CriAlphabet
CriAlphabet is a novel tactile writing system for Visually Impaired (VI), derived from the alphabet used in Croatia. CriAlphabet letters are designed to look like their mirror image to ease the tactile writing and reverse reading.
When imprinting the alphabet by hand, the tactile imprints on the back of the page are reversed, looking like their mirror image. It was thought by designing CriAlphabet to look like its mirror image the problem of reverse reading could be solved as the raised imprints look exactly the same. The VI, for the first time, can enjoy handwriting with an ordinary pen without any additional need for tactile writing aids or gadgets.
Writing pad, tactile lined paper and any old pen
CriAlphabet is designed letter by letter for its simplicity and tested by masked eyes to achieve the highest possible tactility. CriAlphabet due to its similarity to the alphabet used in Croatia can be a useful tool for those who lose their sight later in life and find learning braille challenging. More so because CriAlphabet can be written as large as one prefers depending on the individual sense of touch.
Writing tactile in CriAlphabet:
Use an ordinary biro pen, place a piece of cardboard under the paper and begin writing. Imprint a small star sign on the top right corner of the page as the starting point and continue writing from right to left with a slight pressure on the pen. Read the imprints on the back of the page from the point where the star sign is imprinted, as normal from left to right with the fingertips.
Note:
It helps to draw horizontal tactile lines on the paper in advance: Place the paper on the cardboard, use a ruler and draw horizontal tactile lines on the paper with a little pressure on the pen, 1 to 2 cm apart. Write on the tactile imprinted side, use the line as writing guide and try to write just above it.
To signify full stop: Imprint a vertical line between the two horizontal tactile writing guides at the end of the sentence.
To signify Comma: Imprint a diagonal line between the two horizontal tactile writing guides.
For capital: Use the same letter slightly larger.
To write numbers: write Number Sign first before the number.
Economically, ordinary paper can be used, however, thicker papers can provide a more prominent and lasting tactile imprint.
Economically, ordinary paper can be used, however, thicker papers can provide a more prominent and lasting tactile imprint.
For further information please go to iAlphabet.
CriAlphabet
