Development of Low-Cost Tactile Neuroanatomy Learning Tools for Students With Visual-Impairment

Visual impairment is the most common form of disability in the world and results in major challenges to the education and employment of affected individuals. It is important, therefore, to provide the best possible higher education for these individuals, not only providing the same access to theoretical contents but also training them for their future work environment. The reliance of neuroanatomy teaching on visual material creates a set of challenges for educators, a situation that is only worsened by the lack of specific neuroanatomy teaching tools for students with visual impairment. To overcome this problem, a set of tactile tools for neuroanatomy education was prepared using low-cost materials such as hot-melt adhesive, pins and easily found fabrics. These tools were then employed in an undergraduate class of physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy students that included a student with visual impairment. The use of tactile tools allowed full integration of the student, who was able to participate in hands-on classes with her peers. We anticipate that the ease of fabrication and the low cost may allow this experience to be replicated in the instruction of neuroanatomy in undergraduate neuroscience programs at other institutions.