Scheduled at 11:30 am in Colorado G-H on Friday, November 21.
#41819Speaker(s)
- Rachel Ramos, Blindness Product Specialist, HumanWare
Session Details
- Length of Session: 1-hr
- Format: Lecture
- Expertise Level: Beginner
- Type of session: General Conference
Summary
Creation of tactile graphics can often be time consuming, and the accessibility of tactile graphics creation software can be challenging and seem reserved to only those with the highest skillsets. This presentation seeks to empower anyone interested in tactile graphics design through a simple yet intuitive program for those who are sighted, or those using screen readers like NVDA or JAWS.
Abstract
The importance of tactile graphics throughout one’s educational journey, as well as their use to continue an ongoing understanding of concepts or layouts of the world around are crucial to someone who is blind. Blind people often lack access to tactile graphics and when present, these graphics can range widely in their effectiveness. creation of these graphics can often be time consuming, or highly dependent on ones ability to quickly access materials. Furthermore, the accessibility of tactile graphics creation software can be very challenging and seem reserved to only those with the highest skillsets. This presentation seeks to empower those interested in the creation of tactile graphics through a simple yet intuitive program for those who are sighted, or those using screen readers like NVDA or JAWS. Programs such as Tactile View allow for users to create and emboss hard-copy graphics, or even consume tactile graphics on a dynamic tactile display allowing for better comprehension of spatial, visual or STEM content with both braille labeling and raised tactile lines. This presentation will serve as a demonstration of creating tactile graphics using Tactile view. I will show how anyone from a sighted Assistive Technology Specialist to a novice screen reader user, can create quality tactile graphics through creation of material ranging from the simplest shapes, to intricate campus maps or cell diagrams. Multiple tactile graphic repositories will also be shown to attendees to better help with beginning the creation process from existing templates with an emphasis on tactile graphic creation guidelines. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions at key points throughout the presentation and handouts will be provided.
Keypoints
- Following tactile graphic guidelines promotes effective conveyance of visual information to blind readers.
- Tactile graphics creation is both time consuming and highly dependent on materials at hand.
- Tactile graphics allow for complete comprehension of spatial, visual and STEAM concepts to blind people.
Disability Areas
Topic Areas
Uncategorized