Accessible Test

Tactile Science Posters/Puzzles

(New)
This product is not being actively worked on at this time because of difficulty in obtaining printing rights for the posters. If these rights cannot be worked out, or if posters from another source cannot be located, the product may be abandoned.

Tactile Town: 3-D O&M Kit

(Continued)
A PDC meeting was held on March 2008. The Project Leader presented an overview of product and established tentative timeline with specifications scheduled for September 2008, a pilot run set for January 2009 and production March 2009. At a July PDC, the Project Leader provided an overview of what would be the finished product following field-testing. Dates on the product timeline were moved out, with completion of the product in early 2010. At this meeting, the Project Leader solicited help in resolving a problem with the “grassy area” sections used to build the community layout. The self-adhesive Veltex tends to lift or separate from the polyethylene substrate along the edges. Technical Research offered several solutions including having the edges sewn and using a lighter duty Velcro hook. Vendors of alternative materials have been contacted in an effort to find a material that can be used instead of Veltex. This material does have to be compatible with hook Velcro. Samples of several promising materials are expected to arrive for evaluation. Technical Research will begin on specifications as product details are finalized and as time allows.

Talking Protractor

(New)
The concept of this product is to develop a protractor that provides auditory feedback in degrees, with potential accuracy of 0.5 degree. The device will likely consist of two arms with a center pivot point. A miniature rotary optical encoder will be attached at the pivot point in such a manner that real time feedback readings in degrees from 0 to 180 are possible. Optical encoders have been obtained and preliminary testing is underway. Due to workload in Technical Research, co-op engineering students from the University of Louisville have been asked to assist in the development of the arm assembly to which the encoder is attached. Once a working prototype is assembled, it will be given to the Technology Research Department in order that they can begin developing specific interfaces and software. The long-range plan is to make this device work in a wireless configuration. Decisions on what type/development of a specific wireless method will likely take some time evaluate.

Tasha Tadpole’s Puzzle Book

(Continued)
The Project Leader had re-established time lines for this item. Work on product specifications that was anticipated in late spring to early summer 2008 was changed to July 2009. This was moved to a lower priority to allow more efforts to be concentrated on projects nearer their deadlines for completion of specifications. This product is currently behind schedule due to introduction of extra components that will be part of the kit and available separately as catalog item. Technical Research has been developing new manufacturing processes and working with vendors to create new components, while documenting these process via the product specifications. The Tasha Tadpole Puzzle Book was initially to be produced in the same manner as the Squire ToAD Puzzle Book. After evaluation of feedback from the field, the Project Leader decided to make this book with an “easel” style cover. Technical Research contacted a couple of vendors currently making similar covers for APH from 0.055 inch white polyethylene and clear polycarbonate. This puzzle book has presented unique challenge to produce because of the 18 x 12 inch landscape page size. The page size introduced two problems in attempting to design the cover with these materials. The 18 inch width made finding standard ring configurations difficult and getting the cover to stand upright without sagging because of both the number of sheets (weight) and extended span to accommodate the 12 inch height of the page. Vendors have reported that samples will be made available by September for evaluation. If acceptable, work can begin on product specifications.

Tasha Tadpole Practitioner’s Guide, Braille w/CD

(Continued)
After field-testing, it was decided to add another manual for multiple handicapped children in both print and braille. This was moved to a lower priority to allow more efforts to be concentrated on projects nearer their deadlines for completion of specifications. The Project Leader had re-established time lines for this item to July 2009. This product is running behind schedule due to development issues related to the Object Cards and easel binder for the Tadpole Puzzle Book. There is a print test scheduled in early September that should bring conclusion the printing of the Object Cards, and samples of the binder is due any time. Work on specifications can begin after these issues are resolved.

Tasha Tadpole Practitioner’s Guide, Print w/CD

(Continued)
After field-testing, it was decided to add another manual for multiply-handicapped children in both print and braille. This was moved to a lower priority to allow more efforts to be concentrated on projects nearer their deadlines for completion of specifications. The Project Leader had re-established time lines for this item to July 2009. This product is running behind schedule due to development issues related to the Object Cards and easel binder for the Tadpole Puzzle Book. There is a print test scheduled in early September that should bring conclusion the printing of the Object Cards, and samples of the binder is due any time. Work on specifications can begin after these issues are resolved.

Tasha Tadpole’s Object Cards

(New)
In February 2009, the Project Leader advised Technical Research of a decision to have as part of the kit and available separately a set of Object Cards. This set would be manufactured in a manner similar those made for ToAD, though there are only 24 cards (six cards on four sheets) and they are larger. They would be printed single-sided, full color/non-bleed on 12pt C2S stock and laminated on both sides with non-glare lamination. The sheets are kiss-cut with the cards remaining attached to the sheets but allowing for easy removal.