Updated as of September 14, 2024.
Let’s dive into an area that is often neglected: Tactile Graphics. We know that the ability to read and create Tactile Graphics is important, but we can get so overwhelmed with learning/teaching braille, Nemeth Code, accessible assistive technology (AT), and orientation (O&M) that we end up neglecting Tactile Graphics – even though it can enhance our learning opportunities and our lives. So let’s dive in!
Who Needs Tactile Graphics?
While tactile graphics are often offered to students with very little or no usable vision, all students can benefit from using tactile graphics. From black-line and color tactile graphics to tactile graphing and tools that allow for non-visual means of measurement, students with relatively high residual vision often benefit from understanding the same tactile skills and techniques as do students with little to no functional vision.
Additionally, tactile graphics can serve as a tool to foster collaboration and engagement with non-disabled peers. Typically sighted students of all ages are drawn to visually engaging tactile graphics. For this reason, please consider adding “eye candy” to tactile graphics used by students with any level of vision. The American Printing House for the Blind (APH) offers many visually engaging tactile graphics and learning tools. Educators can also add visual interest to plain white or cream-colored tactile graphics with markers, including colorful Sharpie markers!
Why Tactile Graphics?
We’ve long heard the adage, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” While this typically refers to visual items, it holds true for tactile graphics as well.
Graphics, both visual and tactile, provide concrete information that empowers the user to access the information independently and in the order the user chooses. What does that mean?
- Think about getting directions in an unfamiliar building – from the front door to the nearest bathroom. If we rely only on verbal directions, we have to find a person who knows the building’s layout and who can (hopefully) provide accurate and succinct information.
- If a map is available, we can use it to determine the layout of the building by ourselves. We can identify where multiple bathrooms are, and we can find other items of interest along the way (like water fountains, stairs, elevators, etc.).
- The map (a graphic) provides accurate information and puts us in control of how we access and use that information.
Another example is a graph used for information. It might take many, many words to effectively convey the data set forth in a bar graph or a line graph. The graphic (either print or tactile) provides the necessary information, and it illustrates relationships between variables shown on the graph.
What About Alt Text?
Alternative text, also known as “alt text.” is used where a visual graphic conveys information. With simple pictures (such as that of a parent hugging a child), a simple description is sufficient. However, some graphics, like maps and charts, contain much more information, and alt text might not be sufficient.
Most alt text guidelines are based on accessibility requirements for websites. Of course, a website cannot provide a tactile graphic for every person who happens to access the website – alt text words are really the only options in those cases.
In contrast, graphic information provided to a defined group of individuals/directed purpose (such as students in a class or employees at a business) may need more than just alt text. In these situations, it is possible to provide tactile graphics in order to provide blind/low vision individuals access to the graphical information in an equally effective manner.
Please Reach Out ANYTIME!
We at the Bridges Helpdesk and Technical Assistance Center have decades of experience. We love, love LOVE Tactile Graphics; we know that information is power! We are eager to hear from you and to help with anything you need. Please never hesitate to contact us!
Contact the Bridges Helpdesk for More Information
- Our Accessible web form
- Email: Helpdesk@imagemd.org
- Text: Send to: (410) 357-1546
- Voice mail: Call (410) 357-1546, leave a voice mail message, and we will return your call
This unique project is being coordinated through The IMAGE Center of Maryland, a center for independent living in Towson, and it is funded by a grant from the Maryland Department of Education Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services.