Using Accessible Maps to
Teach Location Literacy
By:
Mike May
Katie Gilmore
Jamie Murdy
Accessible Maps
Accessible Maps Description

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

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
Benefits of Accessible Maps

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
Access to Location Information
• 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)
Introduces Important Concepts
• 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
Scenarios
 O&M
lesson
◦ What is around Student’s School
◦ Finding POIs
◦ Creating Route to nearby POI to
preview for lesson
Scenarios
 Explore
Washington DC for
Social Studies
◦ Explore map of Washington DC
◦ Learn about major historical
landmarks