[accessibleimage] Maps, art, Designing Blind, Passionate Focus 2006

Hi,

Articles about:
Londons undergrounds new tactile maps
Chicago's Guild for the Blind 'Passionate Focus 2006' exibition,
Tactile Colour Communication Society

Abstract from:
Cartographic entitled"Strategies for knowledge acquisition from cartographic maps by blind and visually impaired adult"

Links to sites:
DesigningBlind tv series http://www.designingblind.com/
Describe Online http://www.describe-online.com/


Regards,
Lisa


Links to articles
http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=2163997

http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060921/cgth013.html?.v=71

cached link
http://209.85.129.104/search?q=cache:4KZtAhlvMXgJ:www.vicnews.com/portals-code/list.cgi%3Fpaper%3D36%26cat%3D23%26id%3D734053%26more%3D+victoria+news+tactile+map&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=1

http://news10now.com/content/all_news/watertownnorth_country/?ArID=80816&SecID=90

London underground article
http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/press-centre/press-releases/press-releases-content.asp?prID=907

Describe Online is publishing text guides to public premises, on a website which is accessible to all who can benefit from this information

http://www.describe-online.com/

http://www.designingblind.com/

articles
Titre du document / Document title
Strategies for knowledge acquisition from cartographic maps by blind and visually impaired adults
Auteur(s) / Author(s)
UNGAR S. (1) ; BLADES M. (2) ; SPENCER C. (2) ;
Affiliation(s) du ou des auteurs / Author(s) Affiliation(s)
(1) Department of Psychology, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, Scotland, ROYAUME-UNI
(2) Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, ROYAUME-UNI
Résumé / Abstract
Two experiments are reported both of which employed a research design originally used by Thorndyke and Stasz (1980) to elicit the spontaneous strategies of map readers, and to relate these to their skill in map reading. In Experiment 1, blind, visually impaired and sighted children explored a tactile or a print map while thinking aloud. The protocols obtained were analysed according to a set of strategy types. The children were also asked to produce a copy ofthe map to test their knowledge of it. These were rated according to accuracy. Experiment 2 used the same basic procedure with blind, visually impaired and sighted adults, who explored a more complex town map and plan of a building. Sighted participants produced more accurate copies of the map, and used strategies that focused on global spatial relations on the map, while blind and visually impaired participants tended to focus on individual localised elements of the map. However those blind and visually impaired participants who produced more accurate copies of the maps, tended also to adopt a more global focus.
Revue / Journal Title
Cartographic journal (Cartogr. J.) ISSN 0008-7041 CODEN CGJLA8
Source / Source
1997, vol. 34, no2, pp. 93-110 (22 ref.)



----------------------------
Michigan Avenue Exhibit Celebrates Artists with Vision Loss
Thursday September 21

Guild for the Blind's fifth annual 'Passionate Focus 2006' proves artistic vision doesn't require 20/20 vision

CHICAGO, Sept. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- Furthering its mission to help people with vision loss achieve dignity and independence in every area of life, Chicago's Guild for the Blind < http://www.guildfortheblind.org > will host Passionate Focus 2006 - A Juried Exhibition of Works by Artists with Vision Loss at The Gallery of Fourth Presbyterian Church on North Michigan Avenue October 12 through November 15. Photographs, watercolor and oil paintings, sculpture and textile works created by legally blind artists from across the country will be displayed. Passionate Focus 2006 is presented by LaSalle Bank.


An opening night reception, exhibition preview and silent auction of the featured pieces will benefit the artists and Guild for the Blind programs on Thursday, October 12 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. Tickets are $100 and are available through the Guild at (312) 236-8569 or at the event. The exhibition will remain on display through November 15. Gallery hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 11:00 am to 4:00 pm and Sundays 8:00 am to 6:30 pm.

"At the Guild for the Blind we work with people with vision loss on an individual basis to help them reach their personal and professional goals," said David Tabak, Executive Director. "By helping restore our members' confidence and faith in their abilities, they come to realize that visual impairment is not an impediment to a full, rich life."

Most of the Guild's staff and volunteers are visually impaired. They are dedicated to helping adults throughout the Chicago area adjust to vision loss, learn to use a computer, and find meaningful employment.

"Passionate Focus is a reflection of the spirit embodied in all the Guild's programs," said Tabak. "If people with vision loss can be artists, they can also succeed at a wide range of vocations and avocations given the opportunity and support."

The artists' work included in the show was selected by a prestigious jury comprised of Victoria Lautman, arts and culture journalist, WFMT, Chicago Magazine; Dan Peterman, artist; and Lynne Warren, Curator, Museum of Contemporary Art. While selecting the artwork for the exhibition, jurors were not told of the nature and extent of the artists' vision loss; each piece was judged solely on the same merits as those of sighted artists.

Passionate Focus was the inspiration of Judi Jasek, a visually-impaired staff member at the Guild who passed away in 2003. She was an artist whose work was widely exhibited and was an inspiration to all of the people whose lives she touched. Now in its fifth year, Passionate Focus encourages artists with vision loss to answer their creative callings, and also educates the general public on the gifts and abilities of those who are blind or visually impaired.

About the Guild for the Blind

Chicago-based Guild for the Blind partners with people who've experienced vision loss to help them realize their potential and achieve their goals. Its innovative programs include New Visions, providing older adults with new vision loss with practical strategies for independent living; Employment Connection, a job readiness program for job seekers who wish to secure and retain career employment; and a state-of-the-art Computer Training Center with classes on using adaptive technology at home, work or school. For more information please visit http://www.guildfortheblind.org or call (312)
236-8569.

---

Tactile map a watershed for visually impaired

Raya-Jayne Peters demonstrates the Braille map she designed that uses textured surfaces to indicate roads, green spaces and other landmarks, allow blind people to navigate unfamiliar areas. See story, Page A3.

