[Athen] Question on tactile graphics

[jkb]

After those before me had some inconsistent and unprofessional-looking results with foil and some other techniques, I learned from Gaeir how to use PIAF with Illustrator. The paper is expensive so you have to get your technique down but the results are fantastic. I once had someone at an AT conference produce some TG (tactile graphics) for me with a fancy embosser and when I showed the students they preferred the TG I produced with PIAF. 

Illustrator is a robust, complex program so if you're not a graphic artist there will be a learning curve. If you have many other responsibilities like I did and can't spend all your time in production, you can try to find a student in the graphics program to at least create some templates for you but students who are adept with Illustrator will still need a great deal of guidance regarding what should be produced as a TG and what should be omitted. You'll use textures to delineate the different elements of the graphic and there are only so many textures that feel different enough. Too much tactile graphic is confusing for students and some can't make heads or tails out of an overly complex TG. Determining what to include and what to omit may require a meeting with the instructor - I loved involving faculty in alt format production anyway and developed some great relationships that way. Like much of alt format production, TG is an art, not a science. I added the Braille with Duxbury. Worked out great, thanks Gaeir, for PIAF and so much more.

Julie K Balassa
Sent from my iPad

> 

> From: athen-list [mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman13.u.washington.edu] On Behalf Of John Elmer

> Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2014 6:38 PM

> To: Access Technology Higher Education Network

> Subject: Re: [Athen] Question on tactile graphics

> 

>  On Aug 20, 2014, at 4:16 PM, "Linda Petty" <linda.petty at utoronto.ca> wrote:

> 

> 

> Any feedback on the PIAF Pictures in a Flash Graphic Maker?

> 

> Or other tactile graphics systems that are particularly good with graphs, line drawings, more of the math/science component, for post-secondary?

> 

>  

> 

> Thanks

> 

>  

> 

> Linda Petty, O.T. Reg. (Ont.)

> Assistive Technology Consultant

> AccessAbility Services

> 

> a division of Student Affairs

> 

> 

> UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO SCARBOROUGH

> Science Wing, Room SW302G

> 

> 1265 Military Trail, Toronto, Ontario  M1C 1A4

> Direct Line: 416-208-5144

> 

> Tel/TTY (appointments): 416-287-7560

> 

> Fax: 416-287-7334

> 

www.utsc.utoronto.ca/ability

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