While this post focuses on two-dimensional. Tactile graphics can also be made “on the fly” using screen boards (homemade tactile drawing boards), specialized drawing tools (like the inTACT Sketchpad, the Draftsman, and the TactileDoodle, all of which use specialized plastic film as “paper”), tactile graphic line slates, and the Sensational Blackboard (which uses regular copy paper and a regular ballpoint pen).Īdditionally, three-dimensional models are an important, and often forgotten, aspect of tactile graphics. Less formal means of creating tactile graphics include using “arts and crafts” materials, such as textured paper, foam, felt, sandpaper, pipe cleaners, Wikki-stix, and 3-D pens. Swell paper and braille embossers can be used to create two-dimensional, raised-line tactile graphics. There are many ways to create tactile graphics. A good rule of thumb is this: If the alt text, alone, is not sufficient for nondisabled students, then it is similarly not sufficient for blind/low vision students. However, alt text does not necessarily replace a tactile graphic. Thus, graphics used for decoration only need not be made into tactile graphics, but, for most other purposes, they do.Īlt text is one tool that may be used to describe a graphic. The answer to the question is easy: You need a tactile graphic every time non-disabled students are provided with graphics to convey academic information. Alt text, alone, is rarely enough the instructor’s choice to use a graphic rather than words is evidence that the graphic is educationally necessary-for ALL students in the class. Now, more than ever before, blind/low vision students need access to high-quality tactile graphics. represent a growing portion of materials teachers use to impart information and which they expect students to use to show mastery of academic concepts. Graphics, including graphs, pictures, maps, etc.

Accessible curricular materials are needed for school success, but curricular materials include much, more than documents, slide presentations, and spreadsheets.

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