Recent developments in tactile graphics technology have considerably increased production and availability of raised drawings, maps, diagrams and books with tactile illustrations.
Unfortunately, considerably less effort has gone into ensuring that such raised images are fully understood by congenitally blind users with little or no experience of two-dimensional representations of the three-dimensional world. Even carefully designed tactile graphics may become a source of frustration rather than enjoyment and may lose whatever educational value was intended if raised images remain easily discernible but totally meaningless combinations of lines and textures.
The exhibition is an attempt to give parents and teachers of congenitally blind children a chance to explore a range of simple tools and activities facilitating understanding of difficult concepts based on spatial relations, and for preparing the young learner for meaningful and beneficial contact with tactile drawings, diagrams and maps.
The tools range from simple devices for explaining "sighted" conventions used in drawings of objects, to books with tactile illustrations, activities and tactile graphics games for practicing orientation, mobility and independence skills. All drawings are supported by real objects, models, suggestions for everyday activities or simple drawings which can be used as contextual reference points helping understand more complex graphics.
Days exhibiting: Both Days
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