As children grow continuously, they are always in need of updated content to suit their age. And when it comes to blind children, it seems complicated to keep up with all the tactile materials that appear. The e-learning platform tactileimages.org comes to meet the requirements of those who want up-to-date content for their children – yes, this allows you to adapt tactile graphics for free to encourage the individual study of blind children of all ages. That’s not all. There you can access a vast LIBRARY, which addresses dozens of captivating topics.
Learn right now to adapt tactile graphics for children of all ages!
Main steps:
- Access the online LIBRARY
- Explore all categories
- Download your favorite tactile graphic
- Access the EDITOR
a) Invitation and registration
b) Upload the downloaded tactile graphic
c) Add the QR code
d) Add new areas of interest
e) Add text for each area
f) Translate
1. Access the online LIBRARY
The online LIBRARY contains hundreds of tactile graphics. You can access it readily, directly from the platform tactileimages.org. Access is free; you do not need an account, just click and get ready to explore.
2. Explore all categories
In the online LIBRARY, the shelves are full of tactile graphics that cannot wait to be discovered. They are beautifully divided into categories, to make the navigation as easy as possible.
In the LIBRARY you can find maps, portraits of famous people, or abstract concepts. All can be adapted to the individual study of the blind, regardless of their age.
3. Download your favorite tactile graphic
Did you find what you were looking for and want to download the tactile graphic? There’s nothing easier! Access the download link of the image, and you’re ready! The tactile graphic is now on your computer and available for editing.
4. Access the EDITOR
a) Invitation and registration
You must upload the downloaded tactile graphic to the EDITOR. The EDITOR is the place where you can make all the changes you want. If you wish to access the EDITOR on the e-learning platform for free, you need an invitation. You can request it free of charge right here. Once you receive the user account via email, you register at editor.tactileimages.org.
b) Upload the downloaded tactile graphic
That’s right. You downloaded the tactile graphic from the LIBRARY. But now you will upload it to customize it. It will be the same tactile representation, but it will have different content than the downloaded one. So you have to differentiate them somehow, giving the reloaded board another name.
c) Add the QR code
The QR code is the link between the content you add online and the Tactile Images READER Application. And it’s not hard to add. There is a dedicated website that does just that: it generates QR codes. Enter here and create your unique code. When you save it as a PNG, make sure it is 200 × 200 in size. You’re ready. You can download it now!
Did you add the QR code? There is a section where you can add information about your tactile graphic. It can be anything from scientific explanations to stories. Everything will then be replicated by voice-over to allow the viewer to assimilate information.
d) Add new areas of interest
The areas of interest are segments you get to preset. There, you add text, which will ultimately be uttered by the companion application to the blind. Zones can be shrunk or enlarged and added anywhere. But make sure they do not overlap!
Do you want to add a new area? Click on the grey area! If you want to delete an area, use the garbage bin in the upper right corner.
e) Add text for each area
You can determine exactly what the viewer will learn. You must correlate the added text with the area of interest defined. Clicking on the area will bring up a pop-up where you can write. Once you add as much text as you want, save, and that’s it!
Make sure each area has a text assigned. It is not difficult to identify areas that contain text, as you will find them framed in blue.
f) Translate
For now, you can translate the text into English or Romanian, depending on which language you chose to write. We intend to allow translation into as many languages as possible. Do you want to help us? If you believe in our dream and you want to help us translate tactile graphics, you can access the translation form right here.
5. Print the adapted tactile graphic
6. Emboss with DIY techniques
Several methods can be used to emboss the tactile graphics. You can use swell paper or thermoforming techniques, but if you do not have access to them at home, you can resort to DIY methods. We teach you how to do it if you haven’t tried before. It’s simple and cheap! You need syringes and materials like adhesive, glue, or even food.
We are now creating a DIY PRINTER, which works with a syringe and adhesive system. Once done, we will also give you a manual so that you can create one yourself, at home, and print as many tactile graphics as you want.
7. Download the Tactile Imaegs READER App
Do not forget to download the Tactile Images READER App from the App Store. It represents the over-the-shoulder person who speaks directly to the blind person. In this way, blind children can learn on their own about anything. They only need boards, a smartphone, and the Internet.
Now you know how to adapt the tactile graphics downloaded from the Library to the needs of blind children. Because the information is fully customizable, their age doesn’t matter.
Do you have questions about digitizing tactile graphics? Leave us your suggestions in the comment section below!
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