This conference is a celebration of the diverse international work in the tactile graphics industry helping to give blind and partially sighted children and adults independent access to graphical information. This presentation gives an overview of the tactile graphics field and proposes key issues for consideration. This is a truly exciting time, with more people working in the field than ever before. Whereas tactile graphics used to be created and used by a dedicated few, we have moved into a generation where technology and resources are now more easily available, and being used in ever-more creative ways to benefit end-users in all areas of life.
However, we face some challenges: our current and developing techniques and technologies must enable us to produce images which are usable by those we are designing for; and end-users must develop the graphic literacy skills needed to interpret the materials effectively. We need to equip people supporting or providing materials for visually impaired people with the knowledge of how tactile images are used, and give them the skills needed to design and support tactile graphics appropriately. We should also be taking steps to ensure that we make more effective use of existing materials, in our own countries and beyond. Through this conference and its own plans for work in these areas, RNIB is committed to addressing these challenges; to facilitating information exchange in this specialist field, bringing together people with complementary skills and experiences; and to promoting and sharing good practice with partners and stakeholders.
Prior knowledge of topic assumed: Low
Contains advanced technical content: No
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