Background

Most blind or visually impaired people require a guide to find their way around a large building or group of buildings that they are not familiar with. Braille maps are large and bulky, and are often not available. Simple tasks such as finding a specific room become impossible in modern buildings, as many features are common and signage is all visual.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) is placing demands of industry and the public sector to make their buildings and facilities accessible and useable by disabled people, and there is clearly a gap in provision of help for visually impaired individuals.

The technology

Designers and software specialists at Sheffield Hallam University have created the 'Tactile Map', a system of mapping and symbols. This involves the use of chemically impregnated paper that expands when printed i.e. the inked area is raised above the rest of the paper. using this, physically sensory maps, are created, which visually impaired people can use to help find their way around complex buildings without assistance.

Benefits

The Tactile Map system would allow access and use of complex buildings for visually impaired people. It would be especially useful in public sector organisations where many large buildings are used, such as local authorities, hospitals, colleges and universities.

Development stage

A system of symbols and mapping method has been developed, and tested to a limited extent by visually impaired people at buildings within Sheffield Hallam University, with complete success. A commercial partner is sought for further development.

Lead researcher(s)

Professor Paul Chamberlain