[Art_beyond_sight_learning_tools] I read with my hands - tactile books

[Lisa Yayla]

Hi,
This looks very interesting. A new series of tactile books. Written and 
handmade by Lynette Rudman

Best,
Lisa


A series of tactile graphic books, educational games and activities for 
blind and visually impaired children
http://www.tactilegraphics.co.za/

INTRODUCTION
The "I read with my hands" series of tactile books and activities for 
visually impaired/blind children started in 2004 when I enrolled a blind 
3 year old girl, Colette, in my preschool. She loved to page through 
books in the reading corner and pretend that she was reading a story. 
She often asked her sighted peers to tell her what picture was on the 
page. This led me to hunt for tactile books that she could appreciate. 
After much searching in bookstores and on the Internet, I soon realized 
that there were no suitable tactile books available for sale. I then 
started making her simple tactile matching cards and games and this 
ultimately led to this large series of books that I make for young 
visually impaired/blind children.

I have designed three series of tactile graphics books. The first series 
is a set of 11 educational books. The second series consists of 5 
storybooks and the third series is a nature storybook series consisting 
of 3 books.

The latest addition to the range is an educational series of mainly 
tactile matching cards. These matching activities are suitable for use 
by the reception year or foundation phase child.

These "I read with my hands" books have helped teachers and parents to 
introduce reading in a fun way to young visually impaired/blind 
children. Schools for the blind, as well as parents of visually 
impaired/blind children in South Africa have given me a lot of positive 
feedback regarding these books.

Each book is individually handmade. Each educational book is based on 
sound educational principles and has been designed and handmade by 
myself, an experienced pre-school and foundation phase teacher. These 
books are ideal for introducing the blind or visually impaired child to 
the tactile graphics world once the concrete world has been mastered. 
Large bold print is included on each page for the child who is learning 
to read large print and the uncontracted Braille version of the word can 
be found under each word.

I have given the age ratings of each product but this is simply a guide. 
This may vary according to the child's abilities and experience.

I have recently designed a series of cloth books which are suitable for 
very young blind children as well as children of any age with 
neurological disorders. These cloth books are hard wearing, child 
friendly, cuddly, fully interactive, colourful and lots of fun. They 
teach basic concepts like matching, counting to 5, listening, shapes, 
textures and lots more.

I hope you enjoy browsing through the catalogue and that you find 
something suitable for your child.


http://www.tactilegraphics.co.za/