ACCessibilty Edu SerieS (ACCESS) Part 4: Braille and Beyond — Inclusion on the Map

[doc_dells]

In commemoration of World Braille Day (January 4), I’m excited to share Part 3 of my ACCESS series! This is part of my series relaunch to coincide with my 7th anniversary as a Local Guide. You can catch up on my previous update:

• 7th Anniversary & Relaunching HERO & ACCESS
• ACCESS Part 2
• ACCESS Part 3

We’ve seen some great posts about World Braille Day on Connect before, and I wanted to add to that conversation! Today, I’m focusing on the practical ways we as Local Guides can map often “unseen” features and exploring some unique ways Braille shows up in our daily lives—from music scores to local resources here in Indonesia.

Why World Braille Day Matters

World Braille Day marks the birth anniversary of Louis Braille (born Jan 4, 1809), who invented the tactile reading and writing system that opened doors to independence and education.

As highlighted by the United Nations, this commemoration is about recognizing Braille’s role in the full realization of human rights, inclusion, and independence for people with visual impairments.

Caption: This image, created with Gemini AI, celebrates World Braille Day —showing how reading with our fingers opens doors to literacy, independence, and inclusion.

Accessibility: Beyond the Obvious

Ramps and elevators are usually the first examples people think of when discussing accessibility. They’re important, but they represent only the most visible layer. By contrast, Braille features often go unnoticed. A Braille menu, tactile paving, Braille keypads on ATMs, or buttons in lifts are there, yet these features quietly exist, often unseen by most.

That’s where Local Guides can make a difference, by mapping what others overlook and raising awareness of tactile accessibility.

Local Guides Contributions

Here are ways we can make our Maps contributions more inclusive:

• Spotlight Braille signage — elevators, ATMs, public facilities.

• Highlight tactile maps — in museums, libraries, transport hubs.

• Document accessible routes — ramps, tactile paving, clear pathways.

• Promote inclusive learning spaces — schools, libraries, community centers with Braille resources.

Local Inspiration

In Indonesia, there have been inspiring examples of Braille inclusion:

• Warteg Beken (Bekasi) — A “Warteg” (short for Warung Tegal) is a popular type of local Indonesian street-side stall known for serving affordable, home-cooked meals. This specific stall was once featured in the media for providing menus in Braille. Although this Warteg no longer exists, it showed how inclusion can start in even the most local, humble spaces. I documented my review of this place in a previous Connect post, which you can read here. Menu with braille - Google Maps

• 

Caption: Braille menu from Warteg Beken. The video and photo are my own, originally shared in my Google Maps review

• Talking ATMs with Braille Keypads — Braille-equipped ATMs are increasingly common in Indonesia’s major cities like Jakarta. While Braille keypads help users navigate the physical buttons, many banks have gone a step further by introducing Talking ATMs. By using the built-in earphone jack, visually impaired users can follow private audio instructions for every step of their transaction. For added security, some machines even blank out the screen while audio mode is active, ensuring that sensitive details remain completely confidential in public spaces.

Did You Know These Everyday Items Have Braille?

Braille isn’t limited to books or menus. It appears in LEGO Braille Bricks, Playing cards, medicine labels, and clothing tags. I even have a Starbucks collectible card with Braille on it! You can check on ACCESS part 3 post

Here are some other fascinating examples:

• Qur’an Braille: Yayasan Raudlatul Makfufin in South Tangerang lives by the motto “Tiada Mata Tak Hilang Cahaya” (No Eyes, but the Light is Not Lost). They are pioneers in producing Braille Qur’ans in Indonesia. Their specialized pesantren teaches Braille, religious studies, and vocational skills like using screen readers. I haven’t visited this place yet, although the location is within my city!

• Music Scores: While sheet music is visual, Braille music is a specialized linear code. Musicians read with their fingers to study and memorize pieces.

  • Local Resource: Perpustakaan Nasional (National Library) PERPUSNAS is the key hub for this in Jakarta.

  • Location: Lantai 7 (Disability Service), Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan.

  Since today is World Braille Day, if you are in Jakarta this week, it is a great time to visit the 7th floor of PERPUSNAS to see their disability services in action!

Google Maps Features for Low Vision Users

• Detailed voice guidance — step-by-step audio instructions.

• Screen reader compatibility — works with TalkBack (Android) and VoiceOver (iOS).

