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Using Tactile Tiles – TacTiles
This guide explains how to use tactile communication tiles to support learners with SEND and visual impairments. Below you’ll find information on who can benefit, why to use them, and practical tips for getting started.
- Who are TacTiles for?
- Why use TacTiles?
- Information about a tile
- Some information on using AAC for communication
- Some information on pre-braille skills
- A guide to getting started
- Some tips on using tiles in daily life and in functional activities
- Some info on PECS
Who are TacTiles for?
TacTiles can be used by anyone! They are especially helpful for:
- People who benefit from clear, consistent touch or visual cues and/or object/symbols of reference
- People who are blind or partially sighted
- People learning early braille skills
- People who use other types of AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication)
For further information on AAC, visit AAC Language Lab
Why were Tactile Tiles created?
Matt Bernal, a teacher with many years of experience in special education, created Tactile Tiles.
Paper-based symbols often become dirty, get damaged, or go missing, and they take a long time to make.
Matt wanted something that would last, be easy to clean, and be consistent in size and style. After seeing how much some tactile AAC sets cost, he decided to make them himself, better and for less money.
But why move to Tactile Tiles?
A standard pack of 100 laminating pouches costs around £6–£8.
Add in a couple of hours of teacher or teaching assistant’s time to print, cut, laminate, and cut again and then organise – that’s another £30–£40 in staff wages (or valuable extra time that we in education all do in front of the TV!)
You’ll also need Velcro strips or dots to attach them, adding £3–£5 more.
In total, making a few sets of paper laminated symbols can easily cost £30–£40 – and that’s before they get damaged, lost, worn (chewed!), or need replacing.
Tactile Tiles are quicker to make, longer lasting, and wipe clean with ease.
TacTiles
Each tile is represented as a word, object, place, action, or idea. The user can feel the raised picture, read the braille if they know it (on some tiles), and see the high contrast design if they have low vision. Every tile is the same size and has a cut-off corner on the top right so learners know which way up to hold it. Tiles can be printed in black, white, or single colours, and can be customised for schools or families.
Features and Materials
Each Tactile Tile represents a word, object, place, action, or idea. Learners can feel the raised picture, read the braille on tiles where it is included, or use the high-contrast design if they have low vision. Every tile is the same size and has a cut-off corner on the top right so learners can orient it correctly. Tiles can be printed in black, white, or single colours, and families or schools can order customised sets.
Understanding Tactile Communication
Why tactile symbols matter
For people who cannot rely on vision or spoken words, tactile symbols give a clear and reliable way to share ideas. Users explore each tile by touch and link the shape with its meaning.
Tactile symbols do not depend on sight, so they work well for people who cannot use visual cues. They also help reduce frustration, because the user has a direct way to make choices and ask for what they need.
Braille and Braille Skills
Before learning braille, learners can build finger strength, touch awareness, and scanning skills with tactile symbols. Recognising shapes by touch is an important first step toward reading braille.
AAC for non-braille users…
People who do not learn braille can still use tactile symbols to communicate. The approach is similar to a PECS book, but with solid raised designs instead of flat pictures. Tiles can be used on their own or alongside other AAC systems.
Getting Started with Tactile Communication Tiles.
Begin with the symbols the person will use most often. This could be a small set such as “eat,” “drink,” “toilet,” “yes,” and “no” for daily needs, or a few favourite snacks or activities.
Keep the first set simple so the user learns what each tile means. A Core Set is a good starting point, or you can choose 10 tiles to help the learner become familiar with them.
