Federal vs California Braille? Grade 1 vs Grade 2 Braille?

Federal (ADAAG) Braille versus California Title 24 Braille

The use of California standards for braille satisfies both Federal and California regulations, allowing a single dot configuration for all braille signs nationwide.

In 1980 California was the first state to establish its own braille standard, known as “California (Title 24) Braille,” and to mandate its use for ADA signs across the state. The California standard is mandated in Title 24 of the California Building Standards Code, and is detailed in the DSA Access Compliance Manual.

The 2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design (ADAAG) stipulates a braille standard for ADA signs requiring Braille.

The two standards differ only in braille dot spacing guidelines. ADAAG allows for a range of spacing between dots in the same cell as well as dots in adjacent cells. California braille specifies that these two spacings must be the maximum values allowed for in ADAAG. California believes the greater spacing enhances readability of the message on a sign.

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