Tactile symbols representing events, holidays, and special trips  are rectangular shapes that can be made from poster board, or light-weight plastic. They are colored yellow, but this may be changed based on the needs of your student. For example, they may be able to see another color better if they have some usable vision. Just remember, touch is the sense primarily in use so the texture of the material should be distinct. 

Note: These symbols are the ones utilized at Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, so they reflect that social environment. You may need to create symbols or adapt symbols specific to the environment of the student.

If you are starting from scratch with a symbol, try to pick something that will make sense to the student. As you look at the symbols you will see that some are based on visual information and some on possible tactile information.  It is important to consider the individual’s perspective when creating the symbol. These symbols are highly abstract so it is important to note his/her visual and tactile access when designing the symbol. A part or a piece of an object often works. By necessity, however,  some symbols have to be arbitrary, because there is no obvious item to place on the symbol. When that’s the case, the student will learn the meaning through repeated association.

Shape: Rectangle

Background: Poster board, foam sheet, or plastic sheet – yellow