Biological Models for Blind Students

Abstract

In response to an expressed need for inexpensive biological models for blind students, the American Printing House for the Blind has developed a set of 19 plastic models (schematics) which illustrate representative species of the major invertebrate phyla and component structures of flowering plants. The biological features depicted on the models were found to be highly discriminable in a test of legibility (95 percent overall correct responses) with 42 legally blind students (grades 7-12). The models emphasize simplicity, but offer additional cues where complexity occurs. Texture, size, shape, and relief were used for maximum legibility. Chromatic color coding was employed to maximize color and luminance contrasts for low vision students. The models averaged nine inches (22.9 cm) in length on their longest sides.