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

Wed Aug 10 21:45:23 UTC 2011

Thank you so much, Susan, for relaying your insights and experiences with these products and more!
Debbie

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Susan Osterhaus
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 4:24 PM
To: 'Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics'
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Economical tactile graphics - MicrocapsuleorSwellPaper in a microwave oven?

My students and I all love the Draftsman, and we are able to purchase it
with federal quota money, so it is our first choice for most of these types
of drawings. However, we too discovered that you can use a plain clipboard
with the funky foam purchased at craft stores - something affordable for
those without federal quota status. Also, prior to the Draftsman, we used
the Sewell Raised Line Drawing Board, but not the flimsy plastic that comes
with it. We still use it with braille paper and the APH Draftsman film. The
Sewell costs real money, but under $30. The main reason we still like the
Sewell is that we can use the Howe Press braille compass with it without
fear of tearing it up. We do not suggest using any compass with a very
pointed end on the Draftsman, as we fear it will tear the drawing surface.
One of my short term course students said that I should worry, as she had
done just that - torn up her first Draftsman using such a compass. By the
way, using a tracing wheel alone or on the compass does not have the same
effect on the drawing - it indents instead of rising just like with braille
paper. You need to use the Draftsman accompanying stylus (our first choice)
or a ball point pen or pencil to make the figure rise - "smooth" writing
utensil.  You scientists can explain that I'm sure. Bottom Line: We use both
the Draftsman and the Sewell board.

I've not had good experience using the Swail Dot Inverter; none of mine
every worked properly. The Quick Draw paper needs to be kept in a tight
ziplocked bag. It is not for a climate with any humidity, as it swells up on
its own if exposed. Since we are in a drought right now, it would probably
work perfectly. However, my pens also dried up too quickly.

I do like the Picture Maker: Wheatley Tactile Diagramming Kit. There are
various pieces for it. Parts of it have been used in various other math kits
such as the MathBuilder series or the new Focus in Math for younger
students.

Susan

-----Original Message-----
From: blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:blindmath-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Debbie Willis
Sent: Wednesday, August 10, 2011 2:18 PM
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
Subject: Re: [Blindmath] Economical tactile graphics - Microcapsule
orSwellPaper in a microwave oven?

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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