Food

Tactile symbol for Dr. Pepper has two soda can tabs glued vertically in the center.
Tactile symbol for Dr. Pepper has two soda can tabs glued vertically in the center.

Tactile symbols representing food are made with oval-shaped poster board that has been laminated. The backing material could be changed if necessary using materials  such as foil, contact paper, or thin foam sheeting material, although in these examples none is used. The shape is the most important, but the backing can vary depending on what materials you have and what the child can tactually discriminate. 

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: oval-shaped

Background: laminated poster board

Tactile Symbols Menu

Overview

Making Tactile Symbols

Tactile Symbol Dictionary

Actions

Animals

Emotions

Events

Food

Functions

Objects  

Numbers 

People

Places

Time

Meals

Tactile symbol for breakfast is a capital letter B made with glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for breakfast is a capital letter B made with glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for lunch is a capital letter L made with glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for lunch is a capital letter L made with glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for dinner is a capital letter D made with glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for dinner is a capital letter D made with glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for snack is five vertical lines of puff paint or glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for snack is five vertical lines of puff paint or glue in the center of the oval.

Beverages

Tactile symbol for chocolate milk with top of milk carton and fuzzy pipe cleaner glued on oval.
Tactile symbol for chocolate milk with top of milk carton and fuzzy pipe cleaner glued on oval.
Tactile symbol for coffee with coffee grounds glued in a Nickle-sized circle.
Tactile symbol for coffee with coffee grounds glued in a Nickle-sized circle.
Tactile symbol for Coca-Cola with tab from soda can glued in the center horizontally.
Tactile symbol for Coca-Cola with tab from soda can glued in the center horizontally.
Tactile symbol for Dr. Pepper with two soda can tabs glued vertically in the center.
Tactile symbol for Dr. Pepper with two soda can tabs glued vertically in the center.
Tactile symbol for ice (ice cube) is a small square of tile glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for ice (ice cube) is a small square of tile glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for juice has the plastic pull tab from a frozen juice can glued in the center horizontally.
Tactile symbol for juice has the plastic pull tab from a frozen juice can glued in the center horizontally.
Tactile symbol for Kool-Aid is made from the top piece of a Kool-Aid package.
Tactile symbol for Kool-Aid is made from the top piece of a Kool-Aid package glued on theoval horizontally.
Tactile symbol for milk has a piece of the top of the milk carton glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for milk has a piece of the top of the milk carton glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for Root Beer has three soda can tabs glued in an H-shape in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for Root Beer has three soda can tabs glued in an H-shape in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for Sprite is a rectangular piece of foam sheet with a soda can tab on top glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for Sprite is a rectangular piece of foam sheet with a soda can tab on top glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tea or iced tea with tag and string form the tea bag glued on the oval.l.
Tactile symbol for tea or iced tea with tag and string form the tea bag glued on the oval.l.
Tactile symbol for water has a "W" made of chamois cloth glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for water has a “W” made of chamois cloth glued in the center of the oval.

 

Breads, Grains, Cereal, and Starches

Tactile symbol for bagel has a cord in the shape of a circle with a bread tie on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for bagel has a cord in the shape of a circle with a bread tie on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for biscuit has two bread bag ties twisted together on each end and rounded like a biscuit in the middle.
Tactile symbol for biscuit has two bread bag ties twisted together on each end and rounded like a biscuit in the middle.
Tactile symbol for bread is the plastic tie in a loop that is twisted with the ends protruding glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for bread is the plastic tie in a loop that is twisted with the ends protruding glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cereal (cold) is a piece of the box and wax paper interior wrapper glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cereal (cold) is a piece of the box and wax paper interior wrapper glued to the center of the oval.

