[Nfb-seniors] Very unique raised location buttons

[Robert Leslie Newman]

Hi You All

 

The below information is part of an article that comes from the "Blind
Perspective" newsletter. Take a read at the very unique shaped raised
buttons/labels.

 

The author wrote: I spoke with Ann DeWitt from a company called Tangible
Surface Research. Based on feedback from the visually impaired community
they have developed products to help people with low or no vision use their
touch surface appliances. The product she was featuring in her booth is
called HALO Tactile Icons. Halo stands for Home Appliance Labeling and
Overlay Systems. 

I think these tactile stick on icons are a unique way of addressing labeling
needs for the population who are not braille users for one reason or
another. These icons can be used universally. By using different shapes,
they can be used to label home appliances such as a microwave, washing
machine and dryer, dishwasher, and oven. 

How do these differ from other labeling items? Well, unlike dots, these
icons not only tell you the location of a button, but the shape gives you a
clue about what the button actually does. Here are a few examples of labels
you could use for a touch screen microwave:
Start: right triangle
Stop/Cancel: the shape of an X
Defrost: shape of a water droplet
Light: large oval at the top with a small oval at the bottom, similar to a
light bulb
Power Level: staircase, increasing from left to right
Popcorn: shape of a popcorn kernel 

Their focus is to create shapes that have meaning and make devices and
appliances that have touch screens more accessible. These adhesive icons can
be quite handy for anyone wanting to become more independent in their home
environment. I bought a set of microwave icons for a friend who does not use
braille. I chose the clear ones since her spouse is sighted. For those who
have low vision, you can purchase either orange or black ones for high
contrast. 

They bring back the buttons to appliances that have touch screens. Yeah,
that's what I'm talking about!
For more information about this product or to order a set for your
appliances, the web site is:
TangibleSurfaceResearch.com
<http://www.theblindperspective.com/www.tangiblesurfaceresearch.com>  

or you can e-mail her at:
TangibleSurfaceResearch at gmail.com <mailto:tangiblesurfaceresearch at gmail.com>


 

 

Respectfully yours,

Robert Leslie Newman

NFBN Senior Division, President