Today, The National Archives is taking a huge step towards inclusivity and accessibility by launching a new workshop for students who are blind and visually impaired. This workshop will utilize optacartography, a revolutionary technique that transforms flat documents into 3D models, allowing students to experience historic documents in a whole new way.
The workshop, which is the first of its kind, will provide students with three-dimensional versions of documents from The National Archives’ collection. These documents include a medieval map and a wage slip for Tudor courtier John Blanke, among others. This innovative approach will not only make history come alive for students, but it will also bridge the gap between sighted and visually impaired individuals, creating a more inclusive learning environment.
Optacartography, also known as tactile graphics, is a method of creating raised images on paper using specialized equipment. This technique has been used for many years to create tactile maps and diagrams for visually impaired individuals. However, The National Archives is taking it to the next level by applying it to historic documents, giving students a unique opportunity to explore and understand history in a hands-on way.
The medieval map that will be featured in the workshop is a reproduction of the famous Mappa Mundi, a 13th-century map of the world. This map, which is a valuable resource for historians and cartographers, will now be accessible to visually impaired students through the use of optacartography. They will be able to feel the intricate details of the map, such as the different continents, oceans, and even mythical creatures depicted on it. This will not only enhance their understanding of geography but also give them a sense of the world as it was perceived in medieval times.
Another document that will be featured in the workshop is a wage slip for John Blanke, a black trumpeter in the court of Henry VIII. This document is a significant piece of history as it sheds light on the presence of black people in Tudor England, a fact that is often overlooked. Through the use of optacartography, students will be able to feel the raised text and numbers on the wage slip, giving them a tangible connection to this important historical figure.
The National Archives is committed to making history accessible to all, and this workshop is a testament to that commitment. By providing visually impaired students with the opportunity to experience historic documents in a tactile way, they are breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive learning environment. This workshop will not only benefit students but also teachers and parents who are looking for innovative ways to engage visually impaired students in history.
The launch of this workshop is a significant step towards promoting diversity and inclusivity in the field of education. It is a reminder that everyone, regardless of their abilities, should have equal access to education and the opportunity to learn about their past. The National Archives is setting an example for other institutions to follow, and we hope to see more initiatives like this in the future.
The workshop will also serve as a valuable resource for sighted students, as it will allow them to experience history in a whole new way. By feeling the raised images and text, they will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for these documents. This will also promote empathy and understanding towards their visually impaired peers, creating a more inclusive and compassionate society.
The National Archives is dedicated to preserving and sharing our nation’s history, and this workshop is another step in that direction. It is a testament to their commitment to making history accessible to all and promoting diversity and inclusivity in education. We applaud their efforts and look forward to seeing the impact this workshop will have on students and the community as a whole.
In conclusion, The National Archives’ new workshop using optacartography is a groundbreaking initiative that will make history come alive for visually impaired students. By providing them with three-dimensional versions of historic documents, they are creating a more inclusive learning environment and promoting diversity and inclusivity in education. This workshop is a step in the right direction towards a more accessible and inclusive society, and we commend The National Archives for their efforts.
