Tactile symbols representing numbers and mathematic functions are made with trapezoid-shaped poster board of foam sheet. The shape representing cooking measurements is a half-oval shape. Various backgrounds could be used, although none are used in these examples. The shape is the most important; the backing can vary depending on what materials you have and what the child can tactually discriminate.
Most students at this level of communication are beginning to experience only basic measurement concepts generally tied to a cooking activity or routine.
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: trapezoid-shaped (numbers and functions) or half-oval shaped (measurements)