The role of tactile images

Sighted people often take for granted just how much information is now presented in diagrams, charts, advertisements and so on, collectively referred to as 'graphics'. Increasingly, an important element of literacy is the ability to understand and interpret graphics.

People who are blind need equal access to graphics.

Providing such access is creating new challenges for educators, building owners, government authorities and suppliers of public
information.

People who are blind need

• to follow a map
• interpret the topography diagram in their geography text
• join their classmates using the Periodic table in chemistry class
• find their way down a fire escape or an emergency exit
• read a flow chart
• independently learn new environments

and to undertake simple everyday activities like recognising the architecture in their city.