Images Central
The accessible images (sometimes known as 'Tactile images') on RNIB Bookshare can be read by learners with a print-disability either by touch or by sight; as a tactile image or a large print with supporting materials. Some accessible images are a combination of tactile and large print image with raised or embossed lines and colour overprinted. Any text used would be either in braille or large print text. We have thousands of accessible images so there is something to interest everyone; curriculum subjects including Science, Geography, Maths, History, Physical Education and Psychology as well as general interest images of nature, home and garden, life skills and hobbies.
Formats
Accessible images are available in three formats:
- Large print (LP)
- Unified English Braille uncontracted (UEB1)
- Unified English Braille contracted (UEB2)
The image title will include the format indicator at the end (Large Print , UEB Uncontracted, UEB Contracted). For example:
- Water cycle (Large Print)
- Water cycle (UEB Uncontracted)
- Water cycle (UEB Contracted)
Files are downloaded as PDF's.
What are tactile images?
Tactile images or accessible images have been specifically designed to be looked at by touch and not by sight. The image therefore have been designed to be simpler and bolder with only the essential elements of the image remaining. All non-essential decorative elements are removed. Dot and line textures replace colours. This does not mean that the information they provide is simpler, the educational message is always retained.
The images in our collection are designed as 'swell' paper images (also called 'Minolta', 'Hotspot' or 'Zychem' paper) .They are easy to create once you have downloaded the PDF of the image you want.
The image is printed onto a specialised paper with a coating containing microcapsules of alcohol. When a black image is printed onto it, the carbon in the image causes the microcapsules to burst when it is heated in a swell paper fuser. As a result the image becomes tactile with raised lines and textures.
What are large print images?
Large print images are designed to be clearer, simpler and larger than their mainstream equivalent. If a large print image has colour, clear colour definition should be chosen carefully so they would not be confusing for someone with colour vision deficiency.