When we read, the words in a book can “come to life” in our imagination. However, if you are blind or visually impaired, you cannot “visualize” the things, places, and people described in the text. With no visual reference to aid your imagination, words are just words. An innovative non-profit, The Living Paintings Trust, helps visually impaired people “see” by creating Touch to See books.
Videos by InspireMore
Blind people use touch to “see.” By feeling a person’s face, they can form a “picture” of someone. A blind man at a soccer game “watches” the movement on the field through his friend’s eyes. Using a finger on the man’s back, they trace the ball’s route across the field. Verbal or sign language commentary adds to the experience, allowing the blind man to follow the game.
Touch to See books from Living Paintings “bring the visual world to life through tactile images and audio descriptions.” Each page has raised pictures that depict the story. An audio guide follows along, describing each image as the reader “feels” the story through the tactile images. By combining the two senses of touch and hearing, a blind reader can visualize the story.
The innovative, raised images on each page tell the story through touch. The charity offers a library with selections that can be borrowed via post. The library contains titles for every age bracket. They include children’s first readers to complex educational material. There are books on art, poetry, architecture, and wildflowers. The non-profit continues to expand the list of available Touch to See books.
The Living Paintings Trust is in the United Kingdom. You can follow their work on Instagram, Facebook, and their website.
Please share to spread awareness.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.
Want to be happier in just 5 minutes a day? Sign up for Morning Smile and join over 455,000+ people who start each day with good news.
