DRAFTSMAN Tactile Drawing Board
by American Printing House for the Blind
Last verified July 3, 2026 · classified July 6, 2026
What it is
Summary
AI-generated from vendor-published content · July 6, 2026
The Draftsman is a rubberized drawing board that produces raised tactile lines as you draw — press a stylus or pen on the special plastic film laid over the board, and the line rises immediately so a person who is blind or has low vision can feel it under their fingertips. It's used by students, educators, and anyone who needs to create or review diagrams, maps, geometric figures, or illustrations through touch rather than sight. The kit includes the board, a supply of plastic drawing film, and a stylus. One practical limitation: the film is a consumable — you'll go through sheets, so budget for replacement film over time, and each drawing is typically single-use since erasing raised lines isn't possible.
Quick Facts Catalog facts · auto-generated
- AT Act lending
- Out of pocket
- School district
- Vocational rehab
What Setup Looks Like
- Out of the box
- Place a sheet of tactile drawing film on the rubber board.
- Draw with the stylus or ballpoint pen — lines raise instantly as you work.
- With a guide
- Review APH's documentation for tips on stylus pressure and film handling to get consistent line quality.
- Practice a few test drawings to learn the pressure needed for clear tactile results — most users get reliable results within 15–20 minutes of practice.
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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How to Fund This
Equipment like this is often pursued through official state programs. These are common starting points — each program decides its own eligibility and what it covers, so the first step is always a phone call.
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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 July 3, 2026.
Classification & description AI-generated from vendor-published content on July 6, 2026 · confidence: high. Vendor specs may lag; verify before relying on details in a clinical or funding artifact.