Low/Medium Tech Devices for Tactile Learners

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 15, 2025

Students who rely on tactile learning need accessible tools that allow them to read, write, explore, and complete tasks independently. These tools help develop academic, mobility, and daily living skills by providing hands-on, sensory-rich experiences.

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Core Learning Areas

Low and medium-tech tactile tools support:

• Literacy & Braille Production
• Math & Spatial Concepts
• Daily Living Skills
• Orientation & Mobility
• Time Management
• Workplace Readiness

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Low/Medium Tech Devices

Tools for Orientation & Mobility

• Braille Compass
  Identifies North, South, East, and West tactually. Critical for independent orientation in O&M instruction.

Tools for Labeling & Organization

• Braille Labelers
  Create uncontracted braille labels for everyday items (food, medicine, documents). Easy for sighted users to use as well.
• Bump Dots
  Tactile adhesive markers used to identify buttons, settings, or spatial reference points. Available in various colors and sizes to contrast or blend in.

Tools for Time Management

• Braille Watches
  Essential for developing independence in time-telling and scheduling.

Tools for Braille Writing

• Perkins Braillewriter
  Durable six-key manual braille typewriter. Produces high-quality braille and is great for instruction and practice.
• Slate and Stylus
  Compact and portable method to produce braille on the go.
• Braille Notetakers (Note: Higher tech)
  While technically not "low tech," some tactile learners use them alongside manual tools.

Tools for Writing and Signature Practice

• Raised Line Paper
  Embossed lines help students stay on track while writing or graphing. Offers tactile feedback for spacing and orientation.
• Full Page Writing Guide
  Assists students in staying within writing boundaries.
• Signature Guide
  A tactile frame or flexible rubber guide to practice or sign documents independently.

Tools for Reading & Literacy Development

• Script Letter Board (APH)
  Provides a tactile way to explore cursive letters by tracing upper/lowercase letterforms with a pencil or stylus.

Tools for Math Skills

• Cranmer Abacus
  Adapted abacus that allows blind students to perform arithmetic operations tactually.
• Raised Line Graph Paper
  Supports graphing, plotting points, and understanding math concepts tactually.

Tools for Task Completion & Spatial Organization

• Work-Play Trays (APH)
  Durable trays define workspace, organize materials, and support sorting or math puzzles. Can be replaced with adapted lunch trays and shelf liner for budget-friendly alternatives.

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Budget-Friendly Tips

• Use non-skid shelf liner to prevent trays or tools from slipping.
• Substitute high-cost items with DIY alternatives (e.g., craft foam for tactile graphs, raised glue lines for writing practice).
• Access tools through APH quota funds if eligible.

VI Assistive Technology

Basic Use

• Properly cares for AT tools​
• Stores and retrieves device when needed
• Use appropriate tool for the task
• Reports how to acquire, repair, maintain tool

Problem solve

• Check cable connections
• Reboot
• Call tech support
• Recharge device
• Know when to ask adult for help
• Change batteries (if applicable)

Braille Notetaker

• Turn device on/off
• Orient to braille keypad/QWERTY
• Locate keys (previous, back, forward, next, etc.)
• Locate braille display
• Locate ports: serial, parallel, and power
• Connect device to printer, embosser, power
• Use navigational commands
• Use reading commands
• Use general commands

iOS/Tablet

• Use of accessibility features
• Access digital print
• Downloading e-books
• Communicating with device
• Pairing with braille notetaker

Audio

• Adjust speed
• Adjust volume
• Go to specific page
• Move throughout the document
• Set heading level navigation
• Place a bookmark
• Move between bookmarks

Video Magnifier

• Bring various size print “in focus”
• Change image size for various tasks
• Move x-y tray horizontally to scan row
• Move x-y tray vertically to scan rows
• Locate requested items on a page.
• Self-initiate preferred features
• Use line markers to maintain place
• Draw lines to connect pictures in 2 columns
• Use video magnifier to complete reading tasks
• Use video magnifier to complete writing tasks

Basic Computer Use

• Basic computer use (ie shutting down, etc.)
• Touch type all letters
• Use shift key for capitalization
• Touch type numbers and symbols
• Type with increased accuracy
• Type with increased speed
• Use of standard printer
• Use of braille embosser + translation software
• Use of scanner

Access

• Built in Accessibility Features
• Use Screen Magnification Program
• Navigate the windows to locate desired information
• Use Screen Reader Program
• Activate/deactivate and minimize program

Windows Keystrokes

• Move between start button, desktop, taskbar (F6 or tab)
• Open start menu (Windows key or CTRL+ESC)
• Use start menu/desktop icon to open programs
• Display contents of drop-down list (Alt + â)
• Select choice on an icon or drop down list (enter)
• Mark or clear radio buttons (spacebar)
• Close a dialog box or drop down menu (Escape)
• Activate an application menu bar (F10 or Alt)
• Close applications (Alt + F4)
• Maximize a window (shift + windows + M)
• Minimize a window (Windows + M)
• Switch between applications (Alt + tab)
• Get help (F1)
• Use additional keystrokes

Word Processing

• Create a new document
• Move to menu and select from drop-down boxes
• Name and save a document
• Print a document
• Open and close a document
• Move to beginning of line or document
• Move to end of line or document
• Select text
• Cut, copy and paste text
• Undo a previous action
• Use spell check
• Proofread and edit document
• Change character format: font, size, typeface
• Change paragraph alignment
• Format bullets and numbering
• Create a table

Productivity

• Word Processing
• Spreadsheets
• PowerPoint
• Produce assignments in variety of formats
• Microsoft Keystroke commands

Online

• Email
• Open a web browser
• Read a web page
• Activate a link
• Utilize the search command in search engine
• Type in an internet address
• Move forward and back
• Locate a page in the favorites
• Social Media Access
• Download eBooks