SSC Webinar Series: APH Tactile Graphics
The amount of lines, colors, labels, and other details within an image determines tactual complexity. Only through the appropriate planning and designing process, which leads to correct application, can a braille reader be guaranteed an accessible document that provides equivalent information—and therefore equivalent opportunity—to succeed.
"Planning the tactile graphic is a critical step in producing a meaningful representation of a print graphic or illustration. This step may require as much time as the actual production, yet is critical to ensuring that the final product conveys the information intended for the reader." Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics
Together we learned how tactile perception works, what qualifies or disqualifies an ink-print image, and the importance of understanding the purpose of the graphic.
"Presentation was excellent. Presented simply, with great clarity. Good examples shown of what to do as well as what not to do."
"... the whole thing was amazing, I loved it."
Many ink illustrations tend to be very complex and oftentimes use visual perception to create the illusion of three-dimensionality. Conversely, every tactile graphic must be produced to be read and understood by touch alone along a 2-dimensional plane solely comprised of raised line elements. Because of this difference, the transcriber must find a way to deliver the detailed visual information of the print textbook in a manner that is comprehensible to the braille reader. Consistency across the spectrum of tactile producers remains a clear deciding factor in the approachability and comprehensibility of tactile graphics. To aid in this process, the American Printing House for the Blind created the Tactile Graphic Image Library (TGIL).
The Tactile Graphic Image Library provides access to a wide variety of image templates, free of charge. These quality images can be used by anyone: teachers, transcribers, parents, and others to create stand-alone tactile graphics and/or graphics designed to supplement existing materials. Moreover, as they adhere to the available tactile guidance documents, the graphic files the TGIL provides bring global transcription one step closer to consistent tactile graphic production for the braille reader regardless of geographic location.
This webinar aims to demonstrate the basics of using drawing software in combination with the Tactile Graphic Image Library to make quality tactile graphics.
"So much useful information. Will really save time and improve quality of resources for students."
"Sally was very easy to listen to; explaining everything clearly, and with great enthusiasm."
"Tactile graphics are not mere transcriptions of print illustrations or raised versions of a print graphic; they are the transformed representations of images that are adapted for the sense of touch." Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics
In contrast to electronic tactile graphic creation, which is produced solely using available software, collage graphics can be either a blend of an embossed braille file with added collage embellishments or they can be completely made by hand from tooled line elements, glued layers, and braille manually entered. While many of the basics of tactile graphic creation remain the same, the "hands-on" approach necessary to create appropriate collage graphics varies greatly from electronic file creation. Moreover, its multi-stage process may require the use of thermoforming from a master print (vacuumed-formed graphics), a process in which heat and vacuum pressure molds a thermoplastic sheet into a readable tactile graphic.
Together we covered the basics of what comprises an effective and readable collage graphic; the tools, materials, and equipment this process requires. In addition, we also reviewed some of the beneficial resources available to guide you.
(Q)TVIs, transcribers, and education assistants producing tactile materials.
Sally Hart, Tactile Graphic Designer/Accessible Tests and Textbooks, American Printing House (APH) for the Blind
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