Tactile Diagrams “Tactile diagrams, maps and pictures allow access to visual graphical information for blind and partially sighted people, and can greatly enhance their independence in education, work and leisure.” – RNIB National Centre for Tactile Diagrams website. Pia is a specialist in producing tactile and accessible graphs, pictures and maps for education and commercial use. We’ve been designing and creating tactile graphics and diagrams for almost 15 years. Whether you’re in education and need accessible images to present to pupils and students, or you have offices that regularly receive visitors and need an accessible floor plan of your building, we use either a hard copy or electronic version to offer you the most appropriate solution. Accessible diagrams and maps are simplified, enlarged versions of the image that you want to publish. Here’s an example of an accessible floor plan. 
Pia originates and produces two types of tactile diagram swell paper and thermoform. Swell paper graphics are originated electronically using professional graphics software and printed on specially coated paper. This paper is then fed through a heat machine, which raises the black ink on the page, making the image tactile. Here’s an example of a swell paper diagram in its original form and as a tactile diagram. 
Thermoform diagrams are originated as a collage. The completed collage is covered with a plastic or film sheet. The thermoform then heats the sheet to create a plastic mould of the original, which once cool can be removed and used as a tactile image. Shown here is a tactile plastic image of a human arm (left) and the collage used to create it (right). |
 | Contact Pia to see what solution is best for you and your students or customers.
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