[Athen] Dot Pad X

[Natalie Reiners via athen-list]

Good afternoon,

I've looked into tactile graphic displays as potential equipment for our
department to procure/rent to students, and had a student request
alternative formats to use with their Dot Pad 320. I have not had personal
experience using one or working with someone who did. We haven't found a
sustainable way to embed producing unique alternative formats for this
device into our current processes and departmental workflows (yet).

The Dot Pad 320:

   - The device supports the DTMs tactile graphics format, and the Dot
   Canvas Web can convert uploaded images into tactile graphics automatically.
   - Files can be saved to your My Drawings (local storage) or to Dot Cloud
   (Personal Drive and Public Drive) for sharing and retrieval.

I determined that use of the device is contingent on a few implementation
components:

   - Preparing Images: Course diagrams, slides, or textbook figures will
   often need to be simplified into high-contrast, line-based graphics that
   are suitable for tactile display.
   - Converting to a Tactile-Ready Format: Materials will be converted into
   formats the Dot Pad can display (likely DTMs, created via Dot Canvas). Dot
   Canvas Web can convert uploaded images into tactile graphics automatically
   - Delivering the Files: Once converted, images can be shared through Dot
   Cloud or loaded directly via the app/web.
   - Working with Instructors: There would be a need to set up a workflow
   so that when course materials include graphics, the department can request
   them in advance and ensure there is time to convert them into tactile-ready
   versions. This would likely be similar to a typical alternative format
   request process.
   - Workflow with Student: There would be a need to set up a workflow with
   the student so that they can send tactile requests in advance to allow the
   department time to prepare the images for the dot pad. This would likely be
   similar to a typical alternative format request process.

I asked the student who has a Dot Pad to explore if the current way we
manually create images for hard copy tactile graphic production would
translate to the Dot Pad and the student reported it does not. So, a
consideration for a disability resource center is that this could be a
separate alternative format process than ones currently in use in a
department. The images below illustrate that issue - they show how the
images appear on a Dot Pad when sent to the student in the typical format
we would use to emboss the images in hard copy tactile graphic format:
simple clear lines with Braille labels. The Braille labels are completely
not legible. Though, if I'm doing something wrong please feel encouraged to
tell me as I'd love to figure this out.
Image descriptions: the two images below are screenshots of how the images
convert to the Dot Pad platform as shown by the device system - a series of
filled in squares that don't clearly show the image with labels as it was
created.

[image: image0.png]
[image: image3.png]


For the Monarch I understand there are similar but different considerations:

   - Conversion to SVG and BRF Formats – Course figures and diagrams will
   be converted into Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) or Braille Ready Format
   (BRF), which the Monarch can process into tactile representations.
   - Use of Tactile Graphics Software – Tools such as APH’s tactile
   graphics software and third-party applications like TactileView will be
   utilized to create raised-line drawings and interactive tactile displays.

I'd love to hear from anyone who was able to either incorporate these types
of devices into their equipment rental inventory or have worked with a
student to produce alternative formats for their personal tactile graphic
display device. Specifically, what it looks like to make the alternative
formats and what tools you use.

One issue our team was concerned about with the student's personal Dot Pad
was that we would have to use their personal account to make the images and
upload the images to their cloud, and this involves using their credentials
to access the system, which is a privacy concern. If it was a department
rental that wouldn't be a concern because it'd be our account.

Not sure if this all helps but figured I'd send what I've pulled together
in hopes it can help others and/or others can help us!

Best wishes,
Natalie

On Fri, Dec 5, 2025 at 9:16 AM David Schwarte via athen-list <
athen-list at u.washington.edu> wrote:


> Hello Emily,

>

>

>

> One of the students I work with has a DotPad.  The student does find it

> helpful.  A few things to note:

>

>

>

> The DotPad primarily works with IOS (iPad and iPhone).  Other’s milage may

> vary, but there are a lot of services at my institution that don’t work on

> a tablet platform.

>

>

>

> JAWS and NVDA do provide some support for the DotPad, but for text and not

> graphics.  There are probably some advantages in having a multi-line

> Braille display, but I don’t think this is clear-cut right now.  The

> Monarch works with JAWS and NVDA similar to the DotPad, so there is some

> effort to expand the usage of these types of devices.

>

>

>

> The resolution will be similar to using a Braille embosser for creating

> graphics, since the DotPad, Monarch etc., have essentially the same dot

> distance as a Braille display.  The one major advantage is that the dynamic

> devices can be zoomed.  The user can view the overall image and then zoom

> in on various areas of interest.  The concept would be similar to using a

> small screen to view complex images. The larger issue seems to be that the

> dots are either up or down.  There is no easy way to display greyscale.

