Hi everyone! I’ve been told I have a blind and deaf second cousin my entire life but never had the chance to meet him. I was talking with my grandparents about him and they said that he used to have photos of everyone in the family before he lost his sight. I’ve been trying to educate myself about the blind and deaf communities as much as possible and I believe there is some sort of technology where photos can be 3D printed so blind people can interact with them? Does anyone here know anything about that kind of thing, how to get it done, or if it’s even worth it? I think it would be cool to send him a picture of everyone in the family maybe with their name’s in braille or something. Any thoughts or advice?
Also, as a sighted person, I apologize for any incorrect terminology. Please correct me if I can improve on my wording or anything.
CloudyBeep2 points2y ago
You have very good intentions, but I would find something like this very awkward. It's possible he would be thrilled by something like this, but I do not think you should do something like this unless you knew for sure that he would appreciate it.
cfen95 [OP]2 points2y ago
Got it, thank you so much for this feedback, I wasn’t really sure if this kind of this was good or not.
mathwfyuu2 points2y ago
Describing what you see to blind people is like showing what you hear to deaf people, they never heard any of it, he can’t even make is idea of what long brown hairs look like u know, that’s how I think about it maybe I’m wrong tho shouldnt have answered
cfen95 [OP]2 points2y ago
I’ve been explaining more in the comments how he lost his vision. If he was born blind I totally agree. But I know he used to look at family photos and I wasn’t sure if it would be weird or nice to I guess show him all the new family members he hasn’t had the chance to meet yet. As a sighted person I just don’t know.
I do appreciate your comment and the feedback. Thank you.
mathwfyuu1 points2y ago
Aaaah sorry bro
laconicflow2 points2y ago
I can't speak for all blind people, but an adapted photo might not be the way to go, it might be different for people who lost their vision but I don't yearn for photo's of anyone. But you could write him a nice long email, like it was a letter.
cfen95 [OP]1 points2y ago
See he did lose his vision which is why I wasn’t sure. He used to look at family photos a lot which is why I had the idea. I agree that if he was born blind that might be a little weird.
Edit - obviously I don’t speak for blind people but from what I’ve read and understood I think the concept is weird.
changeneverhappens2 points2y ago
There's a lot of software and hardwire to make tactile graphics but a family picture would likely be too 'busy' tactilely. Tactile graphic production material is also very expensive- my team and I write grants to be able to purchase it.
You could create a word document that could be sent to his braille device, if he's an electronic braille note taker user. The word document could include detailed descriptions of family.members a little bio for everyone. Just don't PDF it- it'll be useless.
The problem with making braille is you either need an embossed to 'print' braille or know how to use a slate and stylus (long sentences aren't fun). It would totally be doable to learn the basics of slate and stylus and write your name and a little greeting, like "hi I'm Name, and I'm your cousin!". If you're near an agency or non profit that supports people who are blind and/or DeafBlind, they may be willing to create a short card in braille for you. I get asked to make those from time to time.
cfen95 [OP]1 points2y ago
Hm what about pictures of each person individually, do you know if that would still be too busy? I know he has some sort of device on his phone that converts text into braille and then braille into text so I’m going to start by introducing myself there. I just have a few younger second cousins (6 and 2ish) and I figured he may want to feel some sort of tactile picture of them since they might not be able to communicate in ways he can understand. I definitely plan on describing everyone.
changeneverhappens1 points2y ago
I think saying hello and just having a conversation through his device will be the most meaningful. Sensory disabilities can be extremely isolating, particularly for older adults. Having someone make the effort to chat may be the best gift to offer! If he has an email, you guys can even stay in touch.
oncenightvaler1 points2y ago
A long while back my mom made me a photo album and we were going to do digitally recorded audio captions but then that idea fell through so now what I want is for me to write up Braille descriptions of who was in each picture and where each picture is, just too bad the pictures don't come out of the camera with dates attached if you know what I mean, because that would make my descriptions more complete.
tazifer1 points2y ago
I bet some one over on the 3d printing subreddits could help you out with this. There are a few etsy shops that do lithophane its probably not perfect but it is something with depth and texture. Good luck
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