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

3. 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)

4. Why are tactile graphics important?
Discussion

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

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

11. 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

12. 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

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

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

15. Practice time

16. 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, Retrieved from manual/index.html Paths to Literacy. Tactile graphics. Retrieved from