Objects

Tactile symbol for clothing
Tactile symbol for clothing

Tactile symbols representing objects are made with oval-shaped poster board. 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. 

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: poster board

A-B

Tactile symbol for airplane.
Tactile symbol for airplane is a toy airplane glued to the oval.
Symbol for aluminum foil is a nickel sized piece of foil glued to the oval.
Symbol for aluminum foil is a nickel sized piece of foil glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for ambulance is an X-shape made from pipe cleaners next to an O-shaped of glue or puff paint.
Tactile symbol for ambulance is an X-shape made from pipe cleaners next to an O-shaped piece of paper..
Tactile symbol for arm is a piece of round cord glued horizontally to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for arm is a piece of round cord glued horizontally to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for back is an hour glass shaped piece of felt glued vertically on the oval.
Tactile symbol for back is an hour glass shaped piece of felt glued vertically on the oval.
Tactile symbol for aluminum pan is a rectangular piece of an aluminum pan glued horizontally to the oval.
Tactile symbol for aluminum pan is a rectangular piece of an aluminum pan glued horizontally to the oval.
Tactile symbol for barn is a barn-shaped piece of felt with bits of straw glued where the door would be and centered in the oval.
Tactile symbol for barn is a barn-shaped piece of felt with bits of straw glued where the door would be and centered in the oval.
Tactile symbol for basket is a piece of needlepoint backing cut in the shape of a basket and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for basket is a piece of needlepoint backing cut in the shape of a basket and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for bass bar is an oval shaped piece of felt with a piece of craft stick glued horizontally in the oval.
Tactile symbol for bass bar is an oval shaped piece of felt with a piece of craft stick glued horizontally in the oval.
Tactile symbol for bean bag is a piece of bean bag cover with some stuffing inside glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for bean bag is a piece of bean bag cover with some stuffing inside glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for bed is a small rectangular sack of fabric with soft stuffing glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for bed is a small rectangular sack of fabric with soft stuffing glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for bicycle is a metal paperclip glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for bicycle is a metal paperclip glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for blender is three holes punched horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for blender is three holes punched horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for boat is a triangle shape of sandpaper glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for boat is a triangle shape of sandpaper glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for book or journal is several small rectangular piece of paper stapled together and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for book or journal is several small rectangular piece of paper stapled together and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for boots is leather boot lace tied in the center and shaped in an X pattern on the oval.
Tactile symbol for boots is leather boot lace tied in the center and shaped in an X pattern on the oval.
Tactile symbol for bowl is a smooth piece of paper cut in the shape of a bowl and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for bowl is a smooth piece of paper cut in the shape of a bowl and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for bra is two metal hook fasteners glued vertically on the oval.
Tactile symbol for bra is two metal hook fasteners glued vertically on the oval.
Tactile symbol for brush is a long thin rectangle of rough sandpaper glued vertically on the oval.
Tactile symbol for brush is a long thin rectangle of rough sandpaper glued vertically on the oval.
Tactile symbol for bus is a small piece of bubble wrap glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for bus is a small piece of bubble wrap glued to the center of the oval.

C-Deo

Tactile symbol for cabasa is a horizontal line of small wooden beads in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cabasa is a horizontal line of small wooden beads in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for calendar is a poker chip glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for calendar is a poker chip glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for a travel cane is the tip of a real travel cane glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for a travel cane is the tip of a real travel cane glued to the center of the oval.
Tactie symbol for a compact disc player is a small circle of felt with a jingle bell on it and pieces of macaroni to each side in the center of the oval.
Tactie symbol for a compact disc player is a small circle of felt with a jingle bell on it and pieces of macaroni to each side in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for chair is a chair shape formed from match sticks glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for chair is a chair shape formed from match sticks glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol is a piece of band aid cut in the shape of a chin and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol is a piece of band aid cut in the shape of a chin and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for Christmas tree is tinsel and a small tree light glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for Christmas tree is tinsel and a small tree light glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for claves is two matchstick sized piece of wood placed parallel to each other horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for claves is two matchstick sized piece of wood placed parallel to each other horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for clothing is several pieces of fabric together with a button placed on the oval.
Tactile symbol for clothing is several pieces of fabric together with a button placed on the oval.
Tactile symbol for coat is a small rectangle of fabric with a piece of zipper on top glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for coat is a small rectangle of fabric with a piece of zipper on top glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for a compact disc is a circle of glue or puff paint with a jingle bell inside the circle centered on the oval.
Tactile symbol for a compact disc is a circle of glue or puff paint with a jingle bell inside the circle centered on the oval.

