Hello colleagues: I thought the following would be of interest. Regards, Robert Jaquiss Save the Date Tactile Graphics Conference November 30-December 1, 2012 The National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute is delighted to present its first conference on tactile graphics. On Friday, November 30th-December 1, 2012 we will offer a two-day-long, in-depth look at how tactile graphics can and are being made, and how tactile graphics enhance STEM education for the blind. This conference is especially relevant in light of the following: . The recent BANA publication: Guidelines and Standards For Tactile Graphics: http://www.brailleauthority.org/tg/ . The rapid adoption of digital textbooks . The June 29, 2010 DOJ/OCR letter to colleges mandating equal access to educational materials. See: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/letters/colleague-20100629.html . The May 26, 2011 Frequently Asked Questions document. The June 29, 2010 guidelines apply to all K-12 and post-secondary schools. See: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/docs/dcl-ebook-faq-201105.html We will have a variety of general topic sessions, with afternoon breakout sessions on a variety of technical topics: . When are tactile graphics necessary? . How to create and evaluate tactile graphics . Basic techniques for creating tactile graphics . Advanced techniques for creating tactile graphics . When should 3D models be used? . How can 3D models be created? . What works, what doesn't . Opportunities to network with attendees, vendors and presenters . Exhibitors will present their products during session breaks, and participants will have an opportunity to learn more about their services Those wishing to present at the NFB Tactile Graphics Conference should please see the information below. Abstracts are due no later than March 31, 2012. For more information, or to submit an abstract please visit www.nfb.org/tactilegraphics or contact Clara Van Gerven at the NFB (cvangerven@xxxxxxx or 410-659-9314, ext. 2410). Submission Criteria for Tactile Graphics Conference The submissions for the NFB Tactile Graphics Conference should fall into one of the following categories: 1. Small displays 2. Presentations on low tech techniques (foil, collage etc.) 3. Presentations on computerized techniques (capsule paper, Tiger, other embossers, rapid prototyping) 4. Presentations on educational uses and theory 5. Presentations on tactile literacy 6. Case studies/examples: what works and what doesn't Abstracts must have the following (please use the attached form): 1. Title 2. Author 3. Organization/affiliation 4. Contact information including postal address, email address, and phone number 5. The text of the abstract should not exceed five hundred words. 6. If a presentation is a hands-on presentation, include a description of the materials and equipment that will be used. 7. If a submission will include tactile handouts, these should be noted and a sample should be submitted if possible. We hope you can join us for this exciting event! National Federation of the Blind, 200 E. Wells Street, at Jernigan Place, Baltimore MD 21230 Clara Van Gerven Access Technology Content Specialist National Federation of the Blind 200 East Wells Street at Jernigan Place Baltimore, MD 21230 410-659-9314 x-2410 cvangerven@xxxxxxx The Access Technology Blog