Recently, several companies announced development tools, input devices, and Web-based resources designed specifically for this market. A Tactile Tablet and Interface New York-based Touch Graphics is designing a different kind of input device, called the Talking Tactile Tablet, and an interface, called the Tactile Graphic User Interface. Each application has its own corresponding tactile diagram. A blind or visually impaired user slips a tactile diagram onto the touch screen and presses raised dots on three corners of the tactile drawing. This signals the computer to calibrate the device to the particular tactile drawing by adding a correction factor.
Audio messages instruct the user on how to set up and use the device and the software.
In a demonstration matching game, the user touches squares on the tactile diagram, which correspond to particular sounds. The matching game helps memory, listening, and spatial reasoning. The educational applications can present topics such as spatial math and geometry, which have traditionally been very difficult for the visually impaired to learn, says CEO Steven Landau. He adds that the technology could also be used to help the visually impaired work with spreadsheets. Touch Graphics recently signed a contract with the U.S. Department of Education to test the Talking Tactile Tablet.