[Blindmath] Economical tactile graphics - Microcapsule orSwellPaper in a microwave oven?

Wed Aug 10 19:17:33 UTC 2011

As you have suggested, Sina, for a very inexpensive version of something like a DRAFTSMAN:

Place the DRAFTSMAN film on top of a 6mm sheet of craft foam (readily available and inexpensive at most craft stores).

Draw with an ink pen.

The drawn lines are not as crisp as when drawn on the DRAFTSMAN...they have more of a buckled feel.

However, this works in a pinch for simple graphics.

The quality and readability of the DRAFTSMAN tactile graphics are better, but a self-made tool that "fills the bill" is worth considering, too.

Thank you, Sina-
Debbie

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Sina Bahram
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 1:52 PM
To: 'Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics'
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Economical tactile graphics - Microcapsule orSwellPaper in a microwave oven?

Just to shed some light on the draftsman. All it is, is a clipboard with some foam on it. the phone is hard but still depresses a
bit, so when the film paper, or transparency, really, is placed on top of it and any kind of pointy, but not sharp, instrument
presses down, the paper rises up.

If cost is a concern, you can probably make something like this for around $20 or so in parts, as opposed to the $180 or so that the
draftsman sells for.

Take care,
Sina

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Debbie Willis
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 1:35 PM
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Economical tactile graphics - Microcapsule or SwellPaper in a microwave oven?

Richard, there are also non-techy ways of creating some quick, inexpensive tactile graphics. There's a really great TG-drawing tool
called the DRAFTSMAN Tactile Drawing Board. It is a versatile tactile drawing board that is used in combination with special film
and a stylus to create instant raised-line images.  The DRAFTSMAN can be used for producing simple raised-line graphics,
demonstrating math concepts and tasks, demonstrating science concepts, playing games, and much more. To read about this tool, visit
www.aph.org and look through the current Instructional Products Catalog. This product is $177 and additional packets of the film (25
sheets) is $6.

There is also the Swail Dot Inverter that can be used to construct simple diagrams, graphs, maps, and more by embossing a series of
single dots.  Braille paper (sold separately) is placed on top of the 12"X12" rubber pad.  The special stylus allows dots to be
embossed upwards by puncturing the paper on the down stroke and then pulling the dot upwards on the up stroke.  It works best with
Brailon plastic braille paper that is available from American Thermoform (www.americanthermoform.com).  This product is $43.

There is also Quick-Draw Paper that can be used to create instant tactile graphics that are useful for a wide variety of art,
orientation and mobility, diagramming, and educational activities.  You simply draw on the paper surface with a water-based marker
and the lines will swell instantly and become tactile.  This set of materials includes 10 sheets of 8 12"X11" Quick-Draw Paper,
instructions in large print, and two water-based markers for $32.  

Picture Maker: Wheatley Tactile Diagramming Kit is another useful product. This fun, colorful tactile board includes a felt covered
board measuring 20 3/4"X13", and a wide variety of Velcro-backed pieces that attach to the board in an infinite number of patterns.
It features over 100 pieces in many shapes, sizes, textures, and colors.  Extra hook Velcro materials is provided for helping to
create additional tactile pieces.  The large print/braille guidebook has suggestions and example layouts.  Picture Maker is $118.
There are additional Picture Maker packets available; one is "Textured Strips" and costs $79; another is "Storage Panel" which is
$18.  There is also a set of Picture Maker Accessories: Geometric Textured Shapes for $50.

All of the above products are pictured and discussed in the current Instructional Products Catalog available on the APH website at
www.aph.org   I hope this information on other types of products available for creating quick tactile graphics is helpful.

Debbie Willis, APH

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Richard Baldwin
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 11:03 AM
To: BlindMath Mailing List
Subject: [Blindmath] Economical tactile graphics - Microcapsule or SwellPaper in a microwave oven?

I keep thinking that one of the big needs in teaching STEM courses to blind
students is the need to quickly, easily, and economically create tactile
graphics from printed graphs and images.

I have read about using Microcapsule or Swell Paper, which seems like a
reasonable approach except that the heating devices are relatively expensive
(more than the cost of an HP laptop) and not portable.

Every teacher's lounge in K-12 and every student lounge in college has a
microwave oven. Many faculty members have a microwave oven in their office.
Has anyone tried heating a printed piece of swell paper in a microwave oven
to see how it reacts?  If it doesn't react well by itself, would it help to
sandwich it between two pieces of the silver crisping cardboard that comes
with frozen pizza? Or how about sandwiching it between two of the gel-filled
pads that are designed to be heated in a microwave oven and then applied to
sore joints? That would tend to provide a more uniform heat to the surface
of the paper. I have been unable to find any specifications regarding the
temperature requirements for causing the microcapsules to swell.

What can we do to dramatically improve the availability of custom-made
tactile graphics?

Is there a group or list that concentrates on such issues.  I found a list
named Adapted Graphics for the blind and visually impaired (Adapted
Graphics) but I was unable to navigate the interface to get registered, and
in any event, there didn't appear to be any recent posts in the archives?

Dick Baldwin

-- 
Richard G. Baldwin (Dick Baldwin)
Home of Baldwin's on-line Java Tutorials
http://www.DickBaldwin.com

Professor of Computer Information Technology
Austin Community College
(512) 223-4758
mailto:Baldwin at DickBaldwin.com
http://www.austincc.edu/baldwin/
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