It may not be all that visual at first, but over the years that I've been blogging here, I've paid attention to support for the visually impaired, and while I realize that this blog is not in compliance with all the guidelines I definitely spent a lot of time and effort working towards it.
It's rather interesting to think about the number of references towards vision or visuals we have in our language. I'm sure everyone can think of "Look out!" as a warning, yet I've never heard anyone yell "Hear that!" as a warning. Yet there have been visually impaired people for as long as mankind existed.
Anyway, I wanted to point you all to some of the Braille exit signs that are on offer in The Exit Store. We all know regular exit signs, emergency escape route signs or signs that light up in the dark - I'll refer to these as active and passive systems where the active kind requires power (electrical or battery) using led or regular light sources, or passively by using photo luminescent material to reflect light. Don't imagine a Braille exit sign to look all that different, it's not a plaque with huge dots onto it, but rather a regular sign with Braille writing at the bottom. How blind people should find the sign itself remains a mystery for now, so I don't know if the Braille information adds much use, but I give them an A for effort anyway.
For the non impaired visitors, a selection of exit lights are available, and they even accept custom orders, so you can get a sign specially made to fit your shop. Safety doesn't have to replace design, and the two can be combined after all, how's that for versatility?
Different states, different exit signs regulations, so make sure you head over to the right section before placing your order, and if you think they are prone to abuse, the "vandal proof" versions may come in handy.