[Blindmath] Survey Finding Sharing: 3D Printer Access by TVIs

[Li Zhou]

Dear all,

    This summer we conducted a survey nationwide regarding 3D printer
access by teachers of students with visual impairments. We were very
grateful for the participation of many teachers from this list. To
show our appreciation, we would like to share with you some of our
findings.

    In total, 65 teachers of students with visual impairments from 19
states took the survey. Among them, 44 participants (67.69%) worked as
itinerant teachers, 9 (13.85%) in resource rooms, 6 (9.23%) at
residential settings, and 6 (9.23%) at other settings. Below is a
brief summary of some major findings.

1. Fifty three (53, 81.54%) of 65 participating teachers reported that
they did not have access to a 3D printer. Only 12 (18.46%) had 3D
printer access.

2. Teachers at residential schools were most likely to have 3D printer
access, compared to itinerant and resource room teachers.

3. Only 3 of the 65 teachers (4.62%) reported that they had ever used
a 3D printer.

4. Only 2 of the 65 teachers (3.08%) reported that they had ever
edited a 3D printing file.

5. Forty-nine (49) of 54 teachers who answered this question (90.74%)
thought that APH providing pre-developed 3D printer files was an
excellent idea.

6. Thirty-nine (39) of 51 teacherss who answered this question
(76.47%) listed lack of access and the cost of 3D printing as a
barrier to the benefit of 3D printing.

    Thank you and happy holidays!

Li Zhou,
American Printing House for the Blind