Materials and Equipment

Books

Astronomy
Earth Science
General Science
Computer Science
Engineering
Math

Videos

Tactile Materials

Biology
Earth Science
General Science
Math

Adapted Science Equipment

Miscellaneous Resources

Science
Math

Hardware
Software

 


Books

Astronomy

Everyone's Universe: A Guide to Accessible Astronomy Places

The latest book in the series of tactile books by astronomer Noreen Grice features the best locations for accessible Astronomy
Grade level:
Organization: You Can Do Astronomy LLC
Cost: 27.95
Ordering information: Available at Constellation Books

Touch the Stars I and Touch the Stars II

The first two books in the series of tactile books by astronomer Noreen Grice features print and Braille with tactile graphics.
Grade level: 4-8
Organization: National Braille Press
Cost: $30.00
Ordering information: Search for Books and Order Online
Order by phone toll free: 888-965-8965
E-mail: orders@nbp.org 
Mail: National Braille Press,
88 St. Stephen Street, Boston, Massachusetts 02115

Touch the Universe

The second book in the series by astronomer Noreen Grice features both print and Braille, as well as full-color tactile graphics from images taken by the Hubble Telescope.
Read a review of this book 
Grade level: 4-9
Organization: National Federation of the Blind
Cost: $28.00
Ordering information: Order Online
Order by phone: (410) 659-9314

Touch the Sun

The fourth book in the series by astronomer Noreen Grice features print and Braille text, as well as beautiful, full-color tactile graphics made from images taken by NASA's Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO).
Grade level: 4-9
Organization: Amazon.com
Cost: $35.00 +
Ordering information: Order Online 

Touch the Invisible Sky

This is the fifth book by Noreen Grice, who co-authored with astronomers Simon Steel and Doris Daou. Touch the Invisible Sky explores the universe in wavelengths not visible to human eyes. The text pages feature print with contracted Braille and accompany colorful multi-wavelength tactile images of the sun, stars, and galaxies!
Grade level: 9-12 and Introductory college astronomy
Organization: Ozone Publishing Corporation
Cost: $75.00
Ordering information: Order Online 
Contact by phone: (787) 562-5200

Little Moon Phase Book

The third book by astronomer Noreen Grice is a glow-in-the-dark tactile book with large print and contracted Braille featuring telescopic images of the Moon with textures outlining the shape of the phases as they appear in the sky and illustrating the major features on its surface.
Grade level: 3 and up
Organization: Ozone Publishing Corporation
Cost: $23.95
Ordering information: Order Online 
Contact by phone: (787) 562-5200

Earth Science 

Address: Earth: Large Format Color Atlas, Section One
Address: Earth: Large Format Color Atlas is a new atlas that meets seventy specific readability guidelines for users with low vision.
American Printing House for the Blind has partnered with cartography and geography experts from the University of Louisville to research and develop these readability guidelines. Section One is now available, with other sections yet to come.
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $354
Ordering information: Catalog number 1-01910-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274 

General Science 

Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision

Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $40
Ordering information: Catalog numbers--Braille 5-87430-00, print 7-87430-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274  

Addendum 1 to the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision: Ancient Numeration Systems

Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $5
Ordering information: Catalog numbers--Braille 5-68654-00, print 7-68654-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Computer Science

Introduction to Computer Science Using JAVA

Large print (14 pt) 
Recommended grades: 9-12
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $406
Ordering information: Catalog number L-C04306-00 
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

JAVA Software Solutions for AP Computer Science

Large print (18 pt) 
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $767
Ordering information: Catalog number A-L00084-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Century 21 Jr.

This Braille volume discusses input technologies and computer applications.
Recommended grades: 5-9
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $383
Ordering information: Catalog number A-B0422-00; Tacile graphics only A-B0442-GR
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Programming with Microsoft Visual Basic

Large print (14 pt)
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $442
Ordering information: Catalog number L-C02198-00 
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Engineering

Electricity and Electronics

Large print (13 pt)
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $258
Ordering information: Catalog number L-C04316-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Minding the Machines: Preventing Technological Disasters

Large print (15 pt)
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $264
Ordering information: Catalog number L-C02127-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Models and Designs

Large print (14 pt)
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $50
Ordering information: Catalog number L-C00081-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Math

Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision

Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $40
Ordering information: Catalog numbers--Braille 5-87430-00, print 7-87430-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274  

Addendum 1 to the Nemeth Code for Mathematics and Science Notation, 1972 Revision: Ancient Numeration Systems

Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $5
Ordering information: Catalog numbers--Braille 5-68654-00, print 7-68654-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Videos

NASA Core Descriptive Videos

This library of audio descriptive videos covers a variety of topics for students from fifth grade through college.  The videos range from ten to sixty minutes in length and come with a resource guide for educators with background information and suggestions for classroom activities. 
View the Video Catalog 
Organization: NASA CORE
Cost: $10 - $32
Ordering Information: Have title, format, and item number for each selection.  
Order by Phone: 866-776-CORE
Order by Mail: Fill out the Printable Order Form and send to: 
CORE, LorainCountyJointVocational School
15181 Route 58 South, Oberlin, OH44074 or Fax to 866-775-1460

Tactile Materials

Biology 

Anatomy in Clay

This offers a chance to mold a clay musculature to an animal skeleton, a human skeleton, or parts of a human skeleton.  The Maniken - system consists of a twenty-nine inch model of the human body, clay, and the tools for the students to build this tactile form.  
Organization: Zahourek Systems
Cost: $349
Ordering information:  View and Order Products Online
Order by phone: (800) 950-5025

Earth Science

Raised Relief Maps

Company offers various maps of the United States and the world, including states, national parks, and continents.  
Organization: Raised Relief Maps
Cost: $19.95 - $49.95
Ordering information: 
View and Order Raised Relief Maps Online

General Science

Basic Science Tactile Graphics

These raised-line drawings depict objects, concepts, and relationships that are taught in elementary science classes, including an insect, blood flow, and a water molecule.  These are intended to supplement the graphics found in the students - adapted textbooks.  
The basic kit contains 52 graphics.           
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $60
Ordering information: Catalog number 1-08850-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274.

Math 

Clock Face Sheets in Braille

Contains twenty-five sheets, each of which has four embossed clock faces.  Hands can be added to these blank clock faces.
Recommended ages: 6-10 years
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $10
Ordering information: Catalog number 1-03111-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

MathBuilders, Unit 1: Matching, Sorting, and Patterning

MathBuilders is a supplementary math program divided into eight units by content standards and grade level. This allows the teacher to concentrate on specific standards or provide remedial material for individual students.
Recommended ages: 5 and older
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $225
Ordering information: Catalog number Braille 5-03560-00, print 7-03560-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274 

Math Drill Cards

These math skill-reinforcing cards are sold as five separate sets, a number and math sign set and four math operations sets.  All are in both large print and Nemeth Braille Code for Mathematics.
Recommended ages: 5-10 years
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $5 per set
Ordering information: Catalog numbers: Number and Math Sign Cards 1-03551-00, Addition Cards 1-03552-00, Subtraction Cards 1-03553-00, Multiplication Cards 1-03554-00, Division Cards 1-03555-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Multiplication and Division Table

This large print/Braille table will help students with multiplying and dividing whole number 1-9.  The tool comes with five charts and an instruction booklet, which are punched for a three-ring binder.
Recommended ages: 5 and older
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $25
Ordering information: Catalog number 5-82700-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf)and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

StackUps: Spatial Reasoning Using Cubes and Isometric Drawings

StackUps encourages students to build, draw, compare, and sort 2- and 3-dimensional shapes. It also helps them practice building three dimensional models, constructing and creating stacked cube arrangements, interpreting different views, and determining volume and surface area.
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $199
Ordering information: Catalog number (entire kit) 1-08960-00
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Tactile Treasures: Math and Language Concepts for Young Children with Visual Impairments

This kit, with tactile graphics of real objects as well as scripts and stories, introduces younger students to concepts such as shape, size, comparison, amount, and position.  It also includes a teacher's guidebook in print and Braille.
Recommended ages: 4-9 years
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $120
Ordering information: Catalog number (entire kit) 1-08842-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 

APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Adapted Science Equipment

Talking Labquest

This hand-held, portable computer allows a student to collect and analyze data independently or within a lab group of their sighted peers. It connects to Vernier probes, common lab equipment in high schools and colleges, and provides auditory information.
Cost: $329
Ordering information: Indpendence Science 

Talking Thermometers

Independent Living Aids has a variety of thermometers to meet the needs of students and teachers.
Organization: Independent Living Aids, LLC
Cost: $12.95-$59.95
Ordering information: Order Online
Order by phone: 1-800-537-2118. 

