3D Printing Could Improve Accessibility By Helping Blind Scientists to Read Data

Accessibility, especially in academia, has been a topic of conversation for quite some time. People with a wide range of disabilities have the right to certain accommodations in order to allow them to work or study at the same level, however, often places do not even do the bare minimum. Thankfully, one Baylor Study has now shown how that does not need to be the case for blind scientists thanks to 3D printing. They hope that by turning scientific data into tactile graphics, they will be able to eliminate barriers that have caused the exclusion of individuals with blindness from pursuing chemistry education.

The Baylor study is named “Data for all: Tactile graphics that light up with picture-perfect resolution.” It was published in Science Advances and shows the Baylor researchers were able to use 3D printing to turn a two-dimensional image (from data) into a 3D printed lithophanes, allowing it to become tactile and thus accessible to all. Lithographs are an ancient artistic medium that was created in China as early as the sixth century and popularized in Europe in the 19th. Essentially, they are thin engravings made from translucent materials that initially appear opaque but glow when lit by a light source. The scattering of light causes thinner regions to appear brighter and thicker regions to appear darker. This study marks the first time it was used in science and when combined with 3D printing, has resulted in these graphics which could allow individuals to universally visualize the same piece of data.

A representation of the steps going from the digital representation of the data all through to the printed lithograph and then the results from all participants (photo credits: Baylor University)

Bryan Shaw, Ph.D., professor of chemistry and biochemistry and a corresponding author on the study explains, “This research is an example of art making science more accessible and inclusive. Art is rescuing science from itself. The data and imagery of science – for example, the stunning images coming out from the new Webb telescope – are inaccessible to people who are blind. We show, however, that thin translucent tactile graphics, called lithophanes, can make all of this imagery accessible to everyone regardless of eyesight. As we like to say, ‘data for all'”