 

Tactile symbol for cereal (hot) is grains of oats glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cereal (hot) is grains of oats glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for donut is a round piece fo felt with a hole in the center glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for donut is a round piece fo felt with a hole in the center glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for dough is a large blob of puff paint in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for dough is a large blob of puff paint in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for french toast is the tie in a loop twisted with ends protruding and a blob of glue above it.
Tactile symbol for french toast is the tie in a loop twisted with ends protruding and a blob of glue above it.
Tactile symbol for french fries is a rectangular piece of corrugated cardboard, cut so that the lines are vertical, placed in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for french fries is a rectangular piece of corrugated cardboard, cut so that the lines are vertical, placed in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for French toast his a looped and twisted bread bag tie with a blob of glue above it in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for French toast his a looped and twisted bread bag tie with a blob of glue above it in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hash browns are three long and three short pieces of the soft part of Velcro strips forming a group of four squares that are glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hash browns are three long and three short pieces of the soft part of Velcro strips forming a group of four squares that are glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for grain (generic) is two small beads glued above a pieces of oats glued in a circle.
Tactile symbol for grain (generic) is two small beads glued above a pieces of oats glued in a circle.
Tactile symbol for a pancake is a round piece of felt glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for a pancake is a round piece of felt glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for macaroni is a single macaroni noodle glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for macaroni is a single macaroni noodle glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for mashed potatoes is a zig-zag cut piece of soft Velcro glued horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for mashed potatoes is a zig-zag cut piece of soft Velcro glued horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for popcorn is five grains of popcorn glued in a flower shape in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for popcorn is five grains of popcorn glued in a flower shape in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for potato is an oval shaped piece of sponge material glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for potato is an oval shaped piece of sponge material glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for rice is a few grains of rice glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for rice is a few grains of rice glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for spaghetti is five short pieces of spaghetti glued vertically in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for spaghetti is five short pieces of spaghetti glued vertically in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tater tots are three small circles of spongy material (see potato) glued in a horizontal line in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tater tots are three small circles of spongy material (see potato) glued in a horizontal line in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for toast is two headless match sticks glued in a vertical position parallel to each other in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for toast is two headless match sticks glued in a vertical position parallel to each other in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tortial is a small piece of felt with a bread bag tie on top glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tortilla is a small piece of felt with a bread bag tie on top glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for waffle is a piece of a strawberry basket cut in a square and placed in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for waffle is a piece of a strawberry basket cut in a square and placed in the center of the oval.

Condiments, Spices and Spreads

Tactile symbol for basil is a small circle of felt, a bundle of Easter basket grass and a small rectangular piece of sand paper glued in a diagonal along the face of the oval.
Tactile symbol for basil is a small circle of felt, a bundle of Easter basket grass and a small rectangular piece of sand paper glued in a diagonal along the face of the oval.
Tactile symbol for butter is an empty butter packet glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for butter is an empty butter packet glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for garlic is a small rectangular piece of felt with a felt x-shape glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for garlic is a small rectangular piece of felt with a felt x-shape glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for jelly is an empty jelly packet glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for jelly is an empty jelly packet glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for ketchup is four small circles of cork in a horizontal row with x-shaped puff paint on tope of them.
Tactile symbol for ketchup is four small circles of cork in a horizontal row with x-shaped puff paint on tope of them.
Tactile symbol for mayonnaise is four small circles of cork in a horizontal row in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for mayonnaise is four small circles of cork in a horizontal row in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for mustard is four small circles of cork in a horizontal row with a dot of puff paint on each one in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for mustard is four small circles of cork in a horizontal row with a dot of puff paint on each one in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for oil is a donut shape drawn in the center of the oval using puff paint.
Tactile symbol for oil is a donut shape drawn in the center of the oval using puff paint.
Tactile symbol for salad dressing is six dime-sized circles made of cork arranged in a circle around the edge of the oval.
Tactile symbol for salad dressing is six dime-sized circles made of cork arranged in a circle around the edge of the oval.
Tactile symbol for salt is a salt packet glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for salt is a salt packet glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for salsa is a spiral of tinsel pipe cleaner point facing left with four dots of cork glued above it.
Tactile symbol for salsa is a spiral of tinsel pipe cleaner point facing left with four dots of cork glued above it.
Tactile symbol for seafood sauce (cocktail sauce) is a spiral shaped piece of tinsel pipe cleaner, end point facing down, with four dots of cork glued above it.
Tactile symbol for seafood sauce (cocktail sauce) is a spiral shaped piece of tinsel pipe cleaner, end point facing down, with four dots of cork glued above it.
Tactile symbol for steak sauce is a nickel-sized circle of leather with four small dots of cork glued on top.
Tactile symbol for steak sauce is a nickel-sized circle of leather with four small dots of cork glued on top.

 

Tactile symbol for sugar is a packet of sugar glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for sugar is a packet of sugar glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for syrup is the top to a syrup bottle glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for syrup is the top to a syrup bottle glued to the oval.

Dairy

Tactile symbol for butter is an empty butter packet glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for butter is an empty butter packet glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cheese is a square cut from a plastic milk jug and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cheese is a square cut from a plastic milk jug and glued to the center of the oval.

 

Tactile symbol for chocolate milk with top of milk carton and fuzzy pipe cleaner glued on oval.
Tactile symbol for chocolate milk with top of milk carton and fuzzy pipe cleaner glued on oval.
Tactile symbol for milk has a piece of the top of the milk carton glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for milk has a piece of the top of the milk carton glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for whipped cream is a small square of sponge glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for whipped cream is a small square of sponge glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for yogurt is a pie-shaped piece of the top of the container glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for yogurt is a pie-shaped piece of the top of the container glued to the center of the oval.

Desserts

Tactile symbol for candy is made from foam peanut inside a candy wrapper glued to the center fo the oval.
Tactile symbol for candy is made from foam peanut inside a candy wrapper glued to the center fo the oval.
Tactile symbol for cookie is a large circle of thin wood or cardboard glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cookie is a large circle of thin wood or cardboard glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cupcake is a cupcake wrapper glued ot the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cupcake is a cupcake wrapper glued ot the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for donut is a round piece fo felt with a hole in the center glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for donut is a round piece fo felt with a hole in the center glued to the oval.

 

Tactile symbol for ice cream is a small wooden ice cream spoon glued horizontally to the oval.
Tactile symbol for ice cream is a small wooden ice cream spoon glued horizontally to the oval.
Tactile symbol for marshmallow is a cotton ball glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for marshmallow is a cotton ball glued to the center of the oval.

 

Tactile symbol for milk shake is a wooden ice cream spoon with three small dots of felt or thick paper glued in the horizontal line above it.
Tactile symbol for milk shake is a wooden ice cream spoon with three small dots of felt or thick paper glued in the horizontal line above it.
Tactile symbol for a dessert pizza is a circle with a wedge cut out from it and a packet of sugar to the right.
Tactile symbol for a dessert pizza is a circle with a wedge cut out from it and a packet of sugar to the right.
Tactile symbol for pudding is part of the foil top of a pudding cup glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for pudding is part of the foil top of a pudding cup glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for snow cone is a triangle with a small cotton ball on top to resemble a snow cone.
Tactile symbol for snow cone is a triangle with a small cotton ball on top to resemble a snow cone.

