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Table of |
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Contents |
| INTRODUCTION | Page 2 |
| TACTILE COLOUR
Tactile Colour Communication Society |
Page 3 |
| AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION | Page 4 |
| ASSESSMENT Indicators of Success |
Page 5 |
| STAGES OF
INTERACTION Record-Keeping Methodology Indicators of Success |
Page 6 |
| TACTILE COLOUR FOR AUGUMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION Ideas for Symbol-Making |
Page 7 |
| MAKING TACTILE COLOUR SYMBOLS | Page 8 |
| USE OF TEMPLATES | Page 9 |
| SELECTION OF TACTILE COLOURS Adhesive Qualities |
Page10 |
| Raised Images | Page11 |
| Multi-Colour Symbols | Page12 |
| Symbol Format | Page14 |
| Backing Materials | Page15 |
| OTHER MATERIAL RESOURCES | Page16 |
| TACTILE COLOUR SYMBOL MAKING SERVICE Technological Tools |
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| TACTILE COLOUR CHART | Page19 |
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INTRODUCTION |
| The need to communicate is common to all human beings. However, many people cannot communicate in the same ways as most of us do. Those who do not speak, have cognitive difficulties, are hearing or sight impaired, who do not process visual imformation or have other disabilities have few communication aids designed for their use. Tactile Colour has the potential to bridge this gap by using the senses of touch or touch and sight together. The combination of texture and colour inspires care-giver and receiver alike to strive for an improved communication system. Tactile Colour can help people with multiple disabilities towared integration into their immediate environment and wider community. This manual emerged from a series of workshops designed to train agencies and care-givers toward creating an Augumentative Communication program for use by those who could benefit from such a system. It is intended as a reference for those who were trained in the workshops as well as a guide for people who were unable to attend. Support for use of this manual, as welll as answers to questions, may be obtained through email, telephone, fax or by post. (See contact numbers on page 3) On-site monitoring and back-up are also available in the Victoria, B.C. area. Tactile Colour Communication staff are involved in symbol construction and provide assistance, expertise and materials. Through this service Tactile Colour Communication Society is creating new and more permanent symbols to replace prototypes. People using this manual are encouraged to communicate with each other for brainstorming and sharing. |
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TACTILE COLOUR |
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TACTILE COLOUR is a system comprising 12 standardized textures that represent 12 Colours. Each texture is distinctive and has a bold colour. They are arranged in such a way as to reflect the colour spectrum; e.g. the texture for orange can be felt as between those of red and yellow, green is mixture of yellow and blue and so on. Contrasting colours such as red and green and black and white are represented by contrasting textures. Tactile Colour is screen-printed on sheets of self-adhesive vinyl, as well as several coloured textures to make maps, cards and images. Tactile Colour will soon be available in durable materials. |
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Tactile Colour |
| TACTILE COLOUR COMMUNICATION SOCIETY is a registered charity. We have a sister organization in the UK and work on a local, national and international level. Most ofo our work in the past has been for people with visual impairments, but lately we have expanded into the field of augmentative communication aids for people with multiple disabilities.
The objectives of Tactile Colour Communication Society and research, education, communication, access to information and integration. We firmly believe that advancements designed for people with disabilities can benefit everyone. Orders, donations, fund-raising ideas, volunteers and feedback are always welcomed by the Society. |
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Registered Charity Number: 86882 0242 RR0001 |
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Contact Info: |
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Tactile Colour Communication |
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AUGMENTATIVE COMMUNICATION |
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Augmentative Communication is defined as any and all communication methods that supplement or augment speech. Standard Augmentative Communication components are used by able-bodied persons to supplement speech and include writing, orginary gestures, facial expressions, etc... Special Augmentative Communication is used by people with disabilities who require augmentative and alternative components. These include symbols, aids, techniques and strategies that have been specially developed or refined for use by individuals with severe communication disorders. Alternative and Augmentative Commmunication (ACC) components fall into two categories: aided, which uses physical aids such as objects, graphic and Tactile Colour displays and voice outpur devices; unaided use body language, sign language, gestural codes, etc... There are many Alternative and Augumentative Communication methods. The list includes Braille, tactile systems, Bliss, Oakland, objects, picture systems, PCS, Rebus, Signing, Talking Pictures, Tactile Colour, textures and shapes. These can be used to develop communication tools such as Choice Boards, Planners, Vocabulary, Displays and Conversation Starters. Electonic Voice Output Communication Aids (VOCAS) can be used with pictures, Braille Textures, Tactile Colour or objects. |
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Assessment |
