tactile map features needed

[University of Oregon]

This is a second request for survey responses. In addition to OM 
instructors, this time we are seeking input from anyone who is blind or 
partially sighted as well as anyone who makes or wants to be able to 
easily make tactile maps. But we also seek input from people who 
navigate or teach navigation (formally or informally – i.e. parents) 
without tactile maps.

We have received funding from the National Science Foundation (grant 
#HRD-0533251) to create *Tactile Mapping Software* that will be 
available as a FREE download to teachers, parents, or anyone who wants 
to use it. This project is entirely NON-profit and the resulting 
software will only be as useful as the input we receive from you.

This survey will help us identify features that may be important to 
symbolize and include in the software. We ask that you answer three 
short questions, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Please send 
to our email (tacmaps at uoregon.edu <mailto:tacmaps at uoregon.edu>). Also, 
please forward this survey to anyone who may be interested in 
participating. Thank You!

If you do not wish to participate, simply discard the questionnaire. 
Responses will be completely anonymous; your name will not appear 
anywhere on the survey. Completing and returning the questionnaire 
constitutes your consent to participate.

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Please Answer the Following Questions:

   1. List *any and all* environmental features necessary for
      blind/partially sighted navigation, especially what KIND of landmarks.

   2. If you make maps, list your method(s) of tactile map production
      (swell paper, TIGER embosser, collage…). If you use more than one,
      indicate percentage of use of each method.

   3. If you make maps, what is your position or reason for producing
      tactile maps?

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Keep this letter for your records. If you have any questions regarding 
the research, contact Amy Lobben, Department of Geography, University of 
Oregon, 541-346-4566. If you have any questions regarding your rights as 
a research subject, please contact the Office of Human Subjects 
Compliance at the University of Oregon at (541) 346-2510. Thank you 
again for your help.

For more information on this project, please contact Amy Lobben at 
tacmaps at uoregon.edu <mailto:tacmaps at uoregon.edu>