Tactile Graphics Helper vs Cosmic Number Lines

TGH (short for “Tactile Graphics Helper”) is a free iOS app from The Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute that makes tactile graphics more accessible to people with visual impairments. The basic idea of TGH is to track the user’s pointing finger as they explore a tactile graphic, announcing text-to-speech information about the location they are pointing to. To use the app, the iOS device is mounted on a tripod so that the camera captures a clear view of the tactile graphic, and the user tapes a small paper fingertip marker to their pointing finger. When the user points to a tactile feature on the tactile graphic with their finger, the app uses computer vision to recognize the fingertip marker pointing to the feature and issues text-to-speech information about the feature. (For example, for the tactile US map, TGH announces the name of the state that the finger is pointing to.) TGH is accessible to blind and low vision users and can help them learn “graphicacy” (literacy with tactile graphics); however, please note that in its current (beta) version, TGH requires assistance from a sighted person to aim the camera properly on the tripod before the app is used. TGH currently supports four commonly used tactile graphics. If you want to try out TGH but don’t yet have any of the supported tactile graphics, you can download a pdf version of any of the supported tactile graphics for free and print it out as a sample tactile graphic. The fingertip marker, which is a small black-and-white barcode pattern, is also free to download. For information about TGH and TGH resources, including a Tutorial, pdf of the fingertip marker, and the list of supported tactile graphics, please visit:  https://tactilegraphicshelper.wordpress.com/

Cosmic Number Lines is an engaging game designed for early elementary school students to learn number line concepts and skills. In the game, an astronaut undergoes training to complete tasks on a new planet called Sileni and gradually advances from the rank of trainee to captain. Some foundational skills students will develop include constructing number lines, locating points, comparing numbers, counting units to find distances, and solving addition and subtraction problems. Cosmic Number Lines is available for iPads and iPhones. This accessible app strengthens students' understanding of number lines through fun gameplay. It is a great supplement to classroom instruction for all students, regardless of their level of vision. Features: • A fun, engaging game theme designed to make math learning exciting for elementary school students. • Eight progressively structured levels covering fundamental concepts and skills related to number lines. • Guided training sessions before tasks to help students build understanding step by step. • Increasingly challenging problems that encourage creative problem-solving and support mastery of skills. • Vibrant, student-friendly visuals that capture attention and boost motivation. • Full accessibility support, including screen reader compatibility and high-contrast colors.