Resolution 2024-01 - The Use of Shapes and Braille for Labeling Products

Resolution 2024-01 - The Use of Shapes and Braille for Labeling Products

Submitted by: Paul Edwards

Whereas, in an effort to make identification of products more accessible, Procter and Gamble has recently introduced a marking system using lines and shapes; and

Whereas, Procter and Gamble is seeking to have this system considered for industry-wide use; and

Whereas, Procter and Gamble rejected the use of braille for marking and identifying products because they believe only ten percent of people who are blind read braille; and

Whereas, an article published in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness clearly indicates that the "ten percent" figure has no basis and should be disregarded; and

Whereas, braille represents the primary medium of written communication for many people who are blind or have low vision, including many members of ACB; and

Whereas, there is a widely held belief that braille is too difficult to be easily learned and used. However, recognizing a small number of characters does not require full braille literacy, and therefore, complete braille literacy is not required for braille to be used as a means of identifying products; and

Whereas, braille labeling of pharmaceutical products has been required by the European Union for more than a decade;

Now, therefore, be it resolved by the American Council of the Blind in convention assembled virtually, that this organization reaffirm its support for braille and reject the idea that shapes or other tactile markings can, by themselves, constitute an appropriate replacement for braille when marking products or surfaces; and

Be it further resolved that this organization call upon its elected leaders and staff to consult with special-interest affiliates with appropriate expertise such as the Braille Revival League before embracing systems such as that proposed by Procter and Gamble; and

Be it further resolved that, if shapes or other non-braille marking systems are employed, ACB shall recommend the inclusion of braille as well; and

Be it further resolved that this organization appreciates the efforts of Procter and Gamble to encourage accessibility in its product line, and asks that it consider working to incorporate braille as an appropriate tactile symbol in any future marking systems for its products.

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