Accessible travel for blind people newsletter, September 15, 2024

Dear Readers,

I just returned from Pasadena, where I attended the Souvenir Buildings Collectors Society annual convention. I didn’t only meet some great people, but had a chance to touch hundreds of miniature buildings. I wrote about my trip here.

One of the takeaways was that how little I understood buildings and architecture. In a way a person with a high school education who flipped through an art history book and walked the streets with open eyes will have so much exposure than a blind person throughout a life time.

For us, every little bit counts when it comes to better understanding the world around us. And often it doesn’t have to be big, or much. Replica buildings are the perfect example of how an inexpensive object can make a difference in better understanding a building, while these objects don’t necessarily have to be made specifically for blind people. As much as I know, I was the only visually impaired person at the convention, but for sure the only blind one. This brings us back to what I state so often, what is great for many people, is totally necessary for some. A sighted person can understand architecture without replica buildings, for a blind person it is probably the best, if not the only way to do it.

But this can also be true for any other replicas, models, etc. I’m finding an evidence on a regular basis that organizations are thinking about creating replicas to benefit their audience. Actually to an extent that I had to grow my 3D design services, and just recently I hired two more designers so that we can better serve our clients with replicas, 3D maps and floor plans.

It is one of the most cost effective ways to make an exhibit tactile and touch friendly. If you are interested in having your own replicas or 3D models made, contact me and I’ll be happy to discuss your project with you.

Until next time:

Tom

Services

Tactile museums

3D building project

Gift guide for blind travelers