China | Released Tactile Maps and Educational Books Designed Specifically for People with Visual Impairments

China has released first barrier - free maps in mass publication and heritage touch - books published at national level, a move that aligns with the spirit of the law on building a barrier - free living environment and ntroduced its first state - produced tactile maps and educational books designed specifically for people with visual impairments.  

Ahead of International White Cane Day on October 15, the Accessible Map of China and Accessible Map of the World were unveiled at the China Braille Library (CBL), a national library for visually impaired people in China, located in Beijing and operating under the China Braille Press (CBP), representing the first large - scale release of tactile maps of their kind.

These tactile maps depict China and the world, along with books featuring treasures from Beijing’s Palace Museum and the traditional Quingming Festival, according to Global Times, renowned Chinese tabloid established in 1993 with an English version launched in 2009. 

The maps created using 2D resin printing technology, enable visually impaired people to feel the outlines of territories, continents and oceans, combining raised elements produced using digital Braille printing technology.

Braille printing for people with visual impairments uses devices called braille embossers that create tactile dots on paper instead of ink. These printers connects to electronic devices and translate text into the braille system using pins or hammers to raise dots.

The maps feature tactile elements, raised textures denote provincial divisions and major landmarks on the China map, while continents and oceans are differentiated on the world map. 

The books feature more than 30 tactile representations of relics from the famous Forbidden City, allowing readers to experience the shapes and intricate details of the artefacts through touch. 

Both publishers followed national geographic standards and Braille conventions to ensure accurate and inclusive transmission of geographic knowledge.

According to the project’s developers, the initiative aims to make culture more inclusive and accessible. Future plans include adding audio descriptions and launching pilot educational programmes in schools for students with visual impairments.

Link 

https://tvbrics.com/en/news/china-releases-tactile-maps-and-books-for-people-with-visual-impairments/