Development of a Novel System of Tactile Diacritics for Teaching Phonics to Individuals with Visual Impairments and Blindness Using Physical Manipulatives and Immediate Audio Feedback

T-var EdTech, Inc., in partnership with LogiSync, will build on foundational user experience research to iteratively design and pilot a novel system of tactile diacritics for teaching phonics to students who are visually impaired and blind. This system will be integrated into the existing prototype of The Read Read™, a physical device that allows all people to independently learn and practice phonics and braille, in between meetings with specialists. The overall goal of this project is to create a fully-integrated and working prototype that meets critical technical requirements. The objectives are: 1) Recruit study participants; 2) iteratively design and refine the prototype of the tactile phonics diacritics; 3) test the prototype in natural contexts. Anticipated outcomes include: 1) individuals with visual impairments and blindness will be able to use The Read Read™ to learn and practice phonics using the new system of tactile phonics diacritics; 2) teachers will report that The Read Read™ improves student engagement and learning. The expected products are 1) a system for teaching phonics to blind students using tactile diacritics and braille; 2) a design to mass manufacture the device; 3) refined materials to accompany the device, such as an instruction manual and phonics quick-start guide.