[accessibleimage] Tactile Graphics Options

Good morning, Lisa, from Westside Schools in Omaha, Nebraska, U.S.A.  You
have expressed so succinctly, my own feelings on the current and somewhat
heated controversy regarding TGD and TTT: 

"All I can say is the world is waiting for both your
contributions and with great thanks."

This list is not the place to play out this type of controversy, but it
does offer information to the listers that should increase our awareness
and understanding of what is happening on the front lines in the
development of tactile graphics software and hardware.

From my experience in team-teaching computer-assisted tactile graphics for
the National Braille Association, I have come to realize that currently
there are two separate entities to be considered.  One focuses on
producing masters for production of textbooks via the thermoform method
and then there is the faction that deals with producing tactile graphics
on site--in schools or IMCs.  And, right now, I think it is fair to say
that "never the twain shall meet."  It seems to remain a given that
thermoformed tactile graphics are preferred by the majority of braille
readers, primarily because these graphics contain better defined textures
and dimensions.  At a recent NBA workshop which compared methods and
techniques used for producing tactile graphics, there were some incredibly
beautiful masters for thermoform painstakingly produced by participants. 
In my opinion, they should be displayed in a museum--they were
masterpieces!  However, the down side is: just one master can take many
hours to produce and contracting transcribers are realizing that the
demand for inclusive tactiles is quickly eating away at their profits. 
Graphic content accounts for over 50%, on average, of today's textbooks. 
This makes the task of complete tactile replication via masters for
thermoforming an almost impossible one for private transcribers.  Also,
one has to ask: How many of these tactile drawings are actually used?

I think to myself how wonderful it would be if all braille reading
students could have the sensory advantage of either a TGD audio pad or a
TTT viewing device.  If this were possible, then graphics could be quickly
executed with a variety of computer software with full acceptance by the
readers.  It seems that, if rules and guidelines are adhered to and point
symbols standardized, then, for example, a Tiger produced graphic could be
positioned on the viewing device where audio description would easily and
effectively replace the multi-dimensions native to thermoformed tactiles,
although the Tiger CAN also produce multi-dimensional tactile drawings.  I
see that American Thermoform will be a distributor for the TTT sometime
this summer.  How ironic!  Of course, thermoformed tactiles explored on an
audio viewing device would be a delight,  but there is every reason to
believe that "toaster" raised line drawings and Tiger tactiles would also
be greatly enhanced and well received.  This needs to be put to the test!

The challenge lies in how to cross the bridge from where we are currently
with thermoform being the standard for textbook tactiles into the brave
new world of using audio viewing devices to enhance ALL tactile drawings
and then finding a way to place these devices in every facility or
institution where required.  Why shouldn't an audio viewing device be as
critical to braille reading students as a tape player or screen reader? 
It makes perfect sense to me!  Then, textbooks could contain Tiger or TGD
drawings on" beautiful braille paper" with a caveat stating that an audio
viewing device is required to FULLY access the tactile graphics contained
within.  I hope I'm not a "voice in the wilderness,"  but I sporadically
feel compelled to share my thoughts on the growing crisis of tactile
graphics delivery. -- kt

Other related posts: