Tactile Literacy

The ability to interpret, understand, and create information conveyed through the sense of touch, including the skills needed to read tactile graphics, maps, diagrams, braille, and other raised representations. Like visual literacy, tactile literacy must be developed progressively through education and practice, beginning with basic shape recognition and advancing to complex spatial and data representations. Many people who are blind or have low vision do not develop strong tactile literacy skills due to lack of direct instruction and limited exposure to tactile media, which restricts their access to STEM education, art, and graphical information.