The principle of the DDA act makes it law for businesses to consider and implement “reasonable” solutions which result in disabled customers getting better access to goods and services. For sources of more detailed technical advice, see Publications at end.

Q: Who has obligations under the DDA Act?
A: Service providers. The definition of a ‘service provider’ is as follows:

"A service provider includes anyone, or any business that provides a service directly to the general public. It applies to public authorities, private agencies or an individual, and whether for payment or for free"

For example: Hotels, shops, banks, local authorities, sports and arts venues, surgeries and hospitals.

Manufactures who provide goods through retailers will not be covered by the Act, as they are not providing services directly to the public.

The physical adjustments that are likely to be most relevant to blind and partially sighted people are those involving lighting, signage and colour contrast.

DDA signage attempts to satisfy many different people: those who are legally blind but have some sight, those who read Braille and those that do not. Through tactile, colour-contrasting letters and Braille signs can be produced to direct and inform the visually impaired.

How does the engraver & sign maker make DDA approved signs?

Cutting out letters & symbols from our SureTouch appliqué produces the tactile element of the sign. The Braille element is produced using the Braille translator within our software’s. The locators for the Braille dots are machined to an accurate depth; the Braille dots are produced by inserting a acrylic ball into the hole. The dimensions of the ball and hole mean the Braille dot is fixed into place using an interference fit.

What do I need to manufacture DDA signs?
You require a machine capable of cutting out the tactile elements of the sign, and software capable of translating text into Braille type one (for short text) or type two (for longer/descriptive text). If you want to add Braille & tactile signs to your portfolio we have machine, software & Braille dot insertion systems available. Call us for information on our industry leading machines and accessories.

Why would I be interested in making DDA signs?
For engravers and sign makers the DDA act is the most interesting and relevant Government Act to have been passed. It opens up a whole new market place and as an added bonus the promotion of this service is publicly spirited.

Is expensive to set up, difficult to use and will it use a lot of my valuable workspace?
By comparison with digital printing systems the equipment is inexpensive, our software and machine interfaces have been designed to be simple to use (there are even inbuilt Braille translators) and because Braille and tactile signs are designed to be touched to be properly understood they usually by nature compact.

Click below to view our interactive guide to on how simple it is to manufacture Braille & tactile signs.