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National Braille Press of Boston Creates Tactile Map for Denver Museum of Nature & Science

(Photo of the tactile map of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, courtesy of National Braille Press)

(Boston, MA) – June 22, 2016 – The National Braille Press (NBP) announced today that it has created tactile maps for the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for its blind and visually impaired visitors. This is the first time that the museum has produced a tactile map to help guide visually impaired visitors throughout the museum and its multitude of exhibitions. The tactile map uses raised points, lines and textures to represent objects, identify room and denote accessible areas. The map will enhance the museum experience for the blind and visually impaired as they visit the engaging exhibits to immerse themselves in the natural world.

“The Museum is continuously working to become more accessible for those of all abilities and backgrounds,” said Amanda Bennett, Director of Marketing and Communications at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. “Especially considering that the prevalence of visual impairment is rising at an increasing rate, we felt that creating tactile Museum maps for our guests with visual impairments was necessary and began searching for the right resource to help us ensure this need was met. We were happy to find a partner in National Braille Press to help us provide this amenity.”

“Creating tactile maps a labor-intensive process that requires a keen eye for detail and a steady hand,” said Brian MacDonald, President of National Braille Press. “We are happy to be able to provide these tactile maps so visitors are able to experience everything the museum has to offer.”

Creating a tactile map is a multi-step process. First step is transcription starting with a transcriber. The tactile artist will use the art of collage to add texture to the map and create a raised drawing, which can be built higher or lower to differentiate an area. The next step is proofreading. Once the initial design for the tactile map is created, a blind proofreader ensures it is accessible and that the map is accurate and not overcrowded. The final step is reproduction that occurs when the tactile map is found to be accurate and easy to read.

National Braille Press creates over 100,000 tactile graphics each year including graphics in textbooks, children’s picture books and for organizations wishing to make their information more accessible to the blind and visually impaired.

About the Denver Museum of Nature & Science

The Denver Museum of Nature & Science is the Rocky Mountain Region’s leading resource for informal science education. Our mission is to be catalyst and ignite the community’s passion for nature and science. The Museum envisions an empowered community that loves, understands, and protects our natural world. As such, a variety of engaging exhibits, discussions and activities help Museum visitors celebrate and understand the wonders of Colorado, Earth, and the universe. The Museum is located at 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver, CO, 80205. To learn more about the Museum, visit dmns.org, or call 303-370-6000. Many of the Museum’s educational programs and exhibits are made possible in part by the citizens of the seven-county metro area through the Scientific & Cultural Facilities District. Connect with the Museum on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About National Braille PressA non-profit braille publisher, National Braille Press promotes literacy for blind children through outreach programs and provides access to information by producing information in braille for blind children and adults. For more information visit www.nbp.org

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