TIP-Toy: a tactile, open-source computational toolkit to support learning across visual abilities

Abstract

Many computational toolkits to promote early learning of basic computational concepts and practices are inaccessible to learners with reduced visual abilities. We report on the design of TIP-Toy, a tactile and inclusive open-source toolkit, to allow children with different visual abilities to learn about computational topics through music by combining a series of physical blocks. TIP-Toy was developed through two design consultations with experts and potential users. The first round of consultations was conducted with 3 visually impaired adults with significant programming experience; the second one involved 9 children with mixed visual abilities. Through these design consultations we collected feedback on TIP-Toy, and observed children's interactions with the toolkit. We discuss appropriate features for future iterations of TIP-toy to maximise the opportunities for accessible and enjoyable learning experiences.

"Piece it together": Insights from one year of engagement with electronics and programming for people with intellectual disabilities

“…Work to date on accessible technology design focuses on those with motor, hearing or visual impairments [45] and Chapkol et al [17] indicate a need for the development of applications that focus on the user requirements of the neurodiverse. Their research builds upon previous research which has explored the numerous barriers to makerspace accessibility [21], and previous efforts to make electronic and maker toolkits more accessible [3,12,27,43]. Ultimately there is a need to bring people with disabilities into design communities and STEAM focused hobbyist spaces at a social and cultural level, and this is equally as important as making the tools and spaces accessible [13,58].…”

“…With care, accessible designs can open up electronics and programming for excluded groups as seen in toolkits supporting the teaching of digital skills to people who are visually impaired [3,26], those living with physical impairments [48] or people living with a range of age-associated healthcare challenges [20]. However, toolkits focused on cognitive challenges are less common [45].…”

TapeBlocks: A Making Toolkit for People Living with Intellectual Disabilities

“…Despite the aforementioned barriers relating to makerspaces accessibility, several researchers have explored making electronic and maker toolkits more accessible [2,9,18,26]. Established makers have shared assistive technology at maker events or hackathons and on digital platforms such as Thingiverse focusing on health and wellbeing [10].…”

“…Established makers have shared assistive technology at maker events or hackathons and on digital platforms such as Thingiverse focusing on health and wellbeing [10]. Buehler et al [10] explored barriers to making 3D printing more accessible in special education settings and Barbareschi et al [2] developed Tip-Toy, an electronic toolkit with physical blocks to teach basic computing concepts through music for children with diferent visual abilities. Using Tip-Toy, participants could recognise blocks either touch or sight and outputted music, allowing learners with reduced visual abilities to participate in accessible and enjoyable programming experiences.…”