Using Accessible Maps to Teach Location Literacy

1. Using Accessible Maps to Teach Location Literacy By: Mike May Katie Gilmore Jamie Murdy

2. Accessible Maps

3. Provides spoken and on-screen map data and 15 million points of interest for U.S. states, territories, and Canada. • It speaks on any Windows® computer whether or not the computer has screen reading software installed. • Can be used for both classroom and O&M lessons Accessible Maps Description

4. Verbal and visual description of physical space and what it contains. • Street map of the location for people with visual impairments. • Virtually explore streets and learn layout by moving to the next intersection or by making left or right turns Accessible Maps Description

5. Set a destination and track the distance and compass heading to that destination • Save, reverse, review, and print or emboss pedestrian or vehicle routes • Record or type descriptive information about a particular intersection, parking lot, building, or other location; and attach that information so that you can access it when you explore the map Benefits of Accessible Maps

6. Learn about surroundings and have access to visual signs. • “Look around” to gather information about the travel environment, including street names, intersections, points of interest, city, etc. • Mental and visual mapping skills • Can be introduced with tactile maps (example: T Maps or Chang Kit) Access to Location Information

7. Left and right concepts • Introduces Cardinal Directions • Clock face directions • Applies geography and social studies core curriculum concepts • Environmental concepts including shapes of intersections, direction of travel, sidewalks, types of streets etc. • Low vision features Introduces Important Concepts

8. O&M lesson • What is around Student’s School • Finding POIs • Creating Route to nearby POI to preview for lesson Scenarios

9. Explore Washington DC for Social Studies • Explore map of Washington DC • Learn about major historical landmarks Scenarios