Published in Miracosta Chariot,
May 9, 2005, pp. 3
Miracosta Community College
by Esther Joosten, Staff Writer
Access Specialist Designs Tactile
Audio Campus Map
The MiraCosta College Disabled Students Programs and Services department is developing a special campus map that will guide visually impaired students to buildings on campus, provide library and theatre information. The map on the computer screen gives vocal response and text response to touch of the textured shapes on the map. The map designed by Somphone Chen, is currently in development. Once ready the device will be tested out with students who are visually impaired.
The map was designed in a graphic program and transferred to Piaf paper that makes a relief of the original design. The Piaf paper sits atop a tablet that communicates with the software through touch.
Touch Graphics, the developer of the software and equipment received a grant from the United States Department of Education. Touch Graphics in turn, gave students, parents and teachers with good project proposals the opportunity to work with the equipment. Student Services Coordinator Maria Pena's proposal was approved and gave DSPS department the chance to work with the equipment and software. Pena will report her findings to Touch Graphics.
If the project proves successful,
Pena plans post the map in the lobby of the DSP&S building.
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