Building a Foundation for the Tactile Journey

Living in a visually rich environment, where written communication has become increasingly image-dependent, the ability to decode information presented as a graphic is an essential component of literacy. It is imperative that we foster intentional opportunities for students with visual impairments to develop the skills and concepts necessary to gather information tactually and become efficient tactile learners.

In this session, we will explore the definitions and applications of braille literacy, tactile literacy and tactile graphicacy, define the skills and concepts of tactile learning, provide examples and link universally designed products to skills and concepts.

Join us as we examine how the development of foundational tactile literacy skills guide students to true tactile graphics mastery is both an individual and community endeavor.

This event is intended for professionals working with students who are blind and/or visually impaired and is presented in collaboration with the American Printing House for the Blind (APH). There is no fee to attend, and light breakfast fare and lunch will be provided. 

Learning objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Define braille literacy, tactile literacy and tactile graphicacy for students with visual impairments.
2. Use tactile learning principles and concepts to teach effective graphics reading and perceptual skills.
3. After an overview of available resources and tools for tactile graphics learning, evaluate your students' tactile perceptual capability and identify new areas for development and progression

Presenter

Based in the Western New York area, Erin Weaver serves as the Northeast Outreach Specialist for the American Printing House for the Blind. She has worked in the field of Blind & Visually Impaired for more than 30 years as a Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, an Orientation & Mobility Specialist and Delaware’s Statewide Coordinator of Education for the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Erin earned her A.A.S. in Early Childhood Education at Villa Maria College of Buffalo, B.S. at Michigan State University in the areas of Elementary Education, Special Education, and Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments, and M.S.E.D. at St. Bonaventure University in Childhood Literacy.

A few highlights of Erin’s career include serving as a board member of the Pennsylvania-Delaware AER Chapter, the development and implementation of Delaware’s Transition to UEB Plan, involvement with Camp Abilities, and the opportunity to work on the publications: Visual Impairment and Physical Education: Steps to Success, Gross Motor Development for Children With Visual Impairments, Teaching Gross Motor Development to Children With Visual Impairments, and Staff Training for Physical Education for Children With Visual Impairments.

Reasonable accommodation / language request

If you need a reasonable accommodation (e.g., ASL interpreter), materials in an alternate format (e.g. large print) or information in a language other than English to fully participate in this event, please indicate your request on the registration form.