Accessible Test

Desktop Food Pyramid, Secondary (5 Pack)

(New)
Packs of only the vacuum-formed personal sized pyramids offered in sets of five as a replacement part.

Desktop Stick-On Number Line – Large Print

(Continued)
Technical Research worked with the Project Leader in developing a semi-permanent print/braille tactile number line. The Project Leader agreed to a recommended screen-printed/vacuum-formed vinyl strip with a strip of double-sided tape applied to the backside. After some investigation, a suitable double-sided tape was located. This tape has a permanent adhesive on one side and a low tack or removable adhesive on the opposite. The strip is applied down the length of the number line on the permanent side, leaving the removable side with a release line exposed. The release line is removed by the customer exposing the removable adhesive, which can then be placed on the desktop. The strength of the adhesive will hold it in place, even allowing for limited repositioning. The tape is only available in 1 inch widths. In consideration of the cost of the tape and costs associated with manufacturing time of applying the tape, it was proposed to run a single strip down the length in the middle of the number line. A couple of mockups were made and provided to the Project Leader to test. The Project Leader reported that once placed on a desktop, the strip seemed to hold its position through what was considered anticipated normal use. It was also mentioned that with the stiffness of the vinyl, the edges seemed to stay down. In late April 2009, tooling for the number line began. The screen-printing tooling, vacuum form tooling (includes the number lines and placement of braille), and cutting die for number lines have been laid out in a 10-up pattern. From this layout, Technical Research routed into a plastic panel what would become the raised 10-up pattern. This panel was provided to the Model Shop, which cast the production thermoform from it, and then added the braille pins based on a template also provided by Technical Research. Art to make the production silk screen is in place. Technical Research will continue to work toward production of materials for field-testing/expert review.

Developmental Guidelines Print Kit w/CD

(Continued)
The Project Leader conducted a “Brainstorming” PDC meeting to discuss revising an existing product, making it more accessible. This will now include a CD with HTML, BRF, and DBT files. Technical Research met once more with the Project Leader regarding the various parts to this product and then part numbers were requested and received. This will now be three individual products. A Print kit w/CD, a Braille kit w/CD, and the Summary Consumables pack. Technical Research completed product specifications, conducted a meeting turning them over to Production in August, and will monitor the first production run schedule for October 2009.

Developmental Guidelines Braille Kit w/CD

(Continued)
The same information listed for the Print Kit applies to the Braille kit.

Developmental Summary Consumable

(Continued)
The same information applies to this part as well. This pack goes in both kits as well as being sold separately. A pack of these is 10 copies of the one consumable form. Production wants to get started on this part as soon as possible as it is needed for all three items.

Digital Light Box Artwork, Large Print w/CD

(New)
This was a new product taking some of the artwork from Light Box Materials Levels 1, 2, and 3 and putting them into digital format on a CD for use on a computer. Technical Research worked with the Project Leader to determine the individual parts and then developed product specifications, which were turned over to Production in July. Technical Research will monitor the first production run scheduled for November 2009.

Experiential Learning Kit

(New)

Technical Research worked with the Project Leader and the Purchasing Department to find a source for a combination crib and freestanding activity center for low vision and blind infants. A company was located in California that agreed to supply the activity center. Twenty-five of the activity centers were ordered and received. Originally, there were custom designed toys planned for use in this kit. In a September meeting regarding this product it was suggested that this kit may be developed into a curriculum that would use off-the-shelf items readily available at toy and department stores. This concept is still being evaluated. Work on this project is ongoing. Technical Research will continue to monitor the progress of this project.

EZ Track Calendar 2010

(Completed)
Technical Research selected a new butterfly photo for the front cover and gave it to our Graphics Designer in February. The Graphics Designer designed a cover, which was approved and forwarded to Bisig to include in the new APH catalog of products. Technical Research turned over files to Production in April. The calendars were completed and placed in stock July 2009.

Feel n’ Peel Textured Sheets

(New)
Project Leader called a meeting March 2009 to set dates for the timeline and requested assistance in obtaining materials for prototype samples. Technical Research had discussions with vendor currently applying textures into transparent vinyl with adhesive pre-applied. Due to the complexity of the textures desired for this product, the vendor stated that they could not produce these materials. Technical Research recommended vacuum forming the textures in larger sections, die cutting down to a finished size (likely 8.5” x 11”), and send out to a have double sided adhesive applied. Technical Research had some of the transparent vinyl sheets in its possession and turned them over to the Model Shop to be used to make field-testing materials. This product should be in field-testing by the fall of 2009.