>

>

>

> There seem to be four devices in this area:  DotPad, Monarch, Graphiti,

> and Cadence.

>

>

>

> We have recently purchased a Cadence for loan to students.  In our case

> the use cases included: providing the student a way to view graphs the

> student was required to create for homeworks, viewing shared drawings, such

> as CAD technical drawings, groupwork with shared graphics etc.  At this

> time the various devices seem to have different ideas of how they would be

> used, so we selected a device, based on what things our students could not

> do with currently available technology or services.  We are researching how

> a device, such as the Cadence could be used independently by a student.  Of

> course, this will also be important in the work world, where the

> former-student will be responsible for being able to consume any graphical

> information required for the job.

>

>

>

> Thanks,

>

> David Schwarte

>

>

>

>

>

> *From:* athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman22.u.washington.edu> *On

> Behalf Of *Emily Singer Lucio via athen-list

> *Sent:* Friday, December 5, 2025 9:55 AM

> *To:* normajean.brand <normajean.brand at hccs.edu>

> *Cc:* Access Technology Higher Education Network <

> athen-list at u.washington.edu>

> *Subject:* Re: [Athen] Dot Pad X

>

>

>

> ---- *External Email*: Use caution with attachments, links, or sharing

> data ----

>

>

>

> Thank you for the feedback.

>

>

>

>

>

> Respectfully,

>

>

>

> *Emily Singer Lucio She/Her/Hers*

>

> ADA Coordinator

>

> University of Maryland, College Park

>

> Belonging and Community

>

> 0112 Lee Building

>

> 7809 Regents Drive

>

> College Park MD 20742

>

> Tel:301 405-2841 | Fax:301 314-9992

>

> Email: eslucio at umd.edu

>

> *ADA Website*: accessibility.umd.edu

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> *Report a Concern*:  Disability Access Feedback and Concerns Form

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> Also on the UMD app)

>

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> *Learn more about Disability Identity Language

> <https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=www.ahead.org&t=h.eJxFT9FugzAM_JWKibdCQqEVIE1qtVXab5jEkGghQYkRnabt25ewhz7YPt35TvZ3tnqT9YdMES2hZ2zbthIUgiydn9ji3YghaGfBFB6DW73AwEAIN89OAkUlsEBAOKOlwtnCgJ1WmPCl_-0JH_R6-7jf3vMTx3nwEN0RksLYN-dlHPn9lLc8796kDjBoo-nruEODSV7QLSatg5X_Vu1T2mNBr9HGwDI7HrLP9MR-OBPK60Da4vX5yCiHtmtEc-GiazlwFAJijedI8oGfWXXpeF0157oqeZ0CcQ8MCsdR43WdtVAlyjVJMklP5ucPWQNq1w.MEYCIQDHoNbSLBuHYHS5Zz8OiPYnmXYQnUUp4mCHd05ZT4oOlgIhAO8CP7WINQ-cUdnpZ7JAtcb3zbf5EZTsk96zxQ6fYoss>*

>

>

>

> “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks

> vision.” — Stevie Wonder

>

> Source: WeCapable

>

>

>

>

>

> On Thu, Dec 4, 2025 at 5:59 PM normajean.brand <normajean.brand at hccs.edu>

> wrote:

>

> I was thinking the same thing, Kamran, when I first learned of the Dot Pad

> X.

>

>

>

> It appears to be exciting new technology also being developed by Humanware

> https://youtu.be/TJdMAk-hN3A?si=VxwH3XRE9pd2FXX7

> https://www.humanware.com/microsite/monarch/index.php

>

>

>

> However, since I’m sighted/low vision, and don’t read Braille or need the

> tactile (yet), I’m not sure if it would be something usable in a

> post-secondary environment.

>

>

>

> If anyone has tested the Monarch by Humanware, I’d love to know your

> thoughts.

>

>

>

> *NJ Brand* (she/her/hers)

>

> [image: Website] *www.hccs.edu <https://www.hccs.edu/>*  *Counseling &

> Ability Services <https://www.hccs.edu/support-services/counseling/>*   *AssitiveTech at HCCS

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>

> *From:* athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman22.u.washington.edu> *On

> Behalf Of *Kamran Rasul via athen-list

> *Sent:* Thursday, December 4, 2025 3:54 PM

> *To:* 'Emily Singer Lucio' <eslucio at umd.edu>; 'Access Technology Higher

> Education Network' <athen-list at u.washington.edu>

> *Subject:* Re: [Athen] Dot Pad X

>

>

>

> [External Email Notice: This email is from outside the Houston City

> College. HCC will never use external email accounts to