Phylogenetic trees are used throughout biology to represent evolutionary relationships and communicate ideas about evolutionary processes. Dedicated instruction in how to read and interpret phylogenetic trees (i.e., tree thinking) is necessary for students to be able to access this information. There are many cognitive barriers to mastering…

Introduction: Three-dimensional (3D) printing can be used to produce tactile teaching materials for individuals with visual impairments. Although 3D and 2.5D teaching materials are based on realistic content, no systematic conversion model for 2D materials exists. Here, we combined the previous findings and this study's results and technology to…

Introduction: This article describes the development and initial assessment of a set of tactile crayons that can produce different textured lines and areas on standard paper. Method: An assessment of the need for tactile crayons was performed through the use of surveys and focus groups from which a set of six tactile crayons was developed.…

Programming can be challenging to learn, and for visually impaired (VI) learners, there are numerous additional barriers to the learning process. Many modern programming environments are inaccessible to VI learners, being difficult or impossible to interface with using a screen reader. A review of the literature has identified a number of…

Introduction: Technological advances have introduced three-dimensional (3-D) printing as an option for creating tactile maps for people with visual impairments (that is, those who are blind or have low vision), diversifying the types of map products that are available. At the same time, it presents a challenge to map makers to implement designs…

This study illustrates how mathematical communication and learning are inherently multimodal and embodied; hence, sight-disabled students are also able to conceptualize visuospatial information and mathematical concepts through tactile and auditory activities. Adapting a perceptuomotor integration approach, the study shows that the lack of access…

A review of the literature from 1965 to 2008 on tactile maps and models in orientation and mobility yielded four pre-experimental and three experimental articles. The articles were analyzed via best-evidence synthesis--a combined narrative and statistical approach--allowing for recommendations for the most effective use of tactile maps and models.…

This study investigated problems that children with visual impairments experience with sexual health education. The participants identified themes that affected their knowledge of sexual health and the need for sexual health education. Strategies that address sexual health issues for individuals with visual impairments are described.

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 Tactile Diagrams Research Project at Loughborough University of Technology (England) developed 164 tactile diagrams for teaching 22 biological themes to blind students. Evaluation of the diagrams found most to be effective when properly introduced to students, and used with supporting text or tapes. (CB)

Three short articles about tactile illustrating are presented for braille transcribers and teachers of the visually handicapped. Some transcribers have been making tactile maps with water areas textured and land masses smooth; the first article reports on the confusion these "reversed maps" cause braille readers and gives additional tips…

Two short articles about tactile illustrating are presented for braille transcribers and teachers of the visually handicapped. Focusing on tactile graphics, the first article discusses the conversion of significant print graphic information to the clearest, most factually legible form possible. Tips for achieving factual legibility and the…

Describes some results of a project funded by the National Science Foundation to investigate ways to make a college biology course accessible to visually impaired students, including use of tactile diagrams as an alternative to microscopes and a variety of measuring techniques. (Author/SK)

Intended to assist teachers as they assess, plan for, and teach deaf blind students, this manual describes a process for adapting curricula for students who function within the 0-24 month developmental period, also known as the sensorimotor period. The manual's first section provides an overview of project activities including the literature…