Accessible Calculators

Independent Living Aids offers a large variety of accessible calculators, including large number, talking, scientific, and graphing calculators.  Visit the Web site to view their selection and to make your order.
Organization: Independent Living Aids, LLC.
Cost: $7.95 - $249
Ordering information: 
Order Online
Order by phone: 1-800-537-2118

Talking Scientific Calculator

This Orion TI-36X calculator is ideal for computer science, performing a variety of mathematical and scientific functions.  It comes with a protective cover, earphones, and a power adapter.
Recommended grades: Seventh grade through college
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $249
Ordering information: Catalog number 1-07335-01 
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to:
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Audio Graphing Calculator

This windows program creates graphs based on formulas just like a visual graphics calculator. However, this program uses audio feedback instead of a graphic user interface.

ViewPlus Audio Graphic Calculator

Talking Business Calculator

This is a fully functional business calculator with speech output. Each key is announced when pressed. The visual display calculations and results can be spoken with a press of a button. In addition to the usual arithmetical functions, this calculator offers items such as: repetitive addition/ subtraction, chain multiplication/division, constant multiplication/division, and much more. 
Organization: Electronic Technical Services, Inc. (ETS)
Cost: $358.66 
Ordering Information: Order Number: Canon TBC-1; Phone: 505-888-3923, 866-700-3923; Fax: 505-888-3926; Mail: Electronic Technical Services, Inc., 211 Conchas SE, Albuquerque, NM 87123

Miscellaneous Resources

Science

Brain Quest

This large print/Braille edition of the quiz game series by Workman Publishing quizzes students on scientific concepts.

Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $65
Ordering information: Catalog number 6-17000-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274.

Sense of Science: Plants

The first module in a series for students in kindergarten through third grade introduces different types of plants.  The module includes a guidebook with activities that use real objects as well as tactile overlays, which are included in the kit.

Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)

Cost: Complete kit $115; Large print guidebook $30 
Braille guidebook $21
Ordering information: Catalog numbers--Complete kit 1-08980-00; Large print guidebook 7-08980-00; Braille guidebook 5-08980-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274.

Sense of Science: Animals

The first module in a series for students in kindergarten through third grade introduces different types of animals.  The module includes a guidebook with a list of needed materials, step-by-step procedures, and a list of vocabulary words.  The kit also includes visual and tactile overlays.
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: Complete kit $212; Large print guidebook $38
Braille guidebook $23
Ordering information:  Catalog number--Complete kit 1-08980-00; Large print guidebook 7-08980-00; Braille guidebook 5-08980-00
Order Online 
Order by phone: 1-800-223-1839
Order by mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf)and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274.

Science Courses

The Hadley School for the Blind offers home-study courses in math and science at the high school and remedial levels.  These course are available in a variety of formats.
Organization: Hadley School for the Blind
Cost: Varies
Ordering information: Visit the Hadley School for the Blind Online for more information about courses and ordering. 
Contact by phone: 1-800-323-4238
Contact by mail: The Hadley School for the Blind, 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093-2554.

Math

Hardware

Math Window

This product consists of a magnetic board and magnetic tiles with large print or Nemeth math symbols. Blind students can arrange math equations linearly or vertically similar to how equations are arranged visually. This product is available in a basic edition or with an additional Algebra Add-On Kit. 
Organization: Wolf Products. 
Cost: Math Window Basic, $74.90; Math Window, Algebra Add-On Kit, $37.95 and Math Windows Basic, Magnets Only, $29.95 
Order by Mail: Print and complete the Online Order Form and send with your payment in check or money order made payable to Wolf Products, Inc.  Send to: Wolf Products, Inc., 106 Purvis Road, Butler, PA 16001 
Order by Phone to Pay with Credit Card: 724-285-5428