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Tactile symbol for computer is a square of felt with a circle of cork placed on top and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for computer is a square of felt with a circle of cork placed on top and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for a conga drum is a piece of cloth glued on top of a plastic bottle cap and placed in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for a conga drum is a piece of cloth glued on top of a poker chip placed in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for the game, Connect 4, is a poker chip with a glass bead on top glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for the game, Connect 4, is a poker chip with a glass bead on top glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cup is a small plastic cylinder glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for cup is a small plastic cylinder glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for deodorant is the cap to a stick of deodorant glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for deodorant is the cap to a stick of deodorant glued to the center of the oval.

Dis-Gra

Tactile symbol for dishes are part of a plastic fork, bowl shaped piece of paper and cylindrical bead glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for dishes are part of a plastic fork, bowl shaped piece of paper and cylindrical bead glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for drum is a plastic bottle cap glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for drum is a plastic bottle cap glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for ear is the ear shape made from glue or puff paint in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for ear is the ear shape made from glue or puff paint in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for electric drum is a plastic bottle cap covered in paper with a piece of cord glued beside it on the oval.
Tactile symbol for electric drum is a plastic bottle cap covered in paper with a piece of cord glued beside it on the oval.
Tactile symbol for elevator is two flat round beads glued side-by-side to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for elevator is two flat round beads glued side-by-side to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for escalator is a piece of pipe cleaner bent to resemble a stairs blued at an angle on the oval.
Tactile symbol for escalator is a piece of pipe cleaner bent to resemble a stairs blued at an angle on the oval.
Tactile symbol for eyes are a pair of eye beads glued horizontally to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for eyes are a pair of eye beads glued horizontally to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for fire truck is a wheel-shaped piece of rubber with a match beside it on the oval.
Tactile symbol for fire truck is a wheel-shaped piece of rubber with a match beside it on the oval.

 

Tactile symbol for floor is a small rectangle of plastic in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for floor is a small rectangle of plastic in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for foot is a rectangular piece of sock glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for foot is a rectangular piece of sock glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for foot massager is a bottle cap glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for foot massager is a bottle cap glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for fork is the head of a plastic fork glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for fork is the head of a plastic fork glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for game is a glass marble glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for game is a glass marble glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for garbage truck is a wheel-shaped piece of rubber with a piece of plastic bag beside it on the oval.
Tactile symbol for garbage truck is a wheel-shaped piece of rubber with a piece of plastic bag beside it on the oval.
Tactile symbol for go-cart is a wheel-shaped piece of rubber with a rectangular piece of corrugated cardboard beside it on the oval.
Tactile symbol for go-cart is a wheel-shaped piece of rubber with a rectangular piece of corrugated cardboard beside it on the oval.
Tactile symbol for grater is a rectangular  piece of wire mesh glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for grater is a rectangular piece of wire mesh glued horizontally on the oval.

Gui-Med

Tactile symbol for guitar is two small pieces of guitar string  placed horizontally and parallel to each other on the oval.
Tactile symbol for guitar is two small pieces of guitar string placed horizontally and parallel to each other on the oval.
Tactile symbol for hair is a piece of wig or doll hair glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for hair is a piece of wig or doll hair glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for hammock is a piece of cord glued horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hammock is a piece of cord glued horizontally in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hand is a small hand-shaped piece of paper glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for hand is a small hand-shaped piece of paper glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for headphones are two pieces of soft foam connected by a piece of coiled telephone cord on the oval.
Tactile symbol for headphones are two pieces of soft foam connected by a piece of coiled telephone cord on the oval.
Tactile symbol for hearing aid is an earmold glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for hearing aid is an earmold glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for house is a piece of felt cut into the shape of a house in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for house is a piece of felt cut into the shape of a house in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for juicer is a series of holes punched on the outside edge of the oval.
Tactile symbol for juicer is a series of holes punched on the outside edge of the oval.
Tactile symbol for keyboard is four short pieces of craft stick positioned vertically and parallel to each other on the oval.
Tactile symbol for keyboard is four short pieces of craft stick positioned vertically and parallel to each other on the oval.

 

Tactile symbol for knife is the blade portion of a plastic knife glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for knife is the blade portion of a plastic knife glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for leaf is an artificial leaf glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for leaf is an artificial leaf glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for leg is a thin rectangular strip of cork placed horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for leg is a thin rectangular strip of cork placed horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for lotion is the cap from a lotion bottle glued upside down on the oval.
Tactile symbol for lotion is the cap from a lotion bottle glued upside down on the oval.
Tactile symbol for lunch bag is a piece of zipper glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for lunch bag is a piece of zipper glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for machine is a button battery glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for machine is a button battery glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for medicine is dosing cup from liquid medicine glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for medicine is dosing cup from liquid medicine glued to the center of the oval.

Med-Pan

Tactile symbol for melodica is four craft sticks glued vertically and parallel to each other with a bent straw above them.
Tactile symbol for melodica is four craft sticks glued vertically and parallel to each other with a bent straw above them.
Tactile symbol for men's underwear is a piece of wide elastic glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for men’s underwear is a piece of wide elastic glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for merry-go-round is a piece from barrel of monkeys glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for merry-go-round is a piece from barrel of monkeys glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for microphone is a straight piece of straw with a blob of glue at the top end positioned vertically on the oval.
Tactile symbol for microphone is a straight piece of straw with a blob of glue at the top end positioned vertically on the oval.
Tactile symbol for microwave is a square of waxed paper glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for microwave is a square of waxed paper glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for mittens is a piece of felt cut in the shape of a mitten and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for mittens is a piece of felt cut in the shape of a mitten and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for money is two pennies glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for money is two pennies glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for mop is a match stick glued vertically on the oval with a piece of sponge on the bottom end.
Tactile symbol for mop is a match stick glued vertically on the oval with a piece of sponge on the bottom end.
Tactile symbol for motorcycle is a metal paperclip glued to the side of  a piece of rubber cut in the shape of a wheel.
Tactile symbol for motorcycle is a metal paperclip glued to the side of a piece of rubber cut in the shape of a wheel.
Tactile symbol for mouth is a piece of felt cut in the shape of closed lips glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for mouth is a piece of felt cut in the shape of closed lips glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for movement game is a marble and a piece of tinsel glued together on the oval.
Tactile symbol for movement game is a marble and a piece of tinsel glued together on the oval.
Tactile symbol for music is a jingle bell glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for music is a jingle bell glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for nose is a small fuzzy pompom glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for nose is a small fuzzy pompom glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for outdoor game is a golf tee glued above a marble on the oval.
Tactile symbol for outdoor game is a golf tee glued above a marble on the oval.
Tactile symbol for oven is five vertical lines of puff paint parallel to each other in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for oven is five vertical lines of puff paint parallel to each other in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for pan is a skillet shape, as seen from above, drawn with puff paint in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for pan is a skillet shape, as seen from above, drawn with puff paint in the center of the oval.

Pant-Roo

Tactile symbol for pants is a square of denim glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for pants is a square of denim glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for paper towel is a triangular piece of paper towel glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for paper towel is a triangular piece of paper towel glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for piano is two pieces of plastic strips glued vertically and parallel to each other on the oval.
Tactile symbol for piano is two pieces of plastic strips glued vertically and parallel to each other on the oval.
Tactile symbol for photograph is a piece of film negative glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for photograph is a piece of film negative glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for pinata is a candy wrapper and a piece of a pinata glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for pinata is a candy wrapper and a piece of a pinata glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for pitcher is a plastic button-shape glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for pitcher is a plastic button-shape glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for plant is a seed glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for plant is a seed glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for plate is a piece of plastic plate cut in a round and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for plate is a piece of plastic plate cut in a round and glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for police car is a star-shaped blob of glue or puff paint beside a wheel-shaped piece of rubber.
Tactile symbol for police car is a star-shaped blob of glue or puff paint beside a wheel-shaped piece of rubber.
Tactile symbol for powder is the top from a baby powder bottle glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for powder is the top from a baby powder bottle glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for rain stick is two short pieces of pipe cleaner glued vertically and parallel to each other on the oval.
Tactile symbol for rain stick is two short pieces of pipe cleaner glued vertically and parallel to each other on the oval.
Tactile symbol for recipe is a strip of iron-on interfacing glued horizontally and covering both sides of the oval.
Tactile symbol for recipe is a strip of iron-on interfacing glued horizontally and covering both sides of the oval.
Tactile symbol for refrigerator is a piece of a plastic fruit basket glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for refrigerator is a piece of a plastic fruit basket glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for remote control is two small rectangles of foam sheet glued side-by-side in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for remote control is two small rectangles of foam sheet glued side-by-side in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for rolling pin is a cylindrical wooden bead with a q-tip inserted for handles and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for rolling pin is a cylindrical wooden bead with a q-tip inserted for handles and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for root is a seed with two pieces of pipe cleaner on the bottom.
Tactile symbol for root is a seed with two pieces of pipe cleaner on the bottom.

