Guide
Making Quick and Easy Raised-Line Drawings
Different techniques and resources to make easy raised-line drawings for students who are blind and visually impaired.
By Laura Hospitál, TVI and Science Teacher at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Most itinerant TVIs and science teachers at schools for the blind have been in this familiar position. The teacher introduces a new concept unexpectedly and there is either no raised line available for the student with a visual impairment or it is not clear to the student. How can we communicate quickly and clearly the information that is necessary? An “on-the-fly” raised line is most often the easiest way. I will present several ways that I have found to prepare them. This has been difficult for me as stick figures are about the limit of my artistic ability. What I have found, though, is that creating raised lines using the following tools is truly easy. If I can do it, trust me, you can do it!
The APH Draftsman
The APH Draftsman allows the teacher to produce a raised line on a special drawing film which comes with the draftsman and can be ordered separately. Because the film is clear, a copy of the image is placed below the paper and a stylus is used to trace the image onto the paper producing a raised line. This tool is small, portable and I would recommend that both itinerant teachers and teachers at schools for the blind have one on hand. The Draftsman is available using Quota Funds.
TactileDoodle
Another product from American Printing House for the Blind (APH) is the TactileDoodle which allows you to instantly create raised graphics and pictures in combination with tactile drawing film and a stylus or ballpoint pen.
Tracing Wheel
A simple sewing tool called a tracing wheel can be used with a piece of braille paper on the draftsman if the drawing film is not available. This tool can be purchased at any sewing store or in the sewing department of a department store.
Clipboard and Foam
This very inexpensive option was mentioned by Susan Osterhaus in a video on math raised lines about making concentric circles. This method involves taking a clipboard and putting a piece of Funky Foam (this is the brand name – I thought she was just being cute…) onto the clipboard and then a piece of braille paper. She uses a protractor to make circles in the video, but for science raised lines (other than maybe a lesson on annual growth rings) I would recommend using the above-mentioned tracing wheel. The Funky Foam can be purchased in a craft store or craft section of a department store.
Hot Glue Gun on Cardstock or Braille Paper
This is also a very inexpensive option. First draw the image using a 20/20 marker or permanent marker onto the cardstock or braille paper. Then, using the hot glue gun, trace the image. This provides both a raised line and a bold-lined image.
Other Resources
- 20/20 pens produce a nice bold line and do not smell like a permanent marker. A MUST-HAVE for any TVI. They are available through many sources.
- WikkiStix are another essential material to have on hand to create quick raised lines.
In summary, I would recommend always having on hand a method to make a quick raised line. Choose the method that is easiest and, if necessary, cost-effective and your students will be all the wiser for it.
Many thanks to Susan Osterhaus for her excellent video resources.
Updated March 2025
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