Locator dots are adhesive backed raised dots that are used as tactile reference points around the home or work environment. Locator dots are helpful for persons who are blind or vision impaired to locate objects or landmarks by touch rather than sight. The dots are generally made from plastic or foam, and come in various colours, shapes and sizes.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
In the work environment locator dots can assist people who are blind or vision impaired to locate emergency exits, mark keyboards, calculators and other regularly used items. Workplaces have a duty of care to incorporate the needs of people with disability into comprehensive evacuation plans and also to consider their access requirements. Locator dots may be able to help with this.
Other navigation equipment that may be useful for workers who have vision impairment can be found at the links below:
References
Queensland Blind Association Inc. 2000, Identification, Queensland Blind Association Inc, Annerley, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.qbastore.com/section.asp?cat=78.
Sight Connection 2011, Locator Dots, Seattle, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.sightconnection.com/plu-512.html.
Sight Connection 2011, Small Touch Dots—White or Black, Seattle, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.sightconnection.com/plu-472.html.
Vision Australia 2010, Labelling and identifying, Vision Australia, Enfield, viewed 2 March 2011, http://www.visionaustralia.org/info.aspx?nametext=labelling+and+identifying&search=Go%21.