In the previous logs we talked about the basics of Braille and other issues specific to the visually-impaired, and then about creating sophisticated visualizations and extensible models. Then in the third and fourth log we looked at very helpful but very simple models, which are now up on Youmagine. In this log entry, we capture what we think the next steps should be to scale up this effort to allow more people to help.

We debated the various options: start a repository ourselves, create an area on an existing repository, or just create an online group for now where people could interact. Since we found when we participated in various volunteer activities to create models like this that a few iterations were usually required, for now we are just setting up a Google Group.

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/3dp_edu_models

Check out the instructions on how to contribute (or to request a model if you are a teacher of the visually impaired yourself). For now the group is public but requires registration. We will see how the spam situation evolves, but hopefully it will be manageable.

We have made it minimalist and deliberately NOT visually-oriented, so that visually impaired people using screen readers can (we hope) use the group as well. If anyone tries it please let us know in the comments any issues that arise.

We have seeded the group with requests from our friend Lore Schindler from LA Unified School district. If you have students who need something to do with that new 3D printer, jump in, pick something to work on, and go for it!