Although tactile maps and diagrams are now generally accepted educational tools in geography and geometry, the use of tactile graphics in other subjects still largely depends on the teachers’ awareness of the potential of raised images or is perceived as unnecessary complication. While it is true that tactile illustrations of architectural details, plants, cross-sections of cells, and other diagrams used in biology or physics can be quite complex, it is worth remembering that only combined effort of teachers of all subjects will ensure that the level of confidence with tactile graphics of young totally blind learners will grow, parallel to the amount of exposure to raised images they receive. It must also be remembered that tactile drawings designed for one subject may be of great use in other areas. For example, a map designed for geography may be of great help in a history or a foreign language class while outlines of geometric shapes can be used for drawing floor plans of buildings in mobility exercises, or in art classes.
The exhibition shows a collection of tools helpful in introducing tactile graphics to young learners as well as examples of raised images with suggestions for their use in different subjects.
Days exhibiting: Both Days
Back to the list of exhibitors
Back to the 2008 conference home page