Tactile graphics consist of raised lines and textures felt with the fingers. Likewise, 3D models are objects that are explored with the entire hand. NNELS has been working on some exciting tactile initiatives. This page provides a brief overview of our projects.
Background
It is no exaggeration to say that images are used everywhere to convey information. Illustrative content offers a convenient, engaging, and concise way to understand the content. Unfortunately, these images are typically inaccessible to blind and low-vision readers. Text descriptions alone are often insufficient in conveying objects' shape, size, and spatial relationships in an understandable and efficient manner. Due to time and cost, braille producers/providers are often forced to exclude images unless they are essential to understanding the content, such as in educational materials.
In striving for an equitable reading landscape in Canada, NNELS continues to work closely with blind and low-vision community members to increase access to tactile materials. Equitable access means quality, timeliness, and points of access. Part of the quality piece includes hiring blind and low-vision readers to be part of the creation process. We are no longer in a "braille famine"; we are in deprivation of timely access to quality braille and tactile materials.
NNELS' tactile initiatives align with two overarching objectives that aim to address the challenges raised by the blind and low-vision community:
- To provide greater access to spatial information beyond academics to enrich readers' lives using tactile graphics/models.
- To foster tactile literacy and spatial reasoning skills for social inclusion, leisure, independent travel, academics, and employment.
Tactile Graphics
NNELS strongly believes that readers benefit from the inclusion of tactiles in leisure reading materials for a more equitable reading experience. Readers can expect to find tactile maps, diagrams, graphs, and illustrations included in some of our hardcopy braille books, with our downloadable BRFs, or as supplementary volumes that can be paired with these titles in other accessible formats. Currently, our tactile materials are optimized for Swell Touch with hopes to create a Tiger embosser-friendly version in the future. Of course, readers can always request access to hardcopy tactile materials through their local public library or request a book in braille or tactile.
The LEGO Project
NNELS is excited to unveil accessible instructions for LEGO builders of all ages and experience levels. Building LEGO is a popular activity that supports life skills development, such as following complex directions, improving dexterity, fine motor skills, and spatial reasoning.
In every stage of the project, NNELS works with people from the blind and low-vision community to ensure the steps are described clearly with tips and workarounds to maximize independence and equitable access to the entire building experience.
LEGO builders can access instructions in electronic braille from the NNELS repository with some instructions, including an accompanying tactile supplement. Hardcopy braille can be requested by NNELS patrons by contacting braille@nnels.ca.
Learn more on our LEGO page and be sure to follow us on social media to hear when new build instructions are announced.
Origami
Coming soon!
Contact
For more information about these projects, or if you have questions, comments, or feedback, please contact braille@nnels.ca.