San-Swe

Tactile symbol for sanitary napkin is a piece of the pad glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for sanitary napkin is a piece of the pad glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for shaker is a small plastic egg, with rice or beans inside, glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for shaker is a small plastic egg, with rice or beans inside, glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for shampoo is the cap to a shampoo bottle glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for shampoo is the cap to a shampoo bottle glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for shirt is a strip of cloth with three buttons glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for shirt is a strip of cloth with three buttons glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for shoes is two pieces of shoelace in an + pattern on the oval.
Tactile symbol for shoes is two pieces of shoelace in an + pattern on the oval.
Tactile symbol for shorts is a piece of cloth cut in the shape of a pair of shorts and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for shorts is a piece of cloth cut in the shape of a pair of shorts and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for shot is an empty plastic syringe glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for shot is an empty plastic syringe glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for slide whistle is a piece of straw with part of a paperclip representing the slide stuck inside and glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for slide whistle is a piece of straw with part of a paperclip representing the slide stuck inside and glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for soap is a rectangular piece of a wrapper from a bar of soap.
Tactile symbol for soap is a rectangular piece of a wrapper from a bar of soap.

 

Tactile symbol for socks is a piece of sock glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for socks is a piece of sock glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for spin board is a round piece of foal sheet glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for spin board is a round piece of foal sheet glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for spoon is the head of a plastic spoon glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for spoon is the head of a plastic spoon glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for stem is  two pieces of cord placed so that it resembles a stem with roots below.
Tactile symbol for stem is two pieces of cord placed so that it resembles a stem with roots below.
Tactile symbol for stove is a spiral of puff paint or glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for stove is a spiral of puff paint or glue in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for straw is a piece of plastic straw glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for straw is a piece of plastic straw glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for sweater is a piece of sweater glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for sweater is a piece of sweater glued to the oval.

Swe-Vib

Tactile symbol for table is three matchsticks forming a table shape glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for table is three matchsticks forming a table shape glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for table game is a domino glued above a marble on the oval.
Tactile symbol for table game is a domino glued above a marble on the oval.
Tactile symbol for tape recorder is four vertical pieces of pipe cleaner glued parallel to each other.
Tactile symbol for tape recorder is four vertical pieces of pipe cleaner glued parallel to each other.
Tactile symbol for taxi is a piece of fabric with a penny glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for taxi is a piece of fabric with a penny glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tejano music is a jingle bell with six beans glued below it on the oval.
Tejano music is a jingle bell with six beans glued below it on the oval.
Television is a paper brad with the button at the bottom and the legs of the brad open in a v-shape.
Television is a paper brad with the button at the bottom and the legs of the brad open in a v-shape.
Tactile symbol for thunder tube is a piece of plastic straw with a spring from a pen poked inside and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for thunder tube is a piece of plastic straw with a spring from a pen poked inside and glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for toast is two match sticks placed vertically and parallel to each other in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for toast is two match sticks placed vertically and parallel to each other in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tongs are two long pieces of matchsticks position in a v-shape horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for tongs are two long pieces of matchsticks position in a v-shape horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for toothbrush is the head of a toothbrush glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for toothbrush is the head of a toothbrush glued horizontally on the oval.
Tactile symbol for toothpaste is the cap from a tube of toothpaste glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for toothpaste is the cap from a tube of toothpaste glued to the oval.
Tactile symbol for toy is a jack glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for toy is a jack glued to the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tractor is a wheel from a toy car glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for tractor is a wheel from a toy car glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for train is a short piece of ribbon  glued horizontally on the oval with a metal washer above it.
Tactile symbol for train is a short piece of ribbon glued horizontally on the oval with a metal washer above it.
Tactile symbol for van or car is a piece of upholstery fabric cut in a square and glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for van or car is a piece of upholstery fabric cut in a square and glued on the oval.
Tactile symbol for vibrating mat is apiece of foam sheet with a v-shaped piece of fuzzy fabric glued on top in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for vibrating mat is apiece of foam sheet with a v-shaped piece of fuzzy fabric glued on top in the center of the oval.

Vib-Wom

Tactile symbol for vibrating pillow is a v-shaped piece of fuzzy fabric glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for vibrating pillow is a v-shaped piece of fuzzy fabric glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for video game is a marble with a square of felt topped by a round of cork on the oval.
Tactile symbol for video game is a marble with a square of felt topped by a round of cork on the oval.
Tactile symbol for wagon is a round bead with a raised edge glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for wagon is a round bead with a raised edge glued in the center of the oval.
Tactile symbol for women's panties is a piece of panties with some of the elastic attached.
Tactile symbol for women’s panties is a piece of panties with some of the elastic attached.