Creating Tactile Graphics

For Students who are Blind or Visually Impaired

These websites provide a wealth of information about creating tactile graphics for students who are blind or visually impaired, including maps, diagrams, chart, models, and symbols.

Audio-Tactile Graphics:  The Role of Audio Input When Presenting Tactile Graphics and Models to Children, International Council for Education of People with Visual Impairment (ICEVI)
Educator Tricia d'Apice discusses the use of audio input to enhance a child's understanding of tactile graphics.

Basic Principles for Preparing Tactile Graphics, American Foundation for the Blind (AFB)
This brief overview outlines some of the key points in creating tactile graphics.

Guidelines for Design of Tactile Graphics, American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
APH advises on design, symbols, lead lines, labels, indicators and scale for creating effective tactile graphics.

I'm an Outreach Consultant: Do I Really Want to Do Raised-Line Drawings?, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Barbara DiFrancesco shares ideas on a wide variety of tactile graphics, focusing on raised-line drawings and their production techniques; available in English and Spanish.

The Real Challenge in Tactile Graphics, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Phil Hatlen lists some crucial considerations in the use of tactile graphics; available in English and Spanish.

Tactile Educational Materials: Tips and Resources, Future Reflections, National Federation of the Blind
Robert Jaquiss, Jr., shares pointers for teachers and parents needing to create tactile maps, diagrams, and models, and includes a list of products and resources.

Tactile Graphics: A Beginner's Guide to Graphics for Visually Impaired Children, The Reginald Phillips Research Programme
In this introduction to tactile graphics, Sheppard and Aldrich discuss production methods and design considerations, advise on selecting graphics to translate, and offer suggestions for the classroom.

Tactile Graphics: An Overview and Resource Guide, Oregon State University
John Gardner reviews the strengths and limitations of tactile graphics for people who are blind. Included are production methods, a resource list of useful tools, supplies, and vendors.

Organizations and Resources to Explore: Tactile Graphics

Making Tactile Graphics, National Centre for Tactile Diagrams, Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB)
RNIB gives the basics on tactile graphics—what they are, when they should be used, and how to make them; includes descriptions of various diagram types.

Tactile Graphics
A Braille Authority of North America member created this site "to promote excellence in the design and production of braille graphics."  Included are basic information on production methods and techniques, product evaluations, training, and conferences.

Tactile Graphics Resources, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
This list of tactile graphics resources includes contact information and a brief description of each resource; includes many vendors and manufacturers.