Magnifiers, closed circuit televisions, monocular, and telescopes provide alternative means to accessing information. Tactile aids can be of great assistance in providing access to materials. Tactile maps can be created using aluminum foil and an embosser or with glue to outline the main features and dimensions of an area. Cuisenaire rods can be helpful in math concepts. Embossed letters and stencils are extremely helpful in learning the print alphabet and for manuscript purposes.
Many devices exist on the market to assist with tactile access to information.
However, be careful to not expect a student with a vision impairment to comprehend everything presented in this mode. A stuffed bear looks similar to a real bear, but when the student has never seen a live bear, it becomes very confusing when he is told that this dead, fabric stuffed, marble eyed toy is a bear. Use good judgment in presenting tactile information and always inform the student that the materials being presented are symbolic. Specially designed tools are commercially available to provide access to leisure activities, academic instruction, and to assist with independent living skills. Software programs are available to provide access to many of the educationally oriented programs already in use within the classroom.