During 1994 the graphical material from each of two Open University science courses was presented to a group of visually impaired students as a tactile diagram package with an accompanying taped commentary. The usefulness of each package in improving access to the course material and its acceptability as a course component were monitored throughout the year. The positive response suggests that there is a strong case for integrating tactile diagrams into the modern multi-media approach that the Open University is currently implementing for students with a visual impairment. The results suggest that the use of tactile diagrams on distance learning courses is not only feasible but is a desirable option for such students. Possible pitfalls in the provision of such a service are highlighted and ways in which these might be overcome suggested.
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