[accessibleimage] Re: a question about a scanner

Hi Janet,
 
I've seen this sort of thing happen many times. A well meaning person
not familiar with our field sees some new technology and assumes that it
is the perfect answer for some problem. What your director probably saw
was the Tiger embosser connected to a computer and a scanner. Indeed,
you can scan an image and then have the image embossed on the Tiger.
It's a relatively simple process. Unfortunately the results may not
always be what you want or need. 
 
One of the biggest problems with tactile graphics is "clutter." In many
cases, elements of a graphic may be so close to each other that when
they are embossed it will be difficult to distinguish between each of
these items or elements. For example: an outline map of the US on 81/2 x
11 inch paper will show all the states. However, the smaller states of
the northeast will be somewhat difficult to see visually but most people
can make it out if detailed information is not needed. This image can
easily be scanned into a computer using most commercial scanners. The
file can be saved and then embossed on a Tiger embosser. The Tiger will
produce a good reproduction of the image. However, when you try to
distinguish the borders of the northeastern states you will find that it
is almost impossible to determine the difference between Massachusetts,
Rhode Island, and Connecticut. The dots representing the borders will be
so close to each other that you will most likely not be able to
distinguish them.
 
Depending on the complexity of the graphical information provided by
your students you may be able to assist them. But as you can see from
the example above it could be quite difficult to tactual perceive the
minute difference that may exist in a student's work. I think that you
will want to have someone create a tactile graphic of the "graphic
organizers and story webs" so that you can learn how these graphics are
displayed. I'm not exactly sure what the director means by "graphic
organizers and story webs" but I'm thinking it might be something like
the organizational schemes achieved with the computer programs
Inspiration and Kidspiration. I think that once you understood how these
organizational diagrams are constructed you will be able to discuss each
student's work verbally and use a model of one of the diagrams to
provide feedback to the student. I think it is doable, but it will take
some training on your part with someone who is familiar with the
graphical information and a good communicator.
 
Well, I've probably told you more than you ever wanted to know, but this
is a tricky area of access. Timely access to graphical information is
available with a scanner, computer, and Tiger embosser, but the
usefulness of that information will vary from item to item.
 
Good luck and please feel free to contact me if I can be of any further
assistance.
Ike
Ike Presley, Chair
AER Division  5 - Information and Technology 

Ike Presley
American Foundation for the Blind
National Literacy Center
100 Peachtree St., Suite 620
Atlanta, GA 30303
404-525-2303
Please visit our website: www.afb.org

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________________________________

From: accessibleimage-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:accessibleimage-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Janet
Sent: Monday, June 27, 2005 6:27 PM
To: accessibleimage@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [accessibleimage] a question about a scanner


Hi List,
 
I am a totally blind teacher intern majoring in elementary special
education. I will begin my student teaching this fall. 
 
the director of Special education at my university went to the CEC
conference last April. She has had some concern whether or not I am
capable of performing essential functions of the job as a teacher. One
of her main issues of concern is my ability to assist sighted students
with images such as graphic organizers and story webs. So when she
discovered information on this "scanner" she was very excited. 
 
She described it to me thus:
 
It is a scanner with the ability to scan images and print them out as
exact images in a form of "Braille", something tactile that the blind
person can identify through touch. 
She gave me information on this scanner and other things she had
discovered at the CEC conference. When I went to read the brochures and
pamphlets she had given me, I found nothing on this scanner. I am
thinking I have been the one to loose the information. It was a while
before I finally had time to investigate all the materials she brought
me. 
 
So after the long explanation, Has anybody heard of a scanner similar to
the one above described? I haven't but then I haven't been looking for
anything like that.
Thanks for your information.

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