[Pibe-division] Accessibility in a museum: molds and book in the anthropod zoo

[Jewel]

Thanks for the suggestion! It certainly has a number of replicas!

On 5/16/12, Jaquiss, Robert <RJaquiss at nfb.org> wrote:
> Hello Jewel and list:
>
>      If you want good replicas, I would suggest checking out Safari LTD.
> Their web site is:
> www.safariltd.com Safari has a wide variety of animals, dinosaurs etc. Hope
> this helps.
>
> Regards,
>
> Robert
>
>
> Robert Jaquiss
> Access Technology Specialist
> National Federation of the Blind Jernigan Institute
> 200 E. Wells Street at Jernigan Place
> Baltimore, MD 21230
> Phone: (410) 659-9314, Ext.2422
> Email: rjaquiss at nfb.org
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pibe-division-bounces at nfbnet.org
> [mailto:pibe-division-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Jewel
> Sent: Tuesday, May 15, 2012 5:46 PM
> To: Professionals in Blindness Education Division List
> Subject: [Pibe-division] Accessibility in a museum: molds and book in the
> anthropod zoo
>
> Dear list,
> I am currently volunteering with the North Carolina Museum of Natural
> Sciences to improve accessibility for the disabled. I am mainly focusing on
> accessibility for the blind, since that's the area I know the most about,
> but am also looking at accessibilty for people with wheelchairs and the
> hearing-impaired.
>
> So, part of the project centers around what they affectionately call the
> "Anthropod Zoo." This is an area that houses anthropods of all types and
> kids can view  them through glass. Unfortunately, like many museum exhibits
> of this type, a blind or visually impaired child would quickly get
> frustrated and bored in this area. So, we have come up with a few solutions
> for this exhibit and I'd like your opinion and suggestions in regard to
> these ideas.
>
> First, we plan to make molds of the anthropods of silicone or another
> durable material. The problem with silicone, in my opinion, is that the
> actual anthropods are covered in hard shells and silicone is very soft and
> rubbery, making the molds not quite equivalent. Thus, I'm looking for other
> durable materials that, while hard to break, feel more like the external
> shells of anthropods. Anyone know of a material that would fit this purpose?
> The molds, once made, would be glued to the wall beside each aquarium, and
> there would be a Braille label telling the child what this is a mold of.
>
> Second is my pet project. I want to create a book of simple images of the
> anthropods overlayed by tactile images. There would be large print on the
> left, Braille on a seperate clrear sheet in the middle, and the image
> overlayed with the tactile image on the right. Children could find the
> anthropod in the book, then go find the mold, and if they have some sight,
> look for the animal in its aquarium. This book would be placed close to the
> aquariums so that students can go back and forth if they want, or look at it
> seperately.
>
> Now, this project has several things that I need to know how to do. I need
> help from someone who has the equipment and the know-how to make the tactile
> graphics and describe them if necessary (no more than a single side of a
> page in Braille). Also, I need to know what material to use for the book;
> should I use laminated paper for the large print and thermaform for
> everything else?
>
> Obviously I have my work cut out for me. What do you guys think of this
> project, and can anyone recommend someone to make the tactile graphics
> (whether for pay or as a volunteer)? Do any of you have suggestions as
> professionals, maybe something I've missed?
>
> Thanks for any ideas or advice,
> Amber "Jewel" Shuping
> 919.802.1576
> herekittykat2 at gmail.com
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pibe-division mailing list
> Pibe-division at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/pibe-division_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Pibe-division:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/pibe-division_nfbnet.org/rjaquiss%40nfb.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> Pibe-division mailing list
> Pibe-division at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/pibe-division_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for
> Pibe-division:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/pibe-division_nfbnet.org/herekittykat2%40gmail.com
>