Founded in 2008 by former LIFE Magazine staff photographer John Olson, Tactile Images grew from his decade-long partnership with the National Federation of the Blind and a belief that visual access supports independence. The company works with blind and visually impaired communities to turn visual knowledge into touch-based experiences, helping museums and other institutions make their collections accessible without relying on a sighted companion.
Tactile ImagesFounded in 2008 by former LIFE Magazine photographer John Olson, Tactile Images creates custom 3D tactile renderings that let blind and visually impaired people experience visual knowledge through touch, sound, and sometimes smell. Developed in partnership with the blind community, its patented technology supports custom installations and traveling exhibitions for cultural and educational institutions worldwide. The company’s work ranges from accessible art displays to exhibits on subjects such as the James Webb Space Telescope.CHATHAM, NY
Touch Graphics IncFounded by Steve Landau after he began studying raised-line diagrams for blind people in 1998, Touch Graphics Inc. creates tactile and audio-tactile products and exhibits that let people understand spatial information through touch. Its Newark-based team has built accessible museum exhibits, talking maps, signs and educational tools, with tactile materials reviewed for conformance to BANA standards by certified teacher Lucia Hasty. The company’s work includes interactive installations at the Smithsonian and U.S. Capitol as well as its T3 tactile tablet platform.ELKTON, MD
Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually ImpairedFounded in 1903 by sisters Florence and Georgia Trader, Cincinnati’s Clovernook Center for the Blind & Visually Impaired produces more than 30 million Braille pages a year while providing employment for people who are blind or have low vision. Its century-old Braille Printing House anchors a broader mission that includes pediatric low-vision care, youth recreation and accessible resources for the blind and visually impaired community.CINCINNATI, OH
See3D, IncFounded by Caroline Karbowski, Cincinnati-based See3D, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that coordinates volunteers to design, 3D-print and distribute tactile models for people who are blind or have low vision. Its community-built models turn visual concepts into objects people can explore by touch and keep, with more than 6,500 models sent to recipients in 35 countries and territories. See3D also mentors schools and organizations seeking to build accessible 3D-printing programs.MONTGOMERY, OH