[Blindmath] poorly prepared tactile graphics

[Blind Collegian]

Hi,
Thanks to everybody on this list for all the various helpful suggestions and 
comments. I didn't realize there was no set rule that standarizes tactile 
graphic design.
the alternate media office at my school stated that they were simply 
following the print version of the graphs, but many of the graphs and 
diagrams are produced differently and some variables are placed outside the 
graph, forcing me to seek sighted help before realizing the incorrect 
placement of variables and some toher symbols. Deciphering the tactile 
graphs is consuming more of my time than learning the problems.
I will ask the tactile graphics producer if they are following the latest 
guidelines, though judging by the wide variety in the size and texture of 
the graphs and diagrams, i don't think they are.
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Debbie Willis" <dwillis at aph.org>
To: "Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics" 
<blindmath at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 9:05 AM
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] poorly prepared tactile graphics


> There are many variables that factor into the readability of a tactile 
> graphic (TG), including the specifications and amount of time provided to 
> the accessible media producer (AMP).  If I may be of assistance by 
> reviewing a few of the TGs along with the (corresponding) original print 
> items and providing you with some feedback/suggestions on making the TGs 
> any more readable, I would be happy to do so. I would prefer not to be 
> given any information regarding the transcriber or accessible media 
> producer.  There is a document on our website (www.aph.org) titled "Making 
> Tests Accessible for Students with Visual Impairments."  This document 
> includes some helpful guidelines and considerations for producing readable 
> tactile graphics.  It also provides a bit of advice about aspects to 
> consider when selecting an accessible media producer.  Click on the 
> Accessible Tests Department banner and look under Publications to locate 
> this document.
>
> Best Wishes,
> Debbie Willis, Director
> Accessible Tests Department
> American Printing House for the Blind
> dwillis at aph.org
> 800/223-1839, ext. 311
> 502/899-2311
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] 
> On Behalf Of Lucia Hasty
> Sent: Thursday, March 12, 2009 2:46 AM
> To: blindmath at nfbnet.org
> Subject: [Blindmath] poorly prepared tactile graphics
>
> Dear Blind Collegian,
> I understand your frustration about unreadable math graphics. It is
> interesting that the agency who produced your textbook insists that it is
> transcribed correctly. The end user must be the judge of how usable the 
> book
> is, not the agency who produced it. Missing and incorrect numbers are
> definitely unacceptable, as are unreadable graphs.
>
> I wanted to let you know about a soon-to-be braille code for tactile
> graphics, probably what Connie was referring to in her reply. There 
> actually
> is a BANA code for some tactile graphics that was adopted in1983 and is
> titled "Guidelines for Mathematical Diagrams". It includes extensive
> information about producing graphs as well as other math diagrams. That
> document has been incorporated into the new "Guidelines and Standards for
> Tactile Graphics", which is currently in peer review through the end of
> April, will be revised based on review comments in early summer, and is
> expected to be an adopted BANA code by fall. This work is based on a joint
> effort between Braille Authority of North America (BANA) and the Canadian
> Braille Authority (CBA). The guidelines and standards have been 
> established
> following an extensive review of existing research and a recent research
> project conducted by the two braille authorities. The study gathered input
> from high school and college students (who are life-long braille readers) 
> in
> both Canada and the US. An extensive section on math diagrams is included,
> as well as important design standards about readability, including minimum
> size and relative position of components within a graphic. The goal of the
> Guidelines and Standards is to have a code that will provide consistent
> presentation of graphics, in all subject areas.
>
> I realize that doesn't help the poorly produced books you have now. My
> recommendation would be to work with a sighted reader to review the 
> graphs,
> since it sounds as though there are a number of problems with accuracy
> throughout the book.  For the next set of texts, you can ask the producing
> agency if they are using the current BANA code for tactile graphics.
>
> You are welcome to contact me off list (email below) if I can be of any
> further help.
> --
> Lucia Hasty, Chair, Tactile Graphics Technical Committee
> Braille Authority of North America
> Lucia at TactileGraphics.org
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