Founded 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.
WCAG 2.0 Level AA
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Tactile ImagesFounded 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.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
AlphapointeBorn more than a century ago in a Kansas City woman’s living room, Alphapointe is a nonprofit manufacturer and service organization that creates products and professional services while employing people who are blind or visually impaired. Its production work ranges from custom molded plastics to tactical medical products, with manufacturing carried out alongside vision rehabilitation, job training, and employment support. Alphapointe is now one of the largest U.S. employers of people with vision loss.RICHMOND HILL, NY
Beacon Street InnovationsBeacon Street Innovations grew from an MIT undergraduate thesis into an engineering-led company focused on making digital information more accessible to blind readers. Its NSF-supported Braille cell technology is being developed into affordable multi-line displays for people who need more context than conventional single-line devices provide.GAHANNA, OH