On the Way to Literacy, Something Special
by American Printing House for the Blind
Last verified June 15, 2026 · classified May 23, 2026
What it is
Summary
AI-generated from vendor-published content · May 23, 2026
This is a tactile storybook designed for young children who are blind or have low vision, combining braille text with real embedded objects and textured surfaces so kids can follow the story through touch. It's part of APH's On the Way to Literacy series, which focuses on building early literacy and pre-braille skills in the years before formal reading instruction begins. The book works as a standalone hands-on reading experience, but it's most effective when used with a teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) or early intervention specialist who can guide exploration and reinforce concepts. The story centers on a young child searching for a lost object — a simple, relatable narrative that keeps the tactile exploration purposeful rather than just sensory. Federal quota eligible, meaning it can be obtained through state-allocated APH quota funds, which is the most common funding path for students in the US.
Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
- AT Act lending
- Out of pocket
- School district
What Setup Looks Like
- Out of the box
Open the book and read aloud while guiding the child's hands across embedded objects and textures on each page. - With professional help
- A teacher of students with visual impairments (TVI) or early intervention specialist can integrate this into a structured early literacy program.
- TVIs typically introduce tactile books in sessions of 15–30 minutes, building a routine over multiple weeks to reinforce pre-braille and concept development goals.
Getting it
Try Before You Buy
Devices like this are often available to borrow through your state's AT Act program — typically free or low-cost — so you can try it before buying or pursuing funding.
Where to Get It
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Wondering how equipment like this gets paid for? See the official funding programs in your state.
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Sources & fine print
Vendor facts (name, price, platforms, vendor link) sourced from American Printing House for the Blind — view on vendor site; last verified June 15, 2026.
Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on May 23, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.