Touchy feely map makes life easier on York campus
Posted on 8 September 2005
The maps are portable, and have a tactile plan of the whole campus, plus more detailed sections of routes to main building entrances. Each map comes with large print text, and Braille labels. The maps are available from Disability Services, www.cs.york.ac.uk or the Library or Information Centre at the University.
Tactile Images provide a service of translating of any visual information into raised lines, shapes and textures which can be felt with the fingertips instead of viewed by the eyes
Dawn Cliff
The move follows a successful trial 18 months ago at the National Railway Museum in York when visually-impaired visitors used fingertip maps to trace their way around the building and its exhibits.
Many visually impaired people trying to find their way around public buildings or museums say they would prefer a tactile map to a person guiding them. Pictures and diagrams, which give information when touched, can also be used to explain particular exhibits.
The maps from the University of York Tactile Images group could also help companies and public bodies comply with legislation on disabled access, giving them the opportunity to develop maps, audio guides and diagrams about their services.
Project co-ordinator Dawn Cliff explained: "Visually impaired people are often overlooked when disabled access is catered for.
"Tactile Images provide a service of translating of any visual information into raised lines, shapes and textures which can be felt with the fingertips instead of viewed by the eyes. They give people with limited sight more independence, by enabling them to navigate buildings and open spaces safely, or giving information on any 2D or 3D objects."
Notes to editors:
- The University of York has an established record of research into computer interfaces for visually impaired users and in the use of a tactile dimension to the interaction.