The Atlas for the Blind, published in 1837, was a groundbreaking publication created for blind children at the New England Institute for the Education of the Blind. This atlas used embossed heavy paper to create maps and text that could be read by touch. It was the first atlas produced specifically for blind individuals to read independently. The atlas was created by Samuel Gridley Howe, a champion for people with disabilities, who believed that blind students could learn geography through tactile maps. The success of the atlas is uncertain, but it remains a remarkable example of teaching geography to blind students.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlas for The Blind 1837 | From raised print to Braille | More widespread use of Braille for blind students | Improvement in Braille technology and education for the blind |