3D PHONETIC ALPHABET FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT: DESIGN AND EVALUATION OF BRAILLE-SUPPORTED TACTILE MATERIAL

Öz

The study aimed to design, produce, and evaluate a Braille-supported 3D phonetic material to enhance phonetics instruction for individuals with visual impairments. Using the ADDIE model, the material was developed based on needs analysis interviews, expert input, and tactile design optimisation. Data were collected through rubric-based evaluations by 22 field experts and semi-structured interviews with 8 participants with visual impairments. Results showed that experts rated the material highly in terms of effectiveness, quality, and tactile conceptualization. Participants reported that the material concretised abstract phonetic concepts, enhanced motivation, and improved accessibility. Suggestions were put forward to enhance tactile spacing and develop versions for users with low vision. The study concluded that 3D printing could produce durable, accessible phonetic materials to enhance the learning experience. Future research could investigate different study groups, target learning frameworks, and various modes of audio support to optimise learning outcomes for students with visual impairment.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• Braille
• 3D printing
• Phonetic Alphabet
• Visual Impairment
• Tactile Materials

Proje Numarası

TÜBİTAK 2209-A 1919B012463659

Etik Beyan

The research proposal was approved by the Institutional Review Board of Dokuz Eylül University. (IRB: E-10042736-659-1285476).

Teşekkür

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to TÜBİTAK (The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye) for funding and supporting this research. We thank all participants for their voluntary support.

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