You've probably never thought about it, but how does a vision impaired person find those little dots designed to help them find their way in public?
Typically before a person with vision impairment starts their journey, they take a few essential aides with them to help them get through the day. Aides include a cane, guide dog, phone with GPS and possibly some information that may have been downloaded beforehand.
Another aide that assists a person with vision impairment is braille and tactile signs. Braille and tactile signs are generally provided within newer buildings, however in older buildings and in public spaces, braille and tactile signs are limited or braille and tactile features may not be provided at all which creates difficulties for people with vision impairments.
The Building Code of Australia has rules for where braille and tactile signs should be placed, but these only apply only to accessible and ambulant toilets, fire exit doors, accessible entrances, spaces with inbuilt amplification systems, etc. inside buildings.
There are no official requirements that apply for other signs within buildings. Where braille and tactile signs are not provided within a building or public spaces, the only alternative for a person with vision impairment is feeling around or asking someone. Typically when a person with vision impairment is outdoors in public spaces, they would use their phone with GPS, a cane and a guide dog to assist them with their journey.
