installations enhance the experiences that people with sight difficulties have, making their visit more engaging, informative and stimulating, allowing greater independence and inclusion.

For many years, RNIB has been the UK’s market leader in the design and production of tactile images and maps and all of our services can be tailored to meet the requirements of individual clients. Our hands-on training workshop is highly regarded and our consultancy service is able to draw upon more than 25 years experience in the field of design and usage of tactile images, maps and touch installations.

Our dedicated in-house team of experienced tactile image and map designers are braille trained and offer a full description writing and production service. As a result, RNIB is ideally placed to help you meet the needs of your blind and partially sighted customers and make their experience a more enjoyable one.

RNIB Map for All

Map for All is a unique product developed and produced by RNIB and is intended for use by people of all ages and abilities. They can be read by sight, by touch, or a combination of both and are designed with ‘access for all’ as the core principle. Each map is carefully created to combine both visual and tactile elements resulting in a map that is a mixture of layers, visual contrasts, textures, raised large print and braille lettering, as well as tactile and visual symbols.

RNIB Map for All is manufactured from exterior grade signage plastic that has a non-glare matt finish over a layer of rich colour that resists fingerprints, is stable under ultraviolet light and is suitable for use indoors and outdoors. Each map is designed by experienced RNIB personnel and manufactured under licence by our own suppliers. Every map carries our logo, along with the strapline “RNIB Map for All – Designed for sight and touch” that helps to explain the purpose of the map.

RNIB Map for All has been successfully installed in a variety of locations including railway stations, museums and leisure facilities. However, they are also the perfect solution for a wide range of other applications from shopping centres to stately homes.

Our fully comprehensive service includes:

·     - initial project discussion and advice to help you get started and focus on the correct elements – either via telephone or face-to-face meeting ;

·         l consultancy and site visits including working with you on the content and proposed location of the map, taking photographs and making on-site sketches to aid the design process;

·         l all RNIB Map for All design;

·         l all RNIB Map for All production.

You can read the complete article here.