Abstract for Tactile Graphics 2005

Title: Tactile diagrams and language

Presenter: Fabio Levi

Tactile Vision Onlus, University of Turin, Italy

Abstract:

This presentation will discuss why it is necessary to add descriptive text to relief drawings for blind users, providing them as audio descriptions. Illustrations are not easy to understand without contextual descriptions, and good descriptions need to be carefully written if they are to assist a blind person using a tactile image. A multimedia presentation of this type provides complete communication, and enhances the information by using various sensory capacities of visually impaired diagram users. This presentation will analyse the different functions of language in this context, and give numerous examples of how descriptions can make a tactile image more effective.

Objectives of presentation:

To show that the way to communicate with visually impaired depends on their particular form of knowledge
To explain that it is very important to consider not only the way to produce tactile graphics but also the way to conceive them.

Outcomes for audience:

To understand that good verbal descriptions of tactile drawings are an essential medium of communication
To know how to conceive good illustrations

Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low

Contains advanced technical content: No

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