In the laboratory there are many hazards that can potentially injure a student with visual impairments. Safety should always be a number one concern, and when using electrical devices it is important to make any modifications that can minimize potential risks. The more high tech your lab devices, the more wires, hence the more opportunity for confusion.
Well, designer Chen Shuwen has won the red dot award for his concept of the Braille Electric Plug Tags. A person with visual impairments often has to rely on memory to decipher which plug is which in a multi-socket board. But with the proper labels, that is no longer necessary and the student can spend more time focusing on the experiment.
Although this product is still merely a concept, the idea should be used by teachers of the visually impaired (TVI) in the science classroom or in fact any time a student needs to differentiate their cables. These velcro tags would be handy, but they could be easily reproduced with a braille label maker, and Velcro.
Every TVI should be utilizing a braille label maker, but if not they are available from Independence Science as well as many other low and high tech access solutions.
Other lab precautions include placing a plastic plug cover over any unused outlets. This simple addition keeps fingers out of electrical outlets.
Most importantly, spending time with the student to help them become comfortable and aware of their surroundings adds to lab safety.
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Or contact the Independence Science curriculum team to develop the right access solution for your classroom or student with visual impairments.
866-862-9665 or info@independencescience.com
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