Making Products Accessible with Braille Labels for Visually Impaired Consumers
For companies to truly be available to all consumers, it is important to develop products that everyone can use, including those who are visually impaired. Everyone deserves the right to take part in society and to have access to high-quality products. Not only does this give individuals who are visually impaired a chance to be independent and feel a sense of equality, but it also gives them a sense of truly fitting in.
Understanding the Need for Braille Labels
The World Health Organization states that visual impairment affects at least 2.2 billion people. Throughout the world, according to Investigate Ophthalmology & Visual Science, in 2020, there were about 49.1 million people who were blind, 221.4 million with moderate vision impairment, and 33.6 million people with severe vision impairment.
Furthermore, according to the World Health Organization, vision impairment poses a huge financial and global burden. The yearly global cost of productivity is estimated at $411 billion.
Vision loss affects people of all ages; however, most who are blind or suffer from vision impairments are 50 years or older. It can be difficult for people with vision impairments to function normally and carry out daily tasks, including shopping either online or in person.
What Are Braille Labels?
Braille labels for visually impaired individuals refer to labels using the raised characters of braille code on a product or item so that a person with a visual impairment can read what that product or item is. These braille labels can be used on commercial products found in the store, or an individual can have their own printed using a braille labeler.
Benefits of Using Braille Labels
Using braille labels has many benefits for visually impaired individuals. First, it allows them to be independent as they search for products themselves. This is a very empowering experience for them, as it is easier for them to identify products and their details.
Companies that create their products with accessibility in mind are carrying out wise business practices as they can sell to everyone, including those with vision impairments. Additionally, they are implementing these practices as they are meeting the required accessibility standards.
The Americans with Disabilities Act establishes regulations that both state and local governments must adhere to. This includes websites meeting accessibility requirements, local and state government services and programs, and businesses open to the public providing the appropriate communication aids and services.
Design Considerations for Braille Labels
When designing braille labels, consider the size of the label, the placement of the label, and the material used because it is essential that all information on the label is clear and concise for consumers. Creating packaging that is accessible to visually impaired consumers means that the company is considering that the package will be touched and felt. It is also important to consider using tactile bumps, such as spot gloss or matte and audio labels.
The packaging and the label on that package is communicating to the consumer what they need to know. When companies create inclusive product packaging, they have the potential to expand their brand as their product becomes well known. Additional labels, such as self-adhesive labels and magnetic labeling, can provide further information and enhance usability.
Challenges and Solutions in Implementing Braille Labels
Implementing braille labels onto all products is important, but affordability must be factored in. Educating manufacturers of the importance of inclusive product packaging is crucial so that consumers are able to purchase these products.
There are many logistical challenges that businesses may face when producing and distributing products with braille labels. However, it is worth taking on the challenge to make accessible products, as well as meet accessibility regulations.
The Future of Accessibility in Product Labeling
There have been many advancements over the years in product labeling because of innovations in technology. The QR code is a great example of this, as it is a code that is read by a machine (typically a cell phone) that gives audio descriptions. It is important that companies continue to implement and advocate for inclusive design principles for future products.
More companies within the U.S. are adopting braille labels and packaging and will hopefully continue to do so. With the aid of technology, braille labelers have been created using 3D printing and will likely continue to be produced this way.
Implement Inclusive Product Packaging in Your Business
Everyone deserves access to high quality products with braille labels so that they can read the description of the product for themselves. This gives consumers the opportunity to be independent and help them feel as though they belong.
If you are interested in implementing braille labels on your packaging, contact us at Royal Label. Royal Label is a family-owned business that puts the customer’s needs first, giving them the highest quality label printing while providing a wonderful solution for companies looking to advance their accessibility solutions.
