[accessibleimage] Re: Questions about Swell paper and tactile graphics

We have been making CAT (computer assisted tactile) graphics for several years using the drawing features in Microsoft Word to create the artwork. If you are using regular 11 x 11 1/2 braille size swell paper you will need either a copy machine or a 11 x 17 laser printer. The advantage of laser printers and/or copy machines is the high carbon material they use in their "ink". The high carbon absorbs more heat thereby causing the lines to be more distinct. We have made literally hundreds of graphics and the blind students adjust to them very easily. We usually process the paper in a PIAF "toaster" at the highest heat setting. If blistering occurs in areas with substantial ink, lower the heat a little until you find one that works for you. If you're not familar with the drawing tool board in Microsoft Word it would be worth your time to check it out. There are a number of premade figures plus several free hand methods for copying map features, as well as other symbols useful in creating graphics. There are also a variety of textures we find useful for separating the segments of a pie chart, as an example. We save the graphic Word files in .rtf format so they can be read by nearly all computers. We store the Braille 2000 .abt files and the graphic .rtf files on the same CD for reproduction by another person or agency. The .rtf files also work with a "Tiger" embosser. One response to your query mentioned the size of the embossed dots. Braille 2000 has a font that solves the problem and creats normal dots that turn out well with the finished swell paper graphic. Beginners sometimes try to include too much information and end up with a "too busy" graphic that is difficult for the student to read with their available time. In those instances, the students prefer transcriber notes in the Braille text to save them time. There just are not enough hours in a day for the student to handle two or more textbooks loaded with graphics so we try to include only those that are easier to understand in graphic form, like math drawings and major features on some maps. 
   Pete Schuyler
   Sarasota, FL
----- Original Message ----- From: "Janet" <joybubbles@xxxxxxxxxxxx> 
To: <accessibleimage@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, November 28, 2006 10:39 PM
Subject: [accessibleimage] Re: Questions about Swell paper and tactile graphics 



HI Gaeir
Thanks for your very clear and precise explanation.
The laser printer you mentioned, is it a regular off-the-shelf brand or a
special one designed for this purpose?

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