Fruits

Tactile symbol for apple is one large sequin glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for apple is one large sequin glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for banana is 7 sequins glued in the shape of a banana in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for banana is 7 sequins glued in the shape of a banana in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for blueberry is a small round bead with a pipe cleaner around it glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for blueberry is a small round bead with a pipe cleaner around it glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cherry is a small, smooth round bead glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cherry is a small, smooth round bead glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for unspecified fruit is a banana-shaped set of beads with 2 large sequins above the curve.
Tactile symbol for unspecified fruit is a banana-shaped set of beads with 2 large sequins above the curve.
Tactile symbol for grapes are two round beads glued on a piece of plastic grocery bag.
Tactile symbol for grapes are two round beads glued on a piece of plastic grocery bag.
Tactile symbol for lemon is 3 round beads on top and 3 circle beads below on a circle of glue.
Tactile symbol for lemon is 3 round beads on top and 3 circle beads below on a circle of glue.
Tactile symbol for lime is 8 small beads glued in a circle with 1 small bead in the center.
Tactile symbol for lime is 8 small beads glued in a circle with 1 small bead in the center.
Tactile symbol for orange is 8 small beads glued in a circle in the center fo the oval.
Tactile symbol for orange is 8 small beads glued in a circle in the center fo the oval.
Tactile symbol for peach is three small beads in a horizontal line glued on a piece of thin foam wrap.
Tactile symbol for peach is three small beads in a horizontal line glued on a piece of thin foam wrap.
Tactile symbol for pear is one large sequin with a piece of fruit stem attaching it and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for pear is one large sequin with a piece of fruit stem attaching it and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for pineapple is 4 beads positioned in a square with a piece of tinsel in the middle.
Tactile symbol for pineapple is 4 beads positioned in a square with a piece of tinsel in the middle.
Tactile symbol for raisins is the individual serving size raisin box glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for raisins is the individual serving size raisin box glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for strawberry is a small oval of sand paper with three sequins glued in the center.
Tactile symbol for strawberry is a small oval of sand paper with three sequins glued in the center.

Entrees, Fish, Meat and other Proteins

Tactile symbol for bacon is two zig-zag lines made horizontally in the center fo the oval with puff pain or glue.
Tactile symbol for bacon is two zig-zag lines made horizontally in the center fo the oval with puff pain or glue.
Tactile symbol for beans is a single bean glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for beans is a single bean glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for burrito is a small circle of felt folded in half and tied with a tinsel pipe cleaner twist.
Tactile symbol for burrito is a small circle of felt folded in half and tied with a tinsel pipe cleaner twist.
Tactile symbol for cheese is a square cut from a plastic milk jug and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cheese is a square cut from a plastic milk jug and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for chicken is half of a q-tip glued horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for chicken is half of a q-tip glued horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for chicken nuggets are a line of four tops of q-tips alternating cotton top up and down in a vertical position.
Tactile symbol for chicken nuggets are a line of four tops of q-tips alternating cotton top up and down in a vertical position.
Tactile symbol for clams is a circle of tiny bits of rock glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for clams is a circle of tiny bits of rock glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for enchiladas is a tinsel pipe cleaner bent into a wavy line and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for enchiladas is a tinsel pipe cleaner bent into a wavy line and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hamburger is a large button glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hamburger is a large button glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hotdog is a small safety pin glued horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hotdog is a small safety pin glued horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for fish is a fish-shape made from puff paint horizontally in the center for the symbol.
Tactile symbol for fish is a fish-shape made from puff paint horizontally in the center for the symbol.
Tactile symbol for macaroni and cheese is a square of a plastic milk jug with a macaroni noodle above it.
Tactile symbol for macaroni and cheese is a square of a plastic milk jug with a macaroni noodle above it.
Tactile symbol for meat is a nickel-sized circle of leather glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for meat is a nickel-sized circle of leather glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for nachos is a rectangle of a plastic milk jug on top of a rectangle of felt glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for nachos is a rectangle of a plastic milk jug on top of a rectangle of felt glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for peanut butter is the letter P made of a foam plate glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for peanut butter is the letter P made of a foam plate glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for Pigs-n-a-blanket is a nickel-sized piece of leather folded in half and tied with a bread bag tie.
Tactile symbol for Pigs-n-a-blanket is a nickel-sized piece of leather folded in half and tied with a bread bag tie.
Tactile symbol for pizza is a circle of poster board with a pie-shaped wedge cut out and a piece of plastic milk jug beside it.
Tactile symbol for pizza is a circle of poster board with a pie-shaped wedge cut out and a piece of plastic milk jug beside it.
Tactile symbol for ravioli is a wedge-shaped piece of plastic with a small Styrofoam bead in the center of the wedge.
Tactile symbol for ravioli is a wedge-shaped piece of plastic with a small Styrofoam bead in the center of the wedge.
Tactile symbol for sandwich is a nickel-shaped circle of leather position with a straight piece of bread bag tie above and below it.
Tactile symbol for sandwich is a nickel-shaped circle of leather position with a straight piece of bread bag tie above and below it.
Tactile symbol for sausage is three small circle made of leather glued in a line horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for sausage is three small circle made of leather glued in a line horizontally in the center of the oval.