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Augmentative Communication Assessment for individuals aged 19 years or older, who live on Southern Vancouver Isalnd or the Gulf Islands, is provided by the Kardel AAC team. Children can be assessed by the Speech Language Pathlolgist in their school district. Adults, if supported by Community Living Services (Ministry of Children and Families) can access their local community support team for assessment through a referral from their case worker. Assessment is necessary in order to select the most appropriate communication system for the individual and should be conducted by a communication specialist who is aware of the full range of Augmentative Communication tools available. A person over 19 who is not supported by Community Living Services will require funding for an assessment. |
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Indicators of Success in AAC |
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Augmentative Communication takes time. So does managing uncontrolled challenging behaviours that have evolved from poor attention to communication. Initial resistance is normal and can be expected. It takes from one to six years of optimum support before an Augmentative Communication system becomes fully functional. It is preferable that a communication syste be integrated into all areas of the person's life. This means that more than one care-giver should be involved in the program. We can judge progress and success by many kinds of behaviour on the part of the individual with whom we're working. Indicators of success would be as simple as his/her showing interest, smiling, allowing us to help them feel the symbols, reaching for and accepting the symbols. Functional success can be indicated by his/her making choices, sharing information and planning the day. |
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Stages of Interaction |
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We can follow the person with whom we're working through many stages of inteaction as the program proceeds. Typically we can expect to see initial resistance to the interaction, followed in turn by tolerance, passive cooperation and finally to expressed enjoyment. The individual may then begin to take some initiative, leading the inter-action, imitating; ultimately he/she will independently initiate interaction. (Source: Provincial Outreach Program for Children with Deaf Blindness) |
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Record - Keeping |
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Keeping a running log of the participant's responses to their symbols is important for monitoring and evaluation. Interactions using Tactile Colour Augmentative Communication Aids include games, creating art objects, communication and teaching sessions. How the person responds to these inteactions should be observed and recorded. The suggestioned categories of responses begin again with: a) Initial Resistance b) Physically Assisted (hand-under-hand) c) Appeared Alert and Interested d) Eagerly Accepted e) Initated. (Source: "The Stages of Interaction of the Individual" from the Provincial Outreach Program for Children with Deaf Blindness.) |
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Methodology |
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An Experienced worker understands the subtle importance of such procedures as continual presentation of the symbols with the action; of verbalizing the meaning of the symbol so that it is consistently repeated each time it is presented. Important also - and the recommended way - is for the care-giver to guide the person's hand to the symbol hand-under-hand. Even though it may take longer to achieve results, a trust is built by guiding hand-under-hand rather than over. If the individual is receptive, a light touch on the hand before placing the symbol in the hand may also work well. This procedure is not so critical if a client has some sight, enabling use of hand-over-hand. |
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Tactile Colour |
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Tactile Colour Symbols can be used with Daily Planners for planning events, routines and activities. People-symbols can help non-visual clients to know who to expect. Activity-symbols provide information to help prepare the individual for the next event. Arranging symbols on a Choice Board can lead to recognition of preferences for planning and choice-making. To avoid overload or confusion, it is recommended that, to start with, no more than three symbols be used at one time. To communicat personal needs, symbols can be developed for washroom needs and personal care. As a conversation starter, a symbol can provide a tool to assist the person in exchanging about his/her day. Symbols on planners can be shared with others. A Voice Output Communication Aid with request messages is a powerfu teaching tool. Touching the symbol placed on the device activates the voice and the word for the symbol is heard. Tactile Colour material used for the symbol also provided touch clues for non-sighted people. Vocabulary Displays, symbols displayed on walls and tables, enable consistent and independent access for the individual. Labeling personal photographs by means of Tactile Colour material placed directly on the photos enables identification of the subjects by non-sighted people, and has been found useful in a pro-active way for those losing their sight. Tactile Colour can also be used to augment or replace three-dimensional objects. If Tactile Colour symbols are used to replace an existing 3-D object in a communication system, they should be presented together until the association between them has been made. |
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Ideas for Symbol Making |
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Most existing symbol systems are only visual. Symbol images must be selected to be pertinent and relevant to the person taht uses them. Knowledge of that individual's likes and dislikes, how he/she typically spends a day and wht activities he/she enjoys must all be considered here. Symbol making must be a joint venture. Preferences for particular Tactile Colour textures and colours need to be reflected in the symbols. When using Tactile Colour the symbols must be kept simple. (Note the drawings of the original symbol systems and the Tactile Colour simplified drawing beside each in Figure 1, on next page.) |
