- NCERT Economics tactile diagram book for higher secondary stage (Mathematics, Micro and Macro Economics module)
- NCERT Mathematics tactile diagram book for VI standard
- NCERT Science tactile diagram book for VI standard
- Generic diagrams (ie. DMRC map, tactile representations ofbasic shapes, fruits, vegetables etc.)
- Generic maps
- Mathematics Primer for primary and upper primary level
- A tactile resource for educating blind women about menstrual hygiene management for Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC)
- NCERT Science various important tactile concepts for class X standard
- NCERT Mathematics various important tactile concepts for class X standard
About
Access to diagrams has been one key challenge in providing education to visually impaired; especially in subjects like science, mathematics, geography, economics etc. Set up as part of the ASSISTECH group, the Centre of Excellence in Tactile Graphics (COETG) aims at empowering the persons with visual impairment by providing access to figures and diagrams in a meaningful and comprehensible tactile form.The centre has developed technology for producing high-quality yet very affordable tactile diagrams using 3-D printing for mold making and thermoforming for actual production of tactile diagrams. ASSISTECH is also working on using the latest image processing and machine learning techniques for automating production of tactile diagrams meeting applicable International guidelines.
What are Tactile Diagrams ?
Images and diagrams that are normally used by sighted people for understanding concepts or conveying information are useless for visually impaired people. Tactile Graphics are images that consist of raised lines and textures that can be used by people with visual impairment to understand some graphical information using their sense of touch.As per the estimate of WHO there are 38 million visually impaired people of which 90% of them live in the developing world. India has more than 5 million visually impaired people as per 2011 census (largest for any country). Currently many of the visually impaired students are unable to pursue subjects like sciences beyond the 8th standard partly because of lack of good diagrams explaining concepts. Books for visually impaired people are normally completely in Braille text with no accompanying graphical images. Introduction of low-cost Tactile Graphics will create a noticeable improvement in the quality of education of visually impaired people.
