The innovation of Braille has allowed many blind and visually impaired people the opportunity to travel more freely. Braille, which was invented by Frenchman Louis Braille in 1824, is a tactile writing system that translates language into raised dots which can be felt and read by those who are visually impaired or blind. The word “Braille” is also used to refer to the raised dots or tactile code used to represent the letters of a written language such as English, Spanish, French, or German. For example, the Braille code for the letter “a” is one raised dot that is located in the upper left-hand corner of the braille cell.
With Braille, the visually impaired and blind have a tool that can help them confidently explore their surroundings and the world around them. From labels in grocery stores and restaurants to signs on trains and buses, to maps of subways, Braille can provide the blind with essential information to navigate and find their way while they’re traveling.
Many airports across the world have also incorporated Braille into their amenities, making it easier and more accessible for blind travelers. According to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), most passenger terminals, shuttles, and public transportation vehicles must display safety and directional signage in both visual and tactile format so that blind and visually impaired travelers can easily find their destination, emergency exits, and restrooms. For example, the DOT requires that airports mark emergency exits with tactile signage that features raised words and symbols, Braille, and/or full-size photos and pictograms in Braille. Airports must also make available tactile maps of their facility in a form that blind travelers can understand and use. Airport shuttle drivers are even required to announce the terminal and gate numbers when they make their stops.
Accessible transportation – whether by air, Train, bus, or taxi – is a key component of Accessible Travel for people who are blind or visually impaired. Fortunately, there are lots of services designed and tailored to blind travelers, from the “Aira” app which connects a user to a trained guide through live video using 5G technology, to Uber’s “Assist” and “Accessibility” features (in partnership with the National Federation of the Blind) which allow blind users to book a ride with a specially-trained driver.
But it’s not just transportation that plays a huge role in allowing the visually impaired and blind to travel with confidence – it’s also accommodation. Increasingly, hotels, Inns, and apartment rentals are braille labeling rooms and common areas, such as the entryway, hallway, and lobby. They are providing tactile maps of their facilities, and offering new services like tactile menus, braille books and magazines, set-up of devices that turn audio into text, and even braille door locks and elevator buttons.
A 2018 study, however, suggested that like with many other underrepresented groups, there are still barriers that prevent blind and visually impaired travelers from exploring the world. Barriers include the attitudes of service providers and discrimination from other travelers, lack of funds and resources, and the lack of information on accessible services and destinations.
In order to make traveling easier for blind and visually impaired travelers, it is important that travel services recognize that accessible services cannot be an afterthought. It is a fundamental component of inclusive travel that needs to be up-front and included as standard – as it can make a world of difference
In conclusion, Braille technology has had a tremendous impact on the lives of the visually impaired and blind, allowing them to travel more freely and confidently. With the DOT’s updated guidelines and new services such as Aira, more and more blind and visually impaired travelers can explore the world — free of the fear of getting lost, or not knowing what is around them.
