Accessible Test

Textured Sorting Circles and Shapes

(Continued)
Purpose

To provide tactile diagramming circles and shapes which can be used for creating Venn diagrams on a magnetic surface and/or a Veltex^® surface.

Project Staff

Karen J. Poppe, Tactile Graphics Project Leader

Monica Vaught, Research Assistant

Tom Poppe, Pattern/Model Maker

David McGee, Manufacturing Specialist

Bisig Impact Group, Graphic Designer

Background

In February 2007, a product submission was received from a teacher in Texas who suggested that APH tactually adapt Magnetic Sorting Circles available from Learning Resources [visit http://www.learningresources.com/p2p/searchResults.do?method=view&search=basic&keyword=magnetic+sorting+circles&sortby=best&asc=true&page=1]

for the purpose of demonstrating Venn diagrams to visually impaired/blind students. The project leader presented the teacher's product idea to the Product Advisory and Review Committee (PARC). The product was approved and moved to the active development timeline in June 2007. It was suggested that the product be field tested with the ALL-IN-ONE Board [see separate report].
Concurrent with the development of the ALL-IN-ONE Board, the project leader ordered and adapted multiple sets of Learning Resources' Magnetic Sorting Circles. The project leader modified the sorting circles by applying APH's Graphic Art Tape in tactually-discernible patterns: red circles received a solid line of graphic tape; yellow circles received a spiraling pattern of graphic tape; and the blue circles remained smooth. The application of the graphic tape did not hinder the adherence of the circles to a magnetic surface.
In October 2007, a tactually-adapted set of the sorting circles and shapes were sent to the same evaluators of the ALL-IN-ONE Board. Field test results revealed the popularity of the manipulatives with 100% of the field reviewers having used the sorting circles and shapes in combination with the ALL-IN-ONE Board with both low vision and blind students. All but one of the evaluators indicated that it was helpful to have the circles tactually adapted with the graphic art tape.
In February 2008, the project leader reported a re-direction of the project to the PARC. Given the extensive in-house labor that would be involved in applying the graphic art tape to the Learning Resources' Venn diagramming circles, paired with the less-than-satisfactory textures of the commercially-available pieces, it was decided that APH would pursue the development and production of originally-designed sorting circles and textured shapes (for use with the ALL-IN-ONE Board and other Velcro boards). In April, a Product Development Meeting was held to set a complete timeline and determine initial pilot/production run quantities.
The third and fourth quarters of the fiscal year were dedicated to tooling preparation and vendor identification. Specifically, the following tasks were accomplished:

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  The project leader contacted and received samples of various magnetic sheeting in different colors, textures, and thicknesses.
  
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  The project leader prepared the initial cutting die layout to generate the needed textured shapes.
  
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  The project leader identified necessary attribute labels (e.g., smooth, rough, small, medium, triangle, star, etc.) to complement the kit of shapes and circles.
  
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  The project leader authored content for the Product Instruction booklet and created accompanying graphics.
  
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  Vendors for the magnetic sheeting were identified.
  
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  The vacuum-form patterns to create textures were prepared.
  
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  Documentation layout was readied by the outside graphic designer.
  
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  The project leader selected an ideal re-useable storage box for all of the contents of the kit.
  
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  The project leader identified .005 rigid vinyl (same material she and Model Maker located for Feel n’ Peel Stickers) as the ideal material to adhere to the magnetic substrate. Three colors were selected.
  

Work during FY 2009

The first quarter of FY 2009 witnessed the completion of the tooling needed for the production of the large print and braille versions of the Reader’s Guide. Other pre-production tasks included the following:

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  Model/Pattern Maker designed and prepared the thermoform pattern for the print/braille labels and thermoform patterns.
  
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  Design layout of cutting dies
  
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  Screen art preparation for print/braille labels; the project leader checked quality and accuracy of the braille.
  
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  Box label artwork
  
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  Determination of braille embossing method for the production of one-sided braille pages due to inclusion of many tactile diagrams.
  

By May 2009, product specifications were provided to Production staff, all outside materials and cutting dies had been received, and all in-house tooling was in place for the scheduled pilot run slated for July 2009. Because of higher priority assigned to the production of other products, the schedule production of this product was missed. By August 2009, only the print Reader’s Guide and related box label had been produced.
Work planned for FY 2010

The project leader will monitor the quality of the initial pilot and production runs. Once available, the product will be showcased at training workshops and conferences.

Tri-Fold Board

(New/Completed)
Purpose

To offer the Tri-Fold Board, originally designed for inclusion in Azer’s Interactive Periodic Table Set, for separate purchase. Its separate availability would satisfy customers’ request for an intermediate-sized display board for a variety of uses.

Project Staff

Karen J. Poppe, Tactile Graphics Project Leader

Background

The Tri-Fold Board was originally designed as a component of the recently produced Azer’s Interactive Periodic Table Study Set. The Tri-Fold Board is covered with Velcro^®-compatible material and measures 37 x 24 inches. The board can be used at its full size, folded down to one or two panels, or propped up in an easel position (if supported from behind). Two ¾-inch nickel-plated D-rings are riveted in the top center of the two outside panels for easy hanging. The reverse side of the board is covered with a protective red vinyl.

Although intended as a platform for displaying the entire Periodic Table of the Elements, the project leader noted that the size and design of the Tri-Fold Board addressed the field’s request for a display board intermediate in size between that of the large Invisiboard and the smallerPicture Maker display board. In August 2008, it was proposed to the Product Advisory and Review Committee (PARC) that the Tri-Fold Board, if sold separately, could be used in combination with many existing APH hook Velcro-backed pieces, as well as with commercially available OR teacher/parent-made manipulatives. The committee approved its availability for separate purchase.
Work during FY 2009

The minimal effort required for product development expedited the quick provision of the Tri-Fold Board under its own catalog number—1-08859-00. By July 2009, the Tri-Fold Board was announced as a new APH product, and within a month’s time had sold 100 units. Available with Quota Funds, it sells for $54.00—significantly less expensive than the Invisiboard which sells for $134.00.

The project leader’s primary role was preparing brochure information and photos, as well as overseeing the quality of received parts from the outside vendor.
Work planned for FY 2010

The Tri-Fold Board is now available for separate purchase apart from Azer’s Interactive Periodic Table Study Set. No additional work is anticipated.