• Accessibility details — Braille signage and tactile paving added by Local Guides.

Closing Thought

World Braille Day reminds us that accessibility is a shared responsibility. Every review and photo we share can be a small act of inclusion.

I’d love to hear from you: Have you ever spotted Braille features in your city, menus, ATMs, or something surprising? Share your experiences!

Curious how text looks in Braille? Try this free [Braille Translator] Braille Translator tool.

LOCAL GUIDES in Braille ⠇⠕⠉⠁⠇⠀⠛⠥⠊⠙⠑⠎

[MahabubMunna]

Thank you for writing about a timely topic @doc_dells . Braille is a very important topic nowadays. Additionally, thanks to technology, many people with visual impairments are now using smartphones. Maybe we can do something new to help them. Thank you for writing.

In 2016, I did a program from Local Guide under the banner of accessibility, but I didn’t get the same response as I hoped. Even then, there were various sarcastic comments on the forum that they don’t use any technology, so it’s unreasonable to argue such things on Local Guide. Today, I remembered that day after seeing your writing.

[doc_dells]

Hi @MahabubMunna Thank you so much for sharing your experience . I’m sorry you had to face sarcastic comments back in 2016 . It can be discouraging when others dismiss accessibility or technology use, but please don’t let that stop you. Your early efforts were ahead of their time, and today we see how much progress has been made with smartphones and assistive tools. Voices like yours are vital in keeping accessibility visible and respected .

Technology and awareness have advanced so much since then, and many people with visual impairments are confidently using smartphones and assistive tools today. That progress is possible because of pioneers like you who kept pushing, even when the response wasn’t immediate.

Let’s keep moving forward together every effort adds up, and your contributions make a lasting difference.

[marcorp]

@doc_dells Excellent post, very informative, especially in learning about the extent of Braille’s use in so many aspects of our daily lives. I’ll try to be much more attentive during my activities as a Local Guide! #letsguide

[NunungAfuah]

Yang saya suka dari tulisan Mbak @doc_dells adalah informasi baru yang kadang saya tidak sadar bahwa itu sangat penting. Di tahun 2024 yang lalu, saat saya memutuskan untuk membuat accessibility talk Suara mereka, suara kita untuk pertama kali, saya takjub dan terkesan dengan salah satu speaker dimana ia konsisten untuk mengajarkan Al Quran braille untuk teman buta lainnya. Ia mendirikan yayasan Griya Qur’an Difabel dan jujur, saya sangat tersentuh sekaligus terenyuh.

Membaca tulisan ini mengingatkan kita bahwa kita tinggal berdampingan dengan siapapun.

Again, thanks for sharing this valuable information. I love your post

[Dinithea]

Tulisan yang bagus mbak @doc_dells . Setelah saya ikut acara mbak @NunungAfuah tahun 2024 tentang aksesilbilitas, saya berusaha menullis review yang bisa dipahami penyandang tuna netra.

[ALG87]

Terima kasih, Bu @doc_dells sudah berbagi cerita mengenai hal ini. Dari Bu @doc_dells dan Mbak @NunungAfuah saya baru tahu bahwa ternyata banyak sekali hari peringatan akan suatu hal, termasuk World Braille Day.

Memang sayang sekali, terlebih di tempat tinggal saya di sebuah kota kecil, tempat yang menyediakan informasi dengan Huruf Braille belum banyak dijumpai. Jangankan hal seperti itu, trotoar pun terkadang masih belum memadai. ATM yang menyediakan pun mungkin hanya beberapa, tetapi saya akan mencoba memperhatikan hal ini secara lebih lanjut. Hanya saja, setahu saya, Perpustakaan Daerah di kota saya sudah melakukan inisiatif yang baik untuk membuat acara yang melibatkan teman-teman dengan disabilitas.

