{"id":6591,"date":"2022-02-26T12:00:26","date_gmt":"2022-02-26T19:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volksswitch.org\/?page_id=6591"},"modified":"2026-09-13T09:45:46","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T15:45:46","slug":"diy-bliss-tactile-symbols","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/volksswitch.org\/index.php\/volks-devices\/bliss-tactile-symbols\/diy-bliss-tactile-symbols\/","title":{"rendered":"DIY Bliss Tactile Symbols"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

You may not have a 3D-printer or you may not be convinced of the value of 3D-printed tactile symbols.\u00a0 You may be a crafter who makes many of the accessories for your lessons in your classroom.\u00a0 We’d like to support you as well in leveraging the use of Blissymbolics for tactile communication.<\/p>\r\n

Start by downloading DIY core words<\/a> this PowerPoint file.\u00a0 It contains “blanks” for each of the concepts in our Bliss Core Words set and will support you in adding new words.<\/p>\r\n

The file looks like this when opened in Microsoft PowerPoint:<\/p>\r\n

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The file is organized by symbol size (1, 1.25, 1.5, etc.) and then by part of speech (nouns\/etc., verbs, adjectives\/adverbs).\u00a0 The first page of each section has a symbol template with one of each type, and a large number representing the symbol size.\u00a0 These are useful when creating just a few new symbols.<\/p>\r\n

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A pair of alignment lines have been included to aid you with placement of the Blissymbol onto the tactile symbol.\u00a0 They should be deleted prior to printing.<\/p>\r\n

Slides that pack “ready-to-print” symbols together follow the intro slide for each symbol size:<\/p>\r\n

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Below each core concept is the core word that the symbol represents.\u00a0 The word can be used to easily “find” the symbol in the file and can be cut out later and applied to the back of the DIY symbol.<\/p>\r\n

Master pages have been created for each symbol size and part of speech to help you create new pages of your own:<\/p>\r\n

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You can print the symbols on bond paper (the heavier the better) or yet, onto a transparent sticky page<\/a> which can then be applied to foam board:<\/p>\r\n

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Below we’ve cut the symbol out with an X-acto knife<\/a> and metal ruler<\/a> (it may be helpful to put another sticky sheet or packing tape on the back of the board).\u00a0 Then we followed the Bliss graphic with dimensional fabric paint:<\/p>\r\n

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Since the earth and sky lines are critical landmarks for interpreting the Blissymbols, you can use a metal ruler to compress the foam along each line:<\/p>\r\n

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The possibilities are limitless.\u00a0 Unleash your creativity and “craftiness”!<\/p>\r\n

Adding a New Blissymbol<\/h2>\r\n

First go too Blissymbolics.org<\/a> and download the bliss_h500_transp_PNG.zip<\/a> file of PNG-format Blissymbols.\u00a0 Unzip the file and navigate to the PNG files.\u00a0 Search for the concept you need by name and then drag-and-drop that file into the PowerPoint file.<\/p>\r\n

Right-click on the graphic and choose “Size and position…” from the pop-up menu.<\/p>\r\n

Ensure “Lock aspect ratio” is checked and then type “40%” into the “Scale Height” box.\u00a0 Press “Enter”.<\/p>\r\n

Now move the graphic until it’s bottom border rests on the small horizontal line landmark on the blank symbol.\u00a0 The vertical line landmark can be used to position the graphic horizontally on the symbol.\u00a0 When you’re satisfied with the location of the graphic, you can delete the landmark lines.<\/p>\r\n

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Do you have any ideas about how to make Bliss Tactile Symbols?\u00a0 Provide some information below:<\/h1>\r\n
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