Blind Culture Artifacts
The Need
Researchers Sari Altschuler and David Weimer are working to bring an element of blind culture into the seeing spotlight. Before the development and promulgation of braille as an improved method of conveying information via tactile senses, the most common strategy for making information accessible to blind individuals involved translating a normal page into a 3D version of itself. Wherever there was ink, so followed a smooth bump detectable to fingers. To bring these artifacts to the public, Sari and David applied for a grant to develop popup exhibits featuring 3D printed versions of the artifacts found in the Perkins School’s archives. Ultimately, institutions and museums across the country will be able to host their own exhibits by downloading a set of files and reproducing the artifacts in printed form. Enabling Engineering offered technical assistance to develop printing methodologies and create digital representations of the artifacts.
