Note: Full paper available in Word format (318KB)
Recently, transparent-resinous-ultraviolet-curing-type (TRUCT) Braille signs are becoming more and more popular in Japan, especially when they are printed together with visual characters. These signs are made by screen-printing a resinous ink that is cured using ultraviolet radiation. The screen-printing technique can be applied to various base materials, such as paper, metals, and plastics, on which the Braille dots are printed, and TRUCT Braille signs have begun to be used in public facilities, such as on tactile maps and on handrails. Naturally, it is expected that beginners in Braille reading will utilize these signs.However, it has been pointed out that the friction between the forefinger and the base material may affect TRUCT Braille reading.
In this study, to reduce this friction, we have used a polyester non-woven fabric finger cover and have examined its effect on Braille reading ability. The subjects were 12 Braille learners with acquired visual impairment, who were asked to read randomly selected characters with and without wearing the finger cover. The results show that most participants could read TRUCT Braille significantly faster and more correctly with a finger cover than without it. This result suggests that wearing a finger cover enables the Braille learners to read TRUCT Braille more efficiently, and that it can be used as a Braille reading assistance tool for learners. When they read TRUCT Braille signs on public tactile guide map, effectiveness of finger cover may include the safety factor forefinger remains clean. With the finger cover, forefinger will not become dirty.
Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low
Contains advanced technical content: No
Back to the programme list
Back to the 2005 conference home page