Textures design for Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) for people with deaf-blindness and multi-sensory impairment

This paper introduces designed maps (Del Curto et al., 2010) for innovative Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) applications tailored for children and adolescents with deaf-blindness and multiple sensory impairments. Deaf-blindness, a complex disability with varying hearing and visual impairments, requires diverse communication modalities to facilitate interpersonal connections and environmental navigation. Multiple Sensory Impairment involves Visual Impairment coexisting with other disabilities, global developmental disorders, or communication impediments (Maia et al., 2013). Within this context, design is crucial in understanding and leveraging material attributes to create innovative user products. Specifically, the texture involves sensitising surfaces through graphic signs, incisions, reliefs, and more (Del Curto et al., 2010). Focusing on AAC in educational and rehabilitation settings, this research lays the foundation for developing an in-depth study to investigate new possibilities in texture design. This research contributes to advancing assistive technology and inclusive design, offering valuable insights for educators, designers, and practitioners.