MAER 2017 Megan Pidgeon & Margaret ridley, GISD Tactile Graphics MAER 2017 Megan Pidgeon & Margaret ridley, GISD

What are tactile graphics? Raised version of a print graphic that is adapted for touch (Miller et al., 2010) Tactile graphics are not mere transcriptions of print illustrations or raised versions of a print graphic; they are transformed representations of images that are adapted for the sense of touch. (Miller et al., 2010) Essential components of braille materials transcribed for use in educational and professional fields (Miller et al., 2010) Means of conveying non-textual information to people who are blind or visually impaired, and may include tactile representations of pictures, maps, graphs, diagrams, and other images. (Paths to Literacy)

Why are tactile graphics important? Discussion

Why are tactile graphics important? Same information as sighted students Understand information better/in a different way Some information can be best understood in graphics Allows tactile exploration of dangerous or unobtainable things Allows exploration

Basic principles for preparing tactile graphics Make it AS CLEAR AS POSSIBLE Know the important parts Keep it simple- unnecessary information or clutter may make the graphic useless Omit unnecessary parts Keep graphic components well spaced- if things are too close together, they will not be discernable Keep the student in mind- knowledge level, skill base, age; use age appropriate language Include only information that is absolutely necessary Err on the side of providing too little information

Basic principles for preparing tactile graphics Symbols closer together than 1/8” tend to be perceived as a single symbol- leave enough space in between Symbols of the same type must vary by at least 25-30% to be perceived as different in size- larger differences may be better Tips to decrease information density Smallest discriminable symbols Single-line symbols Increase scale Delete unnecessary information Place key on separate page Use two-letter/two-cell mnemonic labels

Basic principles for preparing tactile graphics Must the original shapes/textures be used, or can you substitute simpler shapes or braille signs? Are measurements necessary? If yes, make sure you measure! Braille labels best if horizontal, especially for beginners, but can often be read in other directions Edit/proofread the graphic with your fingers, not your eyes Beware- if someone says your graphic is “pretty” or “beautiful”, look at it closely; your student may not understand it at all!! Remember, Keep it Simple!! If you can, use something that is already created

Basic principles for preparing tactile graphics Most important thing to remember: KEEP IT SIMPLE!

Quick/low tech Puffy Paint (takes time to dry) Glue Gun Wiki Stix Sticky Dots Yarn Beads APH Tactile Graphics Kit Wheatly Tactile Diagramming Kit Pre-made graphics Perkins Brailler Velcro

Quick/Low Tech Chang Tactual Diagram Kit Draftsman Tactile Drawing Board Feel ‘n Peel point symbols APH Quick Draw Paper Graphic Tape Braille graph paper

Quick/Low Tech Crafty Graphics Kit & Crafty Graphics Kit II Braillable Labels & Sheets

Time intensive/high tech Scanner Mouse APH Tactile Graphic Image Library Picture in a Flash/Tactile Image Enhancer Graphic Embossers Thermoform

Practice time

Works Cited Koenig, A.J., & Holbrook M.C. (Eds.). (2000). Foundations of education second edition volume II instructional strategies for teaching children and youths with visual impairments. New York, NY: AFB Press. Wiener, W.R., Welsh, R.L., & Blasch, B.B. (Eds.). (2010). Foundations of orientation and mobility volume II instructional strategies and practical applications third edition. New York, NY: AFB Press. Miller, I., Pather, A., Milbury, J., Hasty, L., O’Day, A., & Spence, D. (2011). Guidelines and standards for tactile graphics, 2010. Retrieved from http://www.brailleauthority.org/tg/web- manual/index.html Paths to Literacy. Tactile graphics. Retrieved from http://www.pathstoliteracy.org/tactile-graphics