A ‘Psychology Core Graphics Resource Pack’ for HE: The development of a resource to support blind and visually impaired students in higher education

Abstract

This project investigated the provision of a set of core tactile and large print diagrams and supporting materials for degree level psychology study, containing diagrams that are central to the majority of UK psychology courses, as an alternative to providing many different bespoke diagrams for individual students. Interviews with 12 blind and visually impaired psychology students and graduates and four psychology lecturers established that such a pack would be a useful resource. After in-depth research of the psychology curriculum and reviews of popular textbooks, a prototype ‘Psychology Core Graphics Resource Pack’ was designed in further consultation with end-users and experts. This contained 33 core tactile and large print diagrams, descriptions of 21 other images, and good practice guidelines for staff and students with a range of visual impairments and tactile diagram experience. An initial evaluation with three visually impaired participants confirmed that the pack was a beneficial resource for blind and visually impaired psychology students and staff at a range of levels. The final challenge for the project is to establish how best to market, produce and disseminate packs to relevant end-users on a larger scale.