Where Technology Provides People with Disabilities Access to Information
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Tactile Graphics

LaserLine™ graphic of a barchart Imagine replacing text descriptions of pictures, charts, and graphs with something more powerful. It's a high-resolution tactile image and it's just one way everyone has access.

So you're wondering how to make that picture accessible? Worried about math and science? gh has developed a high technology process for clearly communicating complex visual information through the use of raised tactile images known as LaserLine™ graphics. By using a variety of customized pattern fills, line styles, and directional indicators, these tactile graphics are used by Braille readers for accessing bar charts, subway routes, diagrams and even 3-D geometric figures every day. These graphics are available in many sizes ranging from 8.5" x 11" to wall-size foldouts.

Access to Graphs, Charts, and Diagrams

The design of each LaserLine™ graphic is based upon more than a decade of field research including all aspects of pattern fill types, placement of Braille labels, and techniques for illustrating depth. Engineered designs and high-resolution pattern fills, line styles, and directional indicators yield successful access and comprehension to complex visual information.

Improved Learning Experience

LaserLine™ graphics certainly can be used as a stand-alone tool for accessing complex visual information. However, the learning experience is significantly improved when LaserLine™ graphics are combined with other gh products such as hard copy Braille and/or Digital Talking Books. Currently, people with print disabilities have very limited access to math and science material. LaserLine™ graphics are a proven tool for learning these subjects.

LaserLine™ graphics significantly impact blind people who need access to complex visual information such as a flowchart contained in a textbook or the floor plan of a building.

In the Classroom

  • Math and Science
  • Geography and History
  • English (ie. sentence diagrams)

At Work

  • Process Flowcharts
  • Training Diagrams
  • Travel Maps (i.e. bus and subway routes)

How It Works

gh provides the service of converting complex information contained in documents into LaserLine™ graphics. gh accepts a variety of media formats, including PDF, HTML, Word, and JPEG, as well as the print document(s) to begin the conversion process. It begins with our dedicated computer graphics team designing the graphic and addressing issues such as proper pattern fill selection, placement of Braille labels, and spacing between lines.

The drawn graphics are then examined for clarity, readability, and Braille accuracy by a certified Braille transcriber. Once the design is approved, the graphic is released for tactile production. The graphic goes through a thermography process and is eventually bound into a Braille book or bound separately, as in the case of a map.

Graphics Examples

Click on the examples below to view the full image in a new window.

LaserLine™ graphic of a West Virginia map LaserLine™ graphic of a bar chart with fill patterns LaserLine™ graphic of a pair of hands used to teach sign language LaserLine™ graphic of a pie chart with fill patterns
LaserLine™ graphic of a baseball field LaserLine™ graphic of a cube with a three dimensional graph through it.