A means is presented for using William Moon's embossed symbols to represent musical notation for blind individuals, as an alternative to braille notation. The proposed system includes pitch symbols, octave indicators, duration symbols, accidentals, key signatures, rests, stress symbols, ornaments, and other symbols. (Author/JDD)

The bibliography lists books, articles, reports, and other materials on devices that convert print to speech, braille or other tactile output for use by blind persons. The material has been published since 1975. The bibliography is divided into three sections: (1) general works, including background information, history, works treating several…

A project summary and 20 related papers are presented on the Argonne Braille Machine, a device which produces braille-equivalent information on magnetic tape rather than embossing dots on paper. The summary traces the machine's development while 10 papers cover such issues as user reactions, evaluation proposals, use and care of the machine, the…

The article describes the Fishburne Code tactile labeling system as a practical alternative for those adult blind who are unwilling or unable to learn braille. Instructional materials, teaching methods, and practical applications of the Fishburne Code are noted. (Author/DB)

Sixteen people with blindness or visual impairments used three different types of tactual maps of the New York City subway system presenting information at three levels of specificity. Results indicated that the tactual maps improved participants' attitudes toward the subway and benefited blind as well as low vision participants. (Author/DB)

A feasibility and planning study was conducted on braille code problems in five areas. The areas were textbook format, math and science, music notation, computer notation, and maps, charts, and diagrams. Problems in each of the areas were identified and defined by committees of experts. The problems were analysed and a determination was made of…

The author, who is congenitally blind, describes two training programs with a Tactile Vision Substitution System, including a mobile version of the device. (Author)

Two experiments with a total of 92 elementary grade blind students were conducted to determine the effects of training blind students in shape recognition accuracy and speed and accuracy of locating shapes on a tactile map by using a distinctive features analysis strategy and line tracing. (Author/DB)

This article emphasizes the importance of good design of tactile diagrams and careful diagram use with blind children. Early educational experiences are suggested to equip blind children for most effective use of diagrams. Methods for teaching diagram use are also suggested, particularly where blind children are educated in integrated settings.…

The article suggests the use of non-expert sighted volunteers to teach the reading and writing of Moon Script, a tactual system of raised-line characters similar to the Roman alphabet, to visually impaired people. Experimental courses with both blind and sighted volunteers are described. (DB)

Compared was the effectiveness of training in three different tactual map reading search patterns with 144 braille readers in grades 4-12. (LH)

THE PAPER DESCRIBES AUDITORY AND TACTILE ADAPTATION OF PHYSICS LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR USE BY BLIND STUDENTS, TOGETHER WITH FIVE METHODS OF DRAWING RAISED LINE AND INDENTED DIAGRAMS FOR USE IN PHYSICS EXPERIMENTS. A SURVEY OF PHYSICS LABORATORY METHODS IN SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND IN THE UNITED STATES AND SEVEN FOREIGN COUNTRIES, AND TWO SIMPLE…

An independent engineering evaluation was conducted of the Optical to Tactile Converter (Optacon), a reading aid for the blind which senses the contrast of printed text and converts the information into a tactile presentation. Tasks performed included: user evaluation, optical, electrical, mechanical, production costs, life tests, reliability, and…

Two experimental tactile political map designs were evaluated with 72 blind braille reading students (grades 4-12). (Author/CL)