Braille and textures map out Burlington waterfront for visually impaired

Burlington city leaders and representatives of the Vermont Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired gathered to celebrate the installation of a first accessible tactile map located in Waterfront Park.

The tactile sign uses Braille and distinct textures to physically map out the waterfront, indicating the locations of buildings, walking paths and sidewalks, the railroad tracks and docks. The map can help people visualize the distance that they will need to travel to reach their destination.

The map also distinguishes different kinds of terrain, allowing for a safer experience. A QR code is attached to the sign and can provide people with additional information, such as audio descriptions.

The sign, funded by the Penny for Parks Program, was a collaborative project with the VABVI and the Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront Department. Mulvaney-Stanak and VABVI Development Associate Sam Gougher said they plan on this being the first of many tactile signs in the city.

"This sign project is one of many planning efforts addressing accessibility in Burlington’s parks," Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak said. "While small in stature, its impact will be big."

"Accessibility is integral to independence," Gougher said. "The sign offers different ways for people to access the information."

The VABVI helps enable Vermonters whether blind or visually impaired, to be more independent, to cultivate adaptive skills and to improve their quality of life.

Sydney P. Hakes is the Burlington city reporter. Contact her at SHakes@gannett.com.