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Ideas for Symbol Making |
 
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An original symbol may have to be created. Where possible it's a good idea to utilize existing objects and patterns as guides; e.g. lids, spoons, stencils kits, boxes, rulers, etc... Designs may be adapted from other somewhat simplified images such as colouring books, quilting and clothes-pattern books. There are also existing symbols systems available. "The Picture Communication Symbols," by Roxanna Mayer-Johnson M.A., CCC, Speech, Language and Hearing Specialist is a good source for simple pictures that can be modified for Tactile Colour. Board Makericture Index is also recommended; both are available from: |
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| Mayer-Johnson Company P.O. Box 1579 Solana Beach, CA 92075 - 1579 Phone: 1-800-588-4548 Email: mayerj@mayer-johnson.com on the web at www.mayer-johnson.com |
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Making Tactile Colour Symbols |
| These instructions have been prepared for sighted people. | |
| You can enjoy working with this tactile medium. However, you may find it very different from anything you have ever tried before. It is quite a delicate material, in some ways easily damaged; so, it is important to be very gentle and patient, but do enjoy the challenge. The finished product is touchable, so it can be explored and interpreted by the hands and hearts of others. The rainbow colours and textures of the Tactile Colour material makes the finished work look very professional. |
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Use of Templates |
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| One needs to have a drawing or template to start with in order to ensure success when using this material. Make a template or pattern by drawing on paper or cardboard a simplified picture of the symbol and cut it out. Place this pattern face-down on the back of the Tactile Colour material, also placed face-down. Then cut around the template. Use of a craft knife rather than scissors will yield better results, but rememver to place a piece of cardboard under the Tactile Colour material to protect the table top before cutting. Keep the templates on file for future use to replace symbols that are misplaced or destroyed. Tactile Colour Communication Society provides a symbol-making service where more permanent materials can be constructed to replace obsolete prototype symbols. |
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Selection of Tactile Colours |
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This selection process begins with the individual being exposed to all 12 textured colours. Personal preferences and dislikes among them are observed and noted sop they may be reflected in the symbols that will be made later.
For some people the textures are more important than the colours used tin symbol-making; for others both texture and colour are equally important. Where more than one Tactile Colour is used in a symbol it is important to incorporate good contrast in colour and texture. In the Tactile Colour system contrasting colours are represented by contrasting textures. Ther is a limited colour range and thus you can use a multimedia approach that combines collage, magzine pictures and photos and sculpture with the application of Tactile Colour. You can extend the palette of the Tactile Colour materials to include ribbon, beads, pads. cotton batting, etc... |
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Adhesive Qualities |
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| Peel back less than 1 cm. of backing material from one corner only and fold back. |
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Adhesive Qualities |
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When manipulating Tactile Colour into place, peel back less than 1 cm. of the backing material in one corner and fold under. Now place the piece of Tactile Colour in position then apply pressure to that peeled corner and peel away the backing sheet from underneath while pressing the Tactile Colour smoothly into place. This prevents skin oils from deteriorating the adhesive quality of the backing and prevents air bubbles and unwanted wrinkles. Note: Tactile Colour material should be stored face-down in a cool place. |
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Raised Images |
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| The bold textures of Tactile Colour do not stick to each other but can be adhered with glue. |
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Raised Images |
| When creating raised images you can apply Tactile Colour onto a chosen backing material. The bold textures of the Tactile Colour material do not stick to each other but can be adhered by the use of such glues as contact cement, Weldbond and gel-type Crazy Glue. Glue should be applied uniformly and thoroughly, ensuring it reaches the edges. Applying pressure during bonding ensures good adhesion. |
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Multi-Colour Symbols |
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For symbols made from more than one adjacent Tactile Colour it's a good idea to cut one colour to match the other, thereby ensuring they both stick to the symbol's backing material and do not overlap Tape one piece of Tactile Colour face down onto a cutting board with masking tape and tape a different colour sheet face down on top of it as they overlap. Take the template of one of the colours and place it face down on top of both sheets and draw around it. |
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Multi-Colour Symbols |
     Place the other template beside the drawn image and draw around it. Firmly cut through both layers of Tactile Colour from the back. You do not have to overlay the sheets entirely but only where they join. If you are using scissors, tape the sheets of Tactile Colour together and draw around the template in the same way. Cut through both sheets simultaneously.
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Multi-Colour Symbols |
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| You may have to tape the sheets back together if they separate during cutting. If your design involves a hole in one of the textures you must cut the hole through the sheet before you can get the scissors in; but, you will lose your center image. Again, a craft knife is recommended over scissors. |
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Symbol Format |
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Type and size of materials will depend on the unique needs and preferences of the individual using the symbols. Make it fun to use them.
Another factor is whether or not the person is amubulatory. Wheelchairs have a tray on which objects may be carried and displayed.
Easy access is very important; it is advantageous for the person to be able to find and see everything easily so where possible allow symbols to be displayed completely. continued next page |
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Symbol Format |
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| This is a better practice than simply to carry symbol sets in a bag where their availbility and use is limited. Symbols can be displayed on single pages inside or on the outside of a book. There are many ways to display symbols using easily-purchased supplementay materials. |
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Backing Material |
| Hardware and general stores are a good source for many potential types of backing materials. Styrene plastics are smooth and flexible and can be used as backing for Tactile Colour material and raised images. Corners can be rounded with scissors and a hole punched in the top/middle. A complete symbol set can be held together with a small chain Kitchen counter sample tiles, 15 mm by 75 mm can be obtained at hardware stores. They have rounded corners and often have hole punched near one edge, enabling a set to be held together with a chain. Their greatest advantabe is that Tactile Colour material sticks readily to them. Apply the Tactile Colour to the smooth side, as this makes it easier to read. They are suitable for people with good dexterity; they are portable and suitable for outside activities. By assigning a unique symbol for each person known to the client, they can be used to identify people. |
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Other Material Resources |
| Trays made from plastic or various materials available at houseware and garden-supply stores are convenient for carrying an assortment of symbols. They are especially useful when beginning to collect symbols to build a communication system.
Luggage stores sell clear plastic Identification tag holders which are small enough to be carried to an outside activity. A number of them can be attacthed to a key ring through the hole in their centers.
Photographic supply stores sell clear plastic photograph album pages that can be used for Choice Boards. Separating individual pages for each activity is done easily by adhering a symbol of Tactile Colour to the top of the page while a photograph that illustrates the activity is inserted into the page. This is advantageous for an individual who is progressively losing his/her sight, making it easy to identify anda share the illustration in the future.
Photo albums of various sizes can be used as Tactile Colour symbol holders. Stationary and office-supply stores have planners, binders and plastic folders that hold and display the symbols well. Key tabs to divide loose-leaf pages can be re-covered with Tactile Colour for people who need the textures for identification. Sections can also be identified with symbols cut from Tactile Colour.
Colour-coded indexing systems can be used with a Tactile Colour overlay to enhance the existing colour.
Magnet boards work well to hold things for people in bed. Symbols made from Tactile Colour with magnetic strip backing (available from crafts stores) are easily assembled.
Industrial plastics suppliers sell a variety of plastic foam board of various thicknesses. Some soft foam boards that are available are quite suitable for building up layers of Tactile Colour. For example, you may want to place a tree, cut from the soft board, on top of the background colour. |
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Tactile Colour Symbol |
| Symbols for common communication, such words as yes, no, bed, lunch, etc. could be similar or even identical for more than one person. Tactile Colour Communication staff is involved in symbol construction and provides assistance, expertise, and materials. Symbols can also be specially made for individuals |
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Technological Tools |
| Technological Tools are available also; they can be expensive but loans for such equipment and its maintenance are available to people with physical disabilities fron Technology for Independent Living. An assessment from a speech pathologist is generally required.
There are catalogues of technological tools available. |
| One recognized supplier is: |
| Adaptivation Incorporated 2225 West 50th St., Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD, 57105. |
| Find them on the Web at: | www.adaptivation.com |
| There are tools that have been found particularly useful: Tactile Colour can be applied to the overlays to add texture and colour. They come in the form of touch-sensitive boards that activate synthesized or recorded speech when touched. Some of these products are:Vocaid, Mini Pal Pad, Traction Pads, Choice Boards and Discovery Boards. Catalogues of and information about Alternative and Augmentative Communication products are available from: |
| Kardel Consulting Services Inc., 209-2951 Tillicum Road, Victoria, B.C., V9A 2A6 Phone: 250-382-5959 Fax: 250-383-2835 |
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| Tactile Colour Communication Society would like to extend our sincere thanks to the following foundations for supporting this project. |
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