The Royal Blind School in Edinburgh is leading a 3D printing project called 3D4VIP (3D printing for visually impaired), which aims to create a database of printable objects to help learners with vision impairment. The project focuses on the importance of touch and feel for visually impaired learners and how 3D printing can enhance the learning experience.
The 3D4VIP project has come up with 25 objects that are specially designed for learners with vision impairment, including objects that may be too large, small, dangerous or fragile to handle. The idea is that any vision-impairment professional can go to the website and use a 3D printer to print the object directly from there.
The materials can be freely downloaded, printed and used immediately in the classroom. The website also includes instructional videos explaining how to 3D print and how to present a 3D printed object to a visually impaired learner. The aim is to raise awareness about the educational benefits of using 3D models with visually impaired learners, and the database has been designed primarily for children and young people, but includes objects suitable for adults with vision impairment.
The project is being done in collaboration with vision-impairment experts from Germany, the Netherlands and Spain, and the website of 3D printable designs will be launched at the project’s final meeting in the Netherlands in June.
You can access the 3D4VIP website over at this link.
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