Tactile graphics are raised line drawings, designed to give touch readers access to the equivalent of a print diagram.
Standards and Resources
The Australian Braille Authority recommends the following guidelines for the production of tactile graphics in Australia:
- Guidelines for Producing Accessible Graphics (2022) – published by the Round Table
- Guidelines and Standards for Tactile Graphics (2010) – published by the Braille Authority of North America. Please note that these guidelines have not yet been updated for UEB and page formatting differs from Australian standards.
The Australia and New Zealand Accessible Graphics Group (ANZAGG) is a subcommittee of the Round Table. They provide information and discussion about tactile graphics in addition to other methods for providing access to graphics, such as description and technology. ANZAGG are also in the process of publishing guidelines on 3D printing for people who are blind or have low vision.
ABA held workshops on tactile graphics in 2012 and 2013. The materials are available for free download:
The 2013 ABA workshop on tactile graphics production.
- Tactual Graphics Production: What, Why, When? (2012) – workshop materials in .doc format
- Tactual Graphics Production: How? (2013) – workshop materials in PDF format. These visual examples of print and braille graphics were used to stimulate discussion amongst the workshop audience; they are NOT all examples of best practice.
Tactile Graphic producers in Australia
Tactile graphic producers in Australia include:
Tactile graphics for primary and secondary students are produced by their state or territory Education Department.
Refer to our Directory of Braille Services and Products in Australia for more information.