Curriculum Access: Atlases and Maps

the print in commercially available atlases is usually too small for students with low vision

the use of colour in maps can reduce the contrast and cause difficulties for students with colour vision variation

black and white photo-enlargements are usually not satisfactory

some students may be able to access maps with a magnifier or electronic magnification unit (specialised instruction may be required)

tactual and enlarged print maps generally provide a simplified representation of the print version

the mapping skills of low vision students and brailling students are often poor

examples of atlases on CD include Jacaranda and Heinemann; there are other atlases available on CD so it is worth shopping around. If voice or enlarging software is to be used in conjunction with these, you will need to check for compatibility

the Melbourne Street Directory (and many other street directories) can be accessed via the internet - Britannica, WhereIs

there is a large selection of outline maps which can be downloaded and edited - see Maps of the World