[Nfb-science] Multi-sensory Mountain Project

[Tina Hansen]

My name is Tina Hansen, and while I am not a scientist, I thought I'd join
this list both to seek advice and keep up with trends in access technology.

 

I am interested in a way to teach size and scale to young people, and
thought I'd try it with mountains. I am interested in working with Mount
Everest, since the expedition back in 201, and Mount St. Hellens, since this
volcano is so well known here in the Pacific Northwest.

 

I am interested in creating models of these mountains and showing off some
of their key features. I thought if I could do this for our states BELL
Academy next year, it could inspire the students. It could also be used to
experiment with using 3-d models and adding narratives so they are made
accessible and usable by blind/visually impaired individuals.

 

My idea is to have Braille labels to identify key features and an audio
narrative that would identify and describe key features of these mountains.
The narrative might also include some poetry.

 

Given  this, I want to use a voice talent to make the narrative come alive.

 

I realize it would take time to create a model, so we may use one that is
already prefabricated and work with some others to add the audio components.

 

My team and I want the audio to be done in a way that doesn't require the
models to be connected to a computer or a smart phone. We want these to be
self contained, and we want the user's interacting with hot spots to trigger
the audio. I also think that having an on/off control and volume controls
would allow the user to operate the unit, but also to turn it off when it's
not in use.

 

We have just under a year to make  this happen, so my team and I want to get
started. I know there could be flaws in my plan, and I'd rather spot them
now. If any of you have thoughts on how we can make a project like this
happen, I would appreciate your advice. Thanks.