Tactile Diagrams at the Open University (Extra 62)

Getting tactile diagrams at University is often not as easy as it should be. However, the Open University has an excellent reputation for accessibility, and has developed robust processes for students to request diagrams and for those diagrams to be designed and produced.

This session was presented jointly by Jeff Bashton, former Visual Impairment Adviser at the Open University; and Andrew Whitehead, Graphics Media Developer within the OU’s Learner and Discovery Services. It briefly outlined what the Open University is, before explaining what gave rise to the tactile diagrams initiative and how it was developed.

Andrew illustrated how diagrams are prioritised, and described the tools and techniques he uses to design and produce them. We learnt how these techniques are applied to standard graphs and charts, as well as more complex images such as a cross-section of part of the brain!

If you are currently studying at University, or thinking of starting a University course soon, this session serves as a case study of how Universities can provide effective support in this area. We gave details of DSA funding models at the end of the presentation.

If you are interested in tactile diagrams in general, this session offered valuable insights into the tools and techniques available and the reasons for choosing them.

Decision Tree: Deciding if a Tactile Diagram is Necessary

1. Start
2. Is the information a repeat of the facts? Yes: go to 5. No: go to 3.
3. Would the information be more meaningful in text form? Yes: go to 6. No: go to 4. Return to 2.
4. Does the graphic require the reader to use visual discrimination or visual perception? Yes: go to 7. No: go to 8. Return to 3.
5. Do not produce graphic. Return to 2.
6. Create a figure description. Do not produce a graphic. Return to 3.
7. Modify the graphic. Return to 4.
8. Is the actual object unavailable, too small, too large, or too dangerous to examine by touch and perceived details? Yes: go to 11. No: go to 9. Return to 4.
9. Does the reader need the information from a map, figure or graph to complete an assessment/task or to participate in discussions and/or answer questions? Yes: go to 11. No: go to 10. Return to 8.
10. Do not produce graphic. Return to 9.
11. Produce graphic. Return to 8. Return to 9.

Tactile Diagram Transcribers

• A2I
• All Formats
• Pia
• RNIB Business Services
• RNIB Personal Transcription Services
• Scottish Braille Press
• Swansea University Transcription Centre
• University of Leeds Equality and Inclusion Unit

Sources of Tactile Diagrams

• RNIB Bookshare - Accessible Images
• APH Tactile Graphic Image Library (TGIL)
• National Braille Press (NBP)
• Tactile Images and Maps from the Lighthouse for the Blind, San Francisco

Sources of Swell Paper and Heat Fusers

• HumanWare Swell Form Machine
• Sight and Sound PIAF Tactile Image Printer
• HumanWare Swell Touch Markers
• HumanWare Swell Touch Paper A4 100 sheets
• HumanWare Swell Touch Paper A3 100 sheets
• Sight and Sound PIAF Swell Paper
• Braillists Consumables page

Other Links of Interest

• Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics from the Braille Authority of North America (BANA)
• Inkscape
• Curriculum Framework for Children and Young People with Vision Impairment
• Tactile Reading Conference 2025
• Visio Tactual Profile and Feel Free