This presentation introduces the concept of providing timely and cost-effective tactile and supporting materials for blind and partially sighted students in Higher Education (HE). Using degree-level psychology as a pilot, the provision of a pack of core tactile and large print diagrams and supporting materials was investigated, as an alternative to providing costly bespoke materials for individual students. Interviews with 12 blind and partially sighted psychology students and graduates, and four psychology lecturers revealed that a pack containing diagrams central to the majority of psychology courses would be a useful resource. With extensive research of the psychology curriculum and textbooks, and with further expert and end-user consultation the key contents of this pack were established. Further work led to the prototype ‘Core Graphics Pack: Psychology’ containing 54 core accessible images: 33 as tactile and large print diagrams with descriptions, and descriptions of 21 further images. Good-practice guidelines for staff and students was also provided. Evaluation of the pack by three visually impaired participants confirmed that the pack was a beneficial resource for blind and partially sighted psychology students and staff at a range of levels. The pack has since been further developed into a saleable resource, has been marketed widely and is now being used by a number of universities. Other degree-level packs can be designed by following the steps used in the design of this pack, so that more HE courses can benefit from core accessible images for visually impaired students.
Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low
Contains advanced technical content: No
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