Co-op introduces Braille packaging
The Co-operative Group is to put Braille markings on all its own-label
medicines packaging, including pharmacy-only lines. As new stock is produced
it will be provided to the group's 2,000 food stores and to its 470 pharmacies.
The Co-op has spent two years working on the technical issues behind putting
Braille markings on packaging. Two different techniques had to be developed
for Braille on cartons and labels. In particular, the markings had to
be able to withstand the production, packing and transportation processes.
Making sure that existing lettering was not distorted was also important.
Mr Terry Hudghton (head of corporate marketing, Co-op) said: “We
believe this initiative, which has been introduced at no extra cost to
the customer, will help blind and partially-sighted people handle medicines
with more confidence in the home and allow them to enjoy greater independence.
We also hope that the move will help raise general awareness of the difficulties
faced by blind people.”
The move was welcomed by the Royal National Institution for the Blind
and the Disability Rights Commission. The commission had made the introduction
of accessible labelling for deaf-blind people one of its priority projects.
The new packaging was launched by the Secretary of State for Education
(Mr David Blunkett) on March 13.
Leading article, p341
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