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You asked "why not?" Most directories are too large for tactile reading. Braille and raised character readers just have quite a small area that is reachable by them. Many people would not be able to reach all the tactile information on any directory that had more than a handful of entries. Also, how would the reader who was functionally blind locate the directory? Tactile signs are deliberately required ONLY when they are identifying a specific door, because the person who is blind can locate the door by touch, and then wants to find out what the door leads to (men's restroom, exit, closet, etc.).

Also, most persons who are blind don't read braille. That's why tactile characters are also required. If you require every directory to have all 5/8 inch high raised characters AND braille (which need to be separated from each other), how do you have a directory that doesn't cover the wall, floor to ceiling? Think about a university administrative office building or any large building.

There's also the problem of changeable directory strips, and vandalism. Very often, these signs have glass covers because you don't want people changing strips around, doctoring them up with obscene words, etc. You can't, however, protect tactile information from vandalism.

For all these reasons, we in ANSI and the ADA Review committee decided NOT to require tactile directories.

Sharon Toji