Harnessing the power of 3D technology, our Accessible Media department produces tactile and Braille models enabling blind people to explore the dimensions and flow of buildings, objects, or animals that may not easily be described.

Normally, apart from domesticated creatures, the animal kingdom is mostly ‘out of reach’ or at the very least limited, if a person’s main senses are touch, smell, taste, and hearing. Unlocking the experience of the animal kingdom for Blind and DeafBlind people, 3D models allow the ‘touch’ sense to take center stage – making them ideal for application in nature parks, zoos, and aquariums since most people learn about wildlife from pictures in books, images online, and from documentaries or YouTube videos.

The possibilities do not end there – 3D tactile models are especially useful in situations where objects are so big, such as a building. Or where historical artifacts cannot be explored by touch, such as museum exhibits.

In a world where sight is the predominant sense utilised for interpretation, 3D models allow objects to become inclusive by taking advantage of people’s other senses.

Designed by the Accessible Media team in partnership with registered blind staff members, our tactile models can be printed with braille interpretation alongside the model itself upon request, further enhancing the interpretation of the bust, appealing to the user’s imagination, and painting a true picture of the natural world’s wonders.