Description
What are tactile graphics?
The goal of the Skills for Tactile Graphics programme is simple. For the child or young person to work towards being able to interpret and understand. To be able to read the symbolic representation of an image under their finger pads. The programme is full of specific goals, resources and activities. It also includes observation points to support you to do this.
Tactile graphics including tactile pictures, diagrams, maps, and graphs. The images use a raised surface. A visually impaired person can feel them as they would with braille. Perfect to convey non-textual information such as maps, paintings, graphs and diagrams.
How to create tactile graphics – The Skills for Tactile Graphics Programme
The Skills for Tactile Graphics programme sets out a hierarchy. It covers the skills required by a child/young person with VI to access a tactile diagram. As a result, it’s suited to Teachers of VI using tactile methods to access the curriculum. Children developing pre-braille skills and moving onto learning braille skills will also benefit. Being taught this important hierarchy is integral to their access to the curriculum.
Crucial to include are the development of tactile discrimination and fine motor skills. These activities run alongside the 5 stages.
There are two sections to the programme. The skills are integral to each other:
Firstly,
Understanding real life concepts
Handling real objects and models
Two dimensional representations
Symbolic representations
Secondly,
Tactile discrimination skills
Fine motor skills
Why use Skills for Tactile Graphics?
The programme is full of practical activities based on everyday experiences. The objects and items required to deliver the programme are easy to find. Most items will be available from around the school or home setting.
It supports the development of the specific skills, required to access tactile imagery.
The programme layout is clear and easy to follow. It provides detailed session plans for each skill area at the end of each section. In addition, presented in Word Format you can tailor the plan for the individual child. In other words, the programme is adaptable to the individual child’s need.
Above all it enables informal assessment of child’s tactile skills. Allowing for specific target setting. Observation points inform the practitioner of what to look for. Therefore, enabling specific evaluation of child’s progress.
Furthermore, we include checklists for fine motor and tactile discrimination skills. Allowing you to double check progress within these areas as the child learns.
Additional resources
Have a look at our video about tactile story book Marvin’s Market Adventure, full of ideas and activities.
