Tactile Maps by InTouch Graphics

Closeup of an InTouch Graphics tactile map with a vision-impaired person in a public space.
Closeup of an InTouch Graphics tactile map with a visually impaired person in a public space

Our Tactile Maps for the Blind Make Campuses Accessible

Tactile maps help blind or partially sighted people navigate outdoor or indoor spaces. 3D touch graphics include Braille and large high-contrast elements. Our permanent installation maps are typically etched in magnesium, but can also be produced in bronze, aluminum or other materials. They have a high contrast enamel paint and can include color features.

Our large tactile maps are appropriate for university campuses, schools for the blind, museums, hotel lobbies, downtown areas of cities, camps, libraries, and other sites. Maps can be made to represent outdoor walking routes, indoor floor plan layouts, fire exit routes, ramps, stairs, parking areas and more. They are an attractive complement to any venue.

Raised-relief graphics provide a valuable complement to audio wayfinding devices that a blind or partially sighted traveler might use. Tactile maps also give valuable access to information to deafblind travelers.

Our maps utilize an easy-to-read tactile-visual symbol system. They come with a map key and directory of locations, and can also be designed with an X/Y coordinate system for quick tactile navigation.

Our Experience in Tactile Graphics

InTouch Graphics has been designing and producing wayfinding maps for the blind, for indoor and outdoor installation settings, for over 30 years.

Our combined experience in blindness education, graphic design, and cartography significantly distinguishes us from other tactile mapmakers. We have over 35 years of direct experience teaching orientation and mobility skills to blind and deafblind adults, combined with 30 years of experience designing and producing tactile maps for the blind for indoor and outdoor settings. We have developed tactile mapping in partnership with ClickAndGo Wayfinding.

Our visual and tactile symbols are based upon feedback from low vision, blind and deafblind users. Visual and tactile information is presented clearly, identifying important landmarks which can assist in orientation, and doing so in a way that avoids both tactile and visual clutter.

Contact us to discuss your accessible wayfinding needs.

Partial List of Previous Clients

  • Bayside Area and Special Services Library for the Visually Impaired (Virginia Beach)
  • Brooklyn Botanic Garden (NY)
  • Cerritos College (CA)
  • Cleveland State University
  • Columbia University/Teachers College (NY)
  • El Camino College (CA)
  • Guide Dogs of America (CA)
  • Guiding Eyes for the Blind (NY)
  • Kansas School for the Blind
  • Lavelle School for the Blind (NY)
  • Leader Dog (MI)
  • Long Beach City College (CA)
  • Metro Transit division of the Metropolitan Council (MN)
  • Minnesota State Services for the Blind
  • Mukilteo Ferry Terminal (WA)
  • National Czech and Slovac Museum
  • New York State Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped
  • New York State Department of Transportation
  • New York University
  • Porterville College (CA)
  • Queens College (NY)
  • Seattle Lighthouse for the Blind (WA)
  • Seeing Eyes for the Blind (NJ)
  • Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired
  • The California School for the Blind
  • The Childrens’ Museum of Indianapolis
  • The Helen Keller National Center (NY)
  • The International Spy Museum (Washington DC)
  • University of Alaska, Anchorage
  • University of Georgia
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of Tennessee
  • Washington State Department of Transportation
  • West Hills College Coalinga (CA)
  • West Hills College Lemoore (CA)
Tactile map mounted on outdoor post, Guide Dogs of America campus
Tactile map mounted on outdoor post, Guide Dogs of America campus