Documents
On this page you will find supplementary materials for the tactile panel.
Tips and Tricks to Help Facilitators Work with a Tactile Image
The first document contains general tips and tricks for using a tactile image. They are general guidelines meant to help the reader think about how to facilitate activities using the panel, but we encourage to explore and experiment.
The Pillars of Creation
The second document contains scientific info on the Pillars, the processes occurring, and the image. There are additional resources linked for you to explore more as desired. This document is not designed to be shared with the public in its current state. It’s meant for facilitator use before working directly with an audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to clean the panels?
According to the manufacturer, "A soft bristle paint brush is great for taking dust off. If you need something stronger, a lightly dampened rag (very lightly dampened) with warm water or a mild household cleaner will do." Based on our testing, alcohol based cleaners (including hand sanitizer) will remove the color and should not be used. We recommend having people use hand sanitizer and ensuring their hands are completely dry before touching the panels. At this time, a mild soap and time is the best solution we have found to clean the surface itself while preserving the image.
Can a panel be hung on a wall?
Yes, a panel can be hung on a wall, but we recommend thinking about how visitors will know the panel is there and have context about what they are sensing. Blind and visually impaired audiences may need help knowing there is something to interact with. Also, according to the National Federation of the Blind, less than 10% of legally blind Americans read Braille. Consider using audio for unfacilitated experiences. Our recommendation is to use the panels in facilitated experiences, but if you have a method to have the panel on display in between facilitated experiences, that could be a great addition.