 

Tactile symbol for sausage biscuit is a nickel-sized piece of leather with a straight piece of bread bag tie on top of it.
Tactile symbol for sausage biscuit is a nickel-sized piece of leather with a straight piece of bread bag tie on top of it.
Tactile symbol for tacos is a spiral of fuzzy tinsel pipe cleaner glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tacos is a spiral of fuzzy tinsel pipe cleaner glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tofu is a piece of plastic wrap with a soy bean on top glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tofu is a piece of plastic wrap with a soy bean on top glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tuna fish is the fish shape with a capital T above made from puff paint.
Tactile symbol for tuna fish is the fish shape with a capital T above made from puff paint.
Tactile symbol for turkey is a piece of place wrap from a turkey bag with a deflated balloon on top.
Tactile symbol for turkey is a piece of place wrap from a turkey bag with a deflated balloon on top.

Vegetables

Tactile symbol for beans (generic) is three small dots of glued in a horizontal line in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for beans (generic) is three small dots of glued in a horizontal line in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for broccoli is a bundle of Easter basket grass glued on top of a plastic vegetable container or bag in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for broccoli is a bundle of Easter basket grass glued on top of a plastic vegetable container or bag in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for carrot is a piece of the carrot bag with a small circle of felt on top of it.
Tactile symbol for carrot is a piece of the carrot bag with a small circle of felt on top of it.
Tactile symbol for celery is a piece of the celery bag with two stings glued in a straight line on top.
Tactile symbol for celery is a piece of the celery bag with two stings glued in a straight line on top.
Tactile symbol for coleslaw is a piece of curly ribbon glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for coleslaw is a piece of curly ribbon glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for corn is a grain of corn glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for corn is a grain of corn glued in the center of the oval.

 

Tactile symbol for green beans is a piece of a plastic vegetable container with a rectangle of sandpaper on top.
Tactile symbol for green beans is a piece of a plastic vegetable container with a rectangle of sandpaper on top.
Tactile symbol for hot pepper (jalapeno) is a piece of plastic bag with fuzzy tinsel pipe cleaner in a small circle glued on top.
Tactile symbol for hot pepper (jalapeno) is a piece of plastic bag with fuzzy tinsel pipe cleaner in a small circle glued on top.
Tactile symbol for lettuce is a bunch of Easter basket grass glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for lettuce is a bunch of Easter basket grass glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for onion is three small squares of plastic wrap glued in a triangle shape in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for onion is three small squares of plastic wrap glued in a triangle shape in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for peas is a piece of a plastic vegetable basket cut in a rectangle shape with 6 dots of puff paint in two horizontal rows on top.
Tactile symbol for peas is a piece of a plastic vegetable basket cut in a rectangle shape with 6 dots of puff paint in two horizontal rows on top.
Tactile symbol for pickle is a pickle shaped blob of puff paint in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for pickle is a pickle shaped blob of puff paint in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for potato is an oval shaped piece of sponge material glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for potato is an oval shaped piece of sponge material glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tomato is a piece of plastic vegetable basket with a foam or felt "T" glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tomato is a piece of plastic vegetable basket with a foam or felt “T” glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for vegetables (generic) is a rectangular piece of a a plastic vegetable basket glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for vegetables (generic) is a rectangular piece of a a plastic vegetable basket glued to the center of the oval.