[doc_dells]

Terima kasih banyak, Mbak @Dinithea Itulah indahnya komunitas kita; bisa saling menginspirasi. Saya juga ingat betul postingan Mbak @NunungAfuah tentang acara tahun 2024 itu, keren banget sampai melibatkan media untuk memperluas kesadaran aksesibilitas.
​Review yang deskriptif memang sangat membantu pengguna screen reader mendapatkan gambaran tempat yang akurat. Oh iya, sekadar berbagi semangat yang sama, saya juga baru belajar nih saat melaksanakan meet-up disabilitas tahun 2024 lalu. Salah satu narasumber saya, yang juga merupakan penyandang disabilitas Low Vision, menyampaikan hal menarik.
​Ternyata, berdasarkan UU No. 8 Tahun 2016 (khususnya di Bab II), sekarang kita disarankan menggunakan istilah Penyandang Disabilitas. Jadi, istilah ‘tuna’ mulai dialihkan menjadi Disabilitas Netra, Disabilitas Rungu, Wicara, Intelektual dan lainnya. Rasanya jadi lebih inklusif ya kalau kita gunakan istilah ini.
​Terima kasih juga sudah bersama-sama mewujudkan Google Maps yang lebih mudah diakses untuk teman-teman disabilitas netra maupun aksesibilitas lainnya! #letsguide"

[doc_dells]

Terima kasih banyak atas apresiasinya, Mbak @NunungAfuah . Senang sekali jika tulisan ini bisa memberikan sudut pandang baru yang bermanfaat.

​Saya juga ingat betul postingan recap meet up ‘Suara Mereka, Suara Kita’ tahun 2024 lalu itu, bagus banget! Upaya Mbak Nunung melibatkan media saat itu juga sangat keren karena berhasil memperluas kesadaran masyarakat. Kisah tentang yayasan itu memang luar biasa menyentuh hati; sebuah bukti nyata bagaimana Al-Qur’an Braille menjadi jembatan kemandirian spiritual bagi teman-teman disabilitas netra. Definitely saya ingin berkunjung kesana.

​Terima kasih ya Mbak, mari kita bersama-sama mewujudkan lingkungan yang lebih inklusif bagi semua! #letsguide"

[doc_dells]

Sama-sama, Mas Alo @ALG87 ! Senang sekali jika informasi ini bisa menambah wawasan baru.

​Betul Mas, sebenarnya ada banyak sekali commemorative days atau hari peringatan sepanjang tahun. Ada yang sifatnya independen, namun banyak juga yang di-endorsed oleh United Nations (PBB) seperti World Braille Day ini. Biasanya, hari-hari yang didukung PBB memiliki dampak global yang lebih besar dalam mendorong kesadaran dan kebijakan inklusivitas.
​

Terima kasih atas perspektifnya tentang kondisi di kotanya mas Alo. Memang tidak semua kota memiliki fasilitas yang setara dan tantangannya cukup besar, namun justru di situlah peran kita sebagai Local Guide menjadi sangat penting.
​Langkah Perpustakaan Daerah di kota Mas yang sudah melibatkan teman-teman disabilitas itu adalah inisiatif yang luar biasa keren! Itu adalah bukti bahwa perubahan bisa dimulai dari institusi lokal. Mari kita bersama-sama mewujudkan lingkungan yang lebih ramah bagi semua melalui kontribusi kecil kita di Maps. Semangat terus ya! #letsguide

[ALG87]

Luar biasa, Bu. Nanti saya coba melihat list of international days di websitenya UN.

Benar sekali, Bu. Saya akan mencoba memulai dari kebiasaan dan lingkungan di sekitar saya. Terima kasih banyak, Bu. Semangat berkontribusi juga untuk meningkatkan informasi aksesibilitas di Google Maps. #letsguide

[doc_dells]

Thank you so much for the kind words, @marcorp! I’m still learning about this myself, but I’m really glad if the post could offer a bit of new perspective for us all.
​You’re so right, it’s amazing how many details we might miss until we start looking for them intentionally. I’m honestly inspired by your commitment to be more attentive; it reminds me that we are truly together in creating a more inclusive map, one small detail at a time.
​Looking forward to continuing this journey of learning and contributing alongside you! #letsguide

[marcorp]

@doc_dells of course!. I truly believewe can make a positive impact as local guides. let’s keep guiding and informing!

[Shubhu1]

@doc_dells Great read! Really insightful to see how Braille impacts daily life in so many ways.
Systematically written post…
After seeing this post, I’m now reading your previous posts as well.

[Radjasitanggang]

Ini tulisannya keren ya kak @doc_dells , Terima Kasih atas concern nya tentang Braille. Happy World Braille Day. Semangat terus untuk berbagi.

[doc_dells]

Thank you so much dear @Shubhu1

[doc_dells]

Terimakasih bang @Radjasitanggang