Victoria News
Sep 22 2006


Variety of textures help distinguish places and landmarks

Shut your eyes in a dark room, says Lois Lawrie, president of the Tactile Colour Communication Society, and you'll understand her level of blindness.

Although confident in her own long-cane skills, Lawrie says blindness of that severity usually creates shut-ins.

So she created a map of downtown Victoria, using the international tactile colour system. The society debuted the map for the first time last week at Victoria City Hall.

Designed by artist Raya Jayne Peters, the map uses different pieces of textured paper to delineate obstacles like railings, bushes and fences.

A legend on the side of the map helps users determine not only what each piece texture represents, but also the colour. The map easily folds and can be carried in a bag. There are also Braille and raised-print versions.

It's the second map of its kind to come from the local society.

They produced a similar reference tool for Beacon Hill Park using the same technique last year.

Previously, Peters hand-made maps for visually-impaired locals, but this newest addition can be printed and mass produced.

Even though Lawrie can't see the colours, she says it's an important component to map.

"When I lost my sight I was a printer and a graphic artist and I didn't want to lose my reference to colour," Lawrie said.

Some people are born blind, but the majority gradually lose sight due to illnesses or accidents.

Lawrie lost her sight 22 years ago, but learned to navigate bigger, more confusing cities before moving here. "I got very good training having come from cities in Europe. But that's not the same story for everybody," she said.

She said the audio crossings help alert visually impaired when it's safe to cross, but if you hesitate you lose your right of way.

Traffic dangers are but one obstacle to getting out and about. Another disincentive is unwanted help from well-meaning sighted pedestrians.

"The public want to help, but it's not always wanted help," Lawrie says, adding that visually-impaired people resent the infringement on their independence and find a sudden hand on their arm or shoulder alarming.

Lawrie is hoping the map will signal well-meaning pedestrians that the visually-impaired user is making out fine on their own, thank you very much.

For more information on the free map contact the Tactile Colour Communication Society at 480-1610 or go to their website at www.tactile.org.
------------------


excerpt

Michael Simmons is an artist. He's been painting most of his life.
He's also blind. Gloria says her husband is such an inspiration, that there was no question who was going to do the artwork for the cover of the book.

note: clicking on video link and you will see some of Michael Simmons work

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Blind and partially sighted people will be able to feel their way around some of London's busiest Underground stations for the first time - thanks to a new initiative launched today by London Underground (LU), the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB) and Describe Online.

“

These new tactile maps along with the detailed descriptions available online are great
”
“

Dave Taylor
Tube passenger
”
Blind passengers will be able to receive free books of tactile maps, made up of raised lines, which are read by touch instead of sight, to help them find their way around Old Street, Westminster and Earl's Court Underground stations.

The maps, which are also available in large print for partially sighted people, were commissioned by LU from RNIB as part of a pilot project to provide information which sighted passengers take for granted.

Currently blind and partially sighted people often have to rely on station staff to guide them around Underground stations.

Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London said: "The launch of large-print station maps and Tube maps that can be read through touch by blind and partially sighted people is another positive step towards making London a truly accessible and inclusive city.

"It is exactly this kind of initiative that will help blind and partially-sighted people to travel safely and with confidence, and to get the most out of all that the city has to offer."

Accessible


Tim O'Toole, LU Managing Director said: "London Underground is investing more than ever before to make the Tube as accessible as possible for all customers.

"Accessibility is about more than step-free access and features such as induction loops, tactile paving and additional and more visible Help and Information Points will be added to stations as modernisations and refurbishments of Tube stations are completed.

"In addition to these important changes LU is committed to ensuring that by 2010, 25 per cent of Tube stations will have step-free access and this will increase to one third of stations by 2013."

Dave Taylor, 36, from Birmingham, who is registered blind and travels to London regularly said: "It can be unsettling using the underground.

"When I'm unfamiliar with a station I normally ask for help from station staff to get around.

"That can be invaluable, but what I would really love is to be able to travel independently if I choose to and not have to rely on other people.

Tactile maps


"These new tactile maps along with the detailed descriptions available online are great.

"After studying them, I have a really clear idea of how the stations are laid out and how to get from one part to another. It means I can negotiate these stations on my own.

"I'm happier and more confident, and feel a lot more in control. I hope that they will be available for more stations soon."

RNIB's Dr Sarah Morley Wilkins, said: "Many blind and partially sighted people have difficulty using public transport or getting around the streets.

"Almost half of people with sight problems specifically find trains difficult to use and many feel that travelling alone is just not safe for them. With the right support and adjustments, it doesn't have to be that way.

"The availability of station staff to assist blind and partially sighted people in Tube stations is still vital.

"What we hope these maps will provide is added knowledge so that blind passengers can for example, get from the station platform or the station entrance to the manual gate where staff will be available to help them, safely and with confidence.

"We're really pleased to have had the opportunity to work with London Underground on this project.

"As it's a pilot, we'll be asking for feedback from blind and partially sighted passengers who have used the new maps."

User research


The tactile and large print station maps were developed by RNIB with the help of 15 blind and partially sighted underground users who took part in research to specify their travel needs and review samples of the maps to evaluate their effectiveness.

Station layout, including the location of the ticket office, manual gate, platforms, stairs, escalators, lifts and exits are all detailed in the plans.

The plans are designed to be used alongside step-by-step online descriptions of stations.

Books of tactile and large print station maps can be borrowed from RNIB (0845 702 3153) and NLB (0161 406 2525), viewed at the station, or obtained free of charge from London Underground's Customer Service Centre (0845 330 9880).

They have been designed to complement detailed online station descriptions at www.describe-online.com. Passengers are likely to get most benefit from these if studied before they travel.

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