Audio-Tactile Orientation Map
The challenge
Visually impaired and blind students face massive challenges navigating complex school environments independently. Without a way to pre-learn the space and build spatial confidence, their freedom, autonomy, and social integration are severely limited.
Who it helps
Visually impaired students in schools, orientation and mobility (O&M) instructors, educational support staff, and individuals navigating unfamiliar public buildings.
How it works
Our solution combines 3D touch with immediate audio. Touching an NFC tag triggers verbal guidance. Staff can dynamically build and update the map, giving visually impaired and blind youth absolute physical autonomy and spatial confidence.
An interactive, modular navigation system featuring Lego-style 3D-printed pieces of corridors and classrooms for tactile exploration. The map components have embedded NFC smart tags that pair with a smartphone or smart earpiece.
Tools needed
PC or MAC I7 +
FDM Printer
Project details
- Stage: Working Model
- Built by the TOM Israel community community, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Team: Students with visual impairments and blindness navigating mainstream schools and public spaces, identified through the "Or and Shema" center in the Southern District of Israel.
- Category: Daily Living
- 10 downloads
The build files for Audio-Tactile Orientation Map are free to download from this page - open source, shared by TOM: Tikkun Olam Makers.
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