We are providing a 3D model distribution service for blind and visually impaired people. In this service, we print and send 3D models upon their requests, free of charge. 119 blind and visually impaired people and 16 supporters had submitted 313 requests for 3D models from November 2019 to the end of year 2023. We classified the 313 requests into the following categories: architecture, terrain, biology, map, vehicle, astronomy, coin, and others. Architectures occupy 51.4% of the total requests and rank on the top. The requests for architecture models were concentrated on world-famous architectures. Terrain models rank as second with 57 requests (18.2%). Reasons for requesting a terrain model are, on one hand, intellectual curiosity on their residential or visiting places and, on the other hand, practical uses such as educational materials and hazard maps. The places of the terrain models requested differred from client to client. We made and sent 237 models, which amounts to 75.7% of the total requests. As for other 76 requests, we recommended the client to purchase the model or declined because of the difficulty of modeling. By looking back on the 3D distribution service and analyzing the requests and responses, we discussed the way to continue this leading, unique service even after the project ends.

Geometry plays a crucial role in fostering spatial understanding and problem-solving skills, which are essential for both academic excellence and real-world applications. However, learners with visual impairments (VI) face challenges due to the limited availability of inclusive tools and resources for geometry, resulting in a deficiency in effective learning and confidence. Due to the inherently visual nature of geometry, traditional teaching-learning methods (TLMs) need to be adapted to incorporate multi-sensory modifications for an inclusive learning environment. This research paper presents an innovative approach to tackle these challenges. The ShapeScape kit, featuring 11 shape cutouts/nets that can be folded and converted into corresponding 3D shapes has been specifically designed to augment the accessibility, usability, and overall efficacy of geometric education for this demographic. The kit's development underwent an iterative process, including rigorous testing through semi-structured interviews and usability assessments. The outcomes affirm the ShapeScape kit as a promising solution, bridging the gap in personalised teaching and learning materials for VI students. This research contributes to the advancement of inclusive education practices, providing a tangible and effective solution to empower these learners in their journey toward proficiency in geometry.

Tactile graphics enable visually impaired people to access visual information via touch. Despite extensive guidelines and solutions, effectively representing color, vital for visual communication, remains a key challenge. This research aims to address this gap by developing RainbowTact, inspired by the correlation between visible colors and light wavelengths, to translate colors into intuitive tactile representations. RainbowTact distinguishes chromatic and achromatic colors using tactile wave and dot patterns depicting hues, saturations and brightness. Achromatic shades are shown by dot density and size. RainbowTact meets key design criteria: covering the full color space with omnidirectional, orientation-independent patterns aligning with standards. A software prototype automates conversion. A pilot study evaluated RainbowTact’s effectiveness and usability through quantitative and qualitative analyses. Results showed decent color identification success and increasing task efficiency. Users strongly favored RainbowTact, highlighting benefits like pattern differentiation and non-directionality. While initial learning ease scored lower, participants expressed overall positive inclination. This demonstrates RainbowTact's potential to effectively convey color information via intuitive tactile representations to advance tactile graphics capabilities.