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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#0563C1" vlink="#954F72"><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal>My name is Tina Hansen, and I’m pleased to become a part of the discussion on tactile graphics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>Since I’ve been working on this Mount Everest project for our state’s BELL program, I’ve really gotten interested in this whole thing on tactile art and tactile graphics.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’m interested in discussing issues related to how to present tactile graphics effectively to a blind/visually impaired person, whether it be a student or anyone.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>One thing this project has helped me realize is the challenge when a blind person is faced with a tactile graphic. How is the individual able to make sense of the graphic? I know that I needed to order a set of world maps produced by the American Printing House for the Blind. This map set is excellent, but there are some isues. The key it supplies is valuable, but there is no real context.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I am blind myself, and I do have some understanding of geography, but I do recognize that this map set’s major limitation is the lack of real context commentary. I understand that APH has a map of the US that seems to have come up with a solution to this issue, and I’d love to see more of this kind of solution that combines the Braille map with audio so the blind person doesn’t need to depend on a live commentator.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I’ve also gotten interested in the potential of 3-d technology and 3-d printing. My team and I have been experimenting with using audio tools to annotate 3-d models, since we have one of Mount Everest.<o:p></o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal>I recognize that there is no one perfect solution to presenting or interpreting tactile graphics, but my hope is that we can engage in dialog and work on how to address the issues relating to tactile art and graphics. Thanks.<o:p></o:p></p></div></body></html>