Accessibility and usability

The autonomy and social and work inclusion achieved in recent decades by blind and partially sighted people has driven a growing need to make public and private facilities accessible and usable—such as airports, stations, public offices, museums, and accommodation facilities—through the removal of architectural barriers, the creation of guided routes, and the installation of appropriate signage.

In this context come tactile maps and identification plaques in Braille and large print.

Tactile maps

The term “TACTILE MAP” refers to a simplified two-dimensional representation of space that highlights relationships among the components of that space, whether natural or built. They are intended for people with visual impairments, but can be used by everyone, and are divided into route maps and place maps.

“Route maps” provide blind people with the essential information needed to decide which route—served by an artificial or natural guide—they should follow to reach one of the possible destinations of direct interest. They are used in railway and metro stations, airports, and in hotel lobbies or common areas, museums, etc.

“Place maps” are created to convey the layout of surrounding elements, the shape of the room where one is located, or the composition of the natural environment. They are used, for example, inside churches or historical buildings (to understand their shape and articulation), or on nature trails, where—besides showing the course of the trail—they can indicate elements that cannot be reached, such as a mountain range or a lake, allowing blind people to relate to and orient themselves within the environment.

The Stamperia designs and produces tactile maps in compliance with the guidelines of I.N.M.A.C.I. (National Institute for the Autonomous Mobility of Blind and Partially Sighted People) and RFI S.p.A. technical specifications, on high-quality acrylic/polycarbonate sheets, using colour printing systems with UV raised printing.

NeroBraille plaques

They contain purely textual descriptions in Braille and enlarged characters, without the support of images and raised reproductions, which can however be provided as simple graphic print. They are widely used to describe fauna, flora, and architectural elements or structures; as accompanying labels for architectural models, sculptures, and other works that can be touched by blind people. Smaller formats are suitable for lift control panels and for identifying doors and entrances. Bilingual plaques can also be produced.

Tactile panels

They include textual descriptions accompanied by a raised reproduction of the subject described. They are widely used to describe fauna, flora, and architectural elements or structures. Subjects are reproduced in single-level bas-relief, highlighting the most salient and meaningful features for tactile interpretation.

Three-dimensional models

Three-dimensional models allow a full, 360-degree tactile exploration of an object at life size or to scale—whether architectural models or reproductions of statues and artefacts—giving blind people the opportunity to understand shapes, volumes, geometry, and even construction details.

The Stamperia produces three-dimensional models using filament 3D printing technology (from an STL file provided by the client, via acquisition with a latest-generation laser scanner, or by building 3D files with CAD systems) or using “traditional” materials such as wood, resin, and acrylic materials.

Intended recipients:

- Museums, Foundations, Religious institutions, bodies managing parks and/or nature reserves

- Companies managing transport infrastructure such as airports, railways, metro systems, etc.

- Bodies and associations promoting the territory and the environment

- Professionals, technicians, construction companies

For technical information or a quotation request: ufficiotecnico@stamperiabrailleuic.it