Contact by E-mail: wolfproducts@mathwindow.com 

Digital and Analog Clock Models

Teach time-telling concepts with these large print/Braille tools (neither model has a motor).  The digital model has three manually adjustable wheels and is housed in a plastic case.  The analog model has easily adjustable hands that are synchronized like those of an actual clock.
Recommended ages: 6-10 years
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: Digital $26, Analog $16
Ordering Information: Catalog numbers: Digital 1-03126-00, Analog 1-03125-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

FOCUS in Mathematics

This program, which includes manipulative items designed to offer tactile and visual contrast, emphasizes fundamental operations, properties, and structures of math.  The complete kit includes a program manual.  Special manuals with activities for deaf-blind and multi-handicapped students are available separately.
Recommended ages: 4 and olderOrganization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: Complete kit $380; Deaf-blind manual $50; Multi-handicapped manual $50
Ordering Information: Catalog numbers--Complete kit 1-08280-00, Deaf-blind manual 7-42710-00, Multi-handicapped manual 7-42720-00 
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Graphic Aid for Mathematics

This tool consists of a corkboard mounted with a rubber mat embossed with a grid of half-inch squares, three flat wires, fourteen push pins, and rubber bands.  Use to construct figures and graphs.
Recommended ages: 8 and older
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Cost: $123
Ordering Information: Catalog number 1-00460-01
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 

Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274 

Software

MathPlayer

Available as a free download from Design Science, it integrates into Internet Explorer 6 and above. MathPlayer renders math equations on a Web site that are written using MathML. A screen access software application is needed to hear what is on the screen. Using a refreshable Braille display, math equations are translated as computer Braille rather than the Nemeth Braille math code. 
Organization: Design Science
Price: Free
Visit Design Science Online  

Math Flash

This is a self-voicing math drill program. Exercises are customized and provide great fun for blind children of all ages. Does not require a screen access program. 
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind 
Cost: $24
Ordering Information: Catalog #: D-19910-01  
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274 

MathTalk/Scientific Notebook

This software package includes Scientific Notebook. Through voice recognition and speech output, this is a self-voicing application allowing one to independently input math equations. The program can provide verbal and Braille output of data that has been sent to the screen and provides nonvisual access to the functionality provided by Scientific Notebook. To take full advantage of this application, Dragon Naturally Speaking must be purchased. 
Organization: Metro Plex Voice Computing 
Cost: $295; package including Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred, $495; Dragon Naturally Speaking Pro, $940.
Order Online
Order by Mail: Complete the Order Form, print and mail to Metroplex Voice Computing, Inc., P.O. Box 121984, Arlington, Texas 76012 or Fax to 817-543-1103. 

Scientific Notebook

This is a mainstream application utilized by both blind and sighted people to perform mathematical and graphing functions using a PC. Although menus and operation of the program is generally accessible with speech output, reviewing equations and graphic results with screen access software can be difficult. This software includes the ability to translate math equations to the Duxbury Braille Translator or refreshable Braille displays into the Nemeth Braille code. 
Organization:  MacKichan Software, Inc. 
Cost: $222; for an upgrade, $52
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 360-394-6033 

MoneyTalks

This is a self-voicing accessible budgeting application that can be used with popular screen access programs. This application has the capability of handling imported financial statements from checking, savings, and credit card accounts from a financial institution or financial data imported from other financial applications. 
Organization: American Printing House for the Blind
Cost: $49.99 by phone or $39.99 by Internet download
Ordering Information: Catalog number D-03560-00.
Order Online 
Order by Phone: 1-800-223-1839 
Order by Mail: Fill out the APH Order Form (pdf) and send to: 
APH, P.O. Box 6085, Louisville, KY40206-0085 or Fax to 502-899-2274

Virtual Pencil

This application is used to setup and work through arithmetic and algebraic equations using speech output.
Organization: Henter Math 
Cost: $295
Order Online
Order by Phone: 1-866-313-Math (6284) 

Math Courses

The Hadley School for the Blind offers home-study courses in math and science at the high school and remedial levels.  These course are available in a variety of formats.
Organization: Hadley School for the Blind
Cost: Varies
Ordering Information:
Visit The Hadley School for the Blind Online for more information about courses and ordering. 
Contact by Phone: 1-800-323-4238
Contact by Mail: The Hadley School for the Blind, 700 Elm Street, Winnetka, IL 60093-2554.