Accessible book: enchantment at the fingertips

Abstract

This study analyzes a research/extension organized in the University, which aimed at discussing and elaborating accessible books for children. The actions happened in two modules and were carried by undergraduate students, university professors, basic education teachers, and graduate (masters and doctorate) students. The theoretical framework for the research are the studies of Nuernberg (on visual and tactile perception), Vigotsky (on social interactionism and language), Cardeal (on tactile illustrations in books), and Abramovich (on supporting the book as an object of enchantment). The working methodology was based on weekly meetings of the proposing group and biweekly meetings for the extension group. The meetings happened in times when the theoretical studies and the production and analyses of books with tactile illustrations were possible. From the analysis of the research and production process, some indications were recognized as useful in the preparation of an accessible book: defining the story and previously choosing the materials to be used; reflecting on the organization and distribution of the tactile illustrations in the book; defining the appropriate glue from the tests; the writing, after having delimited a fixed space in the book pages’ layout would allow the child to search for the text even if devoid of vision. The story text was printed using ink and braille. The children who had access to the books produced by the group showed their enchantment in using them.