Signs from lists used with mentally retarded and autistic children and previously rated for visual iconicity were presented tactilely to 13 blind adults. Visual and tactile ratings were very similar across blind and sighted groups, as were statements of relationship between signs and their meanings. (Author/CL)

Twenty-four braille readers (grades 4-12) performed a line-tracking task on tactile line graphs which differed in the type of raised line used to represent the data curves and natures of the display backgrounds. Grids impaired the trackability of every line tested, while line type and grade level had only marginal effects. (Author/CL)

The purposes of this investigation were to compare an individual's magnitude and direction of error in three tests of kinesthetic perception, and to determine whether individuals tend generally to reduce, augment, or moderate stimuli on all three tests. A single group design was employed, using a sample of 34 male students. The variables of joint…

Tactile maps for visually impaired persons can be made by drawing lines with an aqueous adhesive solution, dusting with thermoengraving powder, and exposing the card to a source of intense heat (such as a heat gun or microwave oven). A raised line map results. (CL)

Describes a project in which high school student volunteers designed art activities for blind children. Students incorporated the sensation of motion and texture into their designs for toys, puzzles, games, and story illustrations. (AM)

Thirty-six braille students (grades 4 through 12) were asked to inspect a tactile display consisting of nine removable symbols. Students in the lower grades benefited most from the systematic searching training and were superior to the control group in the same grades. (Author)

This study compared the length of text in English Braille American Edition, the Nemeth code, and the computer braille code with the Unified English Braille Code (UEBC)--also known as Unified English Braille (UEB). The findings indicate that differences in the length of text are dependent on the type of material that is transcribed and the grade…

The article describes an improved relief drawing set designed for use with visually impaired persons that allows durable, tangible, and visible embossed images to be made with a ball-point pen. (Author/PHR)

In their specialized schooling, blind children are now frequently presented with raised line figures and maps. However, there is still much to do in evaluating the cognitive effects of training using these displays. The purpose of this research is to determine if the level of expertise in the haptic exploration, and the perception of the raised…

This reference circular lists sources of braille books available for loan, purchase, rental, or free (give-away) distribution. Divided into four sections, it includes general sources of braille books, sources of specialized braille materials, the major braille presses, and resources for further information about braille books and magazines.…

A series of studies on tangible pictures and their application to blind persons are reviewed and possible explanations for the suggestion of depth offered by outline drawings are discussed. Findings from ancient cave and rock art, together with drawings made by blind children and adults suggest that outline drawings contain some elements that are…

A 3 year project to develop a beginning braille reading series was undertaken, beginning with research reviews on concept development, tactual perception, braille reading, and general reading. Analysis of vocabulary lists and specifications followed, culminating in development of the readiness, preprimer, and primer readers with accompanying…

The study investigated ways of increasing reading rates by nine blind adults using the Optacon (Optical to Tactile Converter), a portable reading aid for the blind that converts the image of the printed letter into a pattern of vibrating rods. Ss' reading rates were examined when using instructional materials emphasizing linguistic structure, the…

Audiometric instruments and techniques adopted to measure tactual cueing characteristics of the Radioear B70A and the Siemens Fonator electromechanical vibrators were used by young adults. The Siemens Phonator demonstrated a wider suprathreshold operating range than did the Radioear B70A. (Author/CL)