Post AQ2F8TwY0mevSeEWJM by ChanceyFleet@mas.to
 (DIR) More posts by ChanceyFleet@mas.to
 (DIR) Post #AQ2F8QJnUOscDb51zk by ChanceyFleet@mas.to
       2022-11-27T01:38:11Z
       
       0 likes, 1 repeats
       
       Cricut cutting machines, ubiquitous in schools, libraries and makerspaces, can be used to make embossed or stenciled tactile graphics. A Braille embosser costs at least $1500 — Cricuts cost a fifth of that or less. Today I learned that I can handle the hardware and make great stencils: all that holds a Blind maker back is a set of unlabeled controls in the software. Does anyone know somebody at Cricut I could talk to about making the interface more accessible? Boosters beloved on this one!
       
 (DIR) Post #AQ2F8SH2DdrIHbnqy0 by ChanceyFleet@mas.to
       2022-11-27T01:48:10Z
       
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       As background, I'm a Blind technologist and educator. Five years ago I founded the Dimensions Lab at New York Public Library — we believe it may be the world's only free and open lab for DIY creation of tactile graphics. We offer graphics and Braille embossing, swellform, thermoform, 3d printing and analog drawing tools, + Cricut now. It's mission-critical for us to find a way to use cricut that doesn't involve a sighted interpreter, so that in good conscience we can teach and recommend it.
       
 (DIR) Post #AQ2F8TwY0mevSeEWJM by ChanceyFleet@mas.to
       2022-11-27T01:51:20Z
       
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       Sighted people tend to think that images are inherently difficult for Blind people to handle but nope — tactile graphics have been around in some form for centuries. Our actual barriers are avoidable image poverty, not getting enough exposure to get good; tough times getting training; expensive equipment; and inaccessible processes/interfaces. Cricut is just a couple of software button labels away from becoming a powerful lever to lift every one of those barriers.
       
 (DIR) Post #AQ2F8VadtCKEZI03Rg by ChanceyFleet@mas.to
       2022-11-27T02:02:46Z
       
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       Let me acknowledge colleagues who inspired me to try this — tactile artists Ann Cunningham and Nicole Johnson, and the incomparable John and MaFe who use Cricut to power a mail-and-Zoom tactile art club in Colombia. If you want to learn from the champions, here's their tutorial: https://btactile.com/drawingclub