Thinktech Hawaii

Filling a Need. Tactile maps, now feasible to make quickly and easily via 3-D, printing, are valuable tools for the blind and visually impaired. Development of 3D printed tactile maps for blind and visually impaired. Blind typically receive spatial information from direct experience or from audio description. Blind and visually impaired see using their sense of hearing and touch. Information about their surroundings is limited to arm’s length. They will also use either a cane or guide dog to help with mobility and orientation. These aids provide just-in-time information about the environment that they are navigating. Very little research, and resources exists for this population. There is no specific / real standard in place for creating and providing tactile maps for the blind and visually impaired. He has created maps for the University of South Florida, various training facilities and companies in Florida. The host for this episode is Ethan Allen. The guest for this episode is Howard Kaplan.