Holistic accessibility consulting for travel and tourism
A tactile map is a map designed to be read by touch: spatial relationships translated into a form the fingertips can read. Raised lines, textures, shapes, and braille labels do the work that printed lines and colors do on a visual map.
Leave a CommentOver the years, technology has improved inclusivity for people with disabilities. One of the most notable inventions in recent years is 3D printing. This revolutionary technology is changing the lives of the blind and visually impaired by making assistive devices, Braille, and other aids for touch-based learning materials more easily and affordably. This, in turn, makes education, movement, and other daily tasks more accessible.
Leave a CommentFrom textbooks and graphical illustrations to screens, it is clear that visual aids have always held massive importance in the sphere of education. It is much more difficult for students who are visually impaired to access the same level of information as their counterparts. Learning tools such as embossed graphics or Braille materials provide some assistance. Still, they often lack the specific required details and versatility that would be able to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the subject.
Leave a CommentTactile maps are, by design, three-dimensional, as they use raised surfaces to make a two-dimensional map touchable. However, traditional tactile maps elevate features just enough for them to be discernible by touch, while 3D maps go further by utilizing height and depth to convey richer, more intuitive information. This makes >3D tactile maps more effective and accessible in many contexts.
The above 3-D map shows the elevations of Kenya with braille labels, made in collaboration with the Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired
Leave a CommentLast weekend I got myself a 3D printer. How does this relate to accessible travel? Because if I would like to understand what something looks like and I don’t have the opportunity to touch it, I can hopefully print out a model. I wrote about the 3d printed building project before, but that’s a different concept, where we are creating almost replica quality buildings. But sometimes, a good enough model that I can download from the net can give more information than nothing at all. My other motive was to work on more ideas and concepts for other blind people. I have many in mind, stay tuned.
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