Kelly OConnor

English 2116
Dr. Robert Arnold
Fall 2015

Title for consideration:

Proposing a Change: Mapping for the Visually-Disabled

Introduction/Abstract:
I am proposing to address a crucial need for improvement in
communication with visually-disabled (blind) individuals. These
individuals frequently rely on touch as a way to communicate with
the outside world. For these persons, there is a huge reliance on
tools to assist them in their daily lives. I am aiming to research
this matter and improve the quality of life for the visually disabled
faculty/staff on campus by providing them with a threedimensional tactual map of campus, so that they can use the map
to improve their mobility, spatial awareness, and independence.

Statement of the Problem:

Behind the objection of our proposal is the notion that there are a
shortage of these tools available to the visually disabled
community. We believe that this problem has come to be due to a
number of historic barriers working against it such as: 1) lack of
natural market-drive; 2) vacillating strategies in the design of
maps; and lastly 3) the absence industry or government advocacy
to provide these tools.

Objective:

In order for the solution to yield success, we should set forth a list
of standards / desired characteristics that it must meet -- these
are: 1) being inexpensive for the purposes of recreating; 2) must
be an adaptable map model which can be updated as new
pathways and buildings are added; and most importantly; 3) it
must be actually be valuable to the visually disabled individuals
using it.

Solution:
The solution we are looking for is our ideal technique, or,
better described as a process of creating a map that meets all of
our criteria to success while also overcoming all of the previous
barriers we identified. Identifying this ideal technique will be a
deductive progression of assessing all of the possible techniques
and selecting out the one that appears most practical and
effective. We will accomplish this through a survey of scientific
literature on the subject matter.

Schedule:
Novem
ber
Decem
ber
Januar
y
Februa
ry
March

Design proposal, submit for approval

Begin collecting resources for literature review
Analyze information derived from literature review. Use
information learned to make model.
Digitize model of Campus in ESRI Software, begin
exporting it to CAD software for printing
Print and assemble 3d maps, provide them to campus
disability services for distribution.

Qualifications:

As a student educated in both three-dimensional model builders

and in cartography software, it is a natural project to combine the
two. In addition I am also supported by two esteemed faculty
members as advisors/project readers, the Engineering
Department for printer access, and Disability Services so there
are many knowledgeable individuals collaborating to ensure
success.

Cost:
The cost of the materials printed is being covered by the
Engineering Department as a show of interdisciplinary support.
My work as developer is also being provided at no cost, simply in
the interest of helping. The Engineering Department has set a
budget of $2,000 for materials used, and the software licensing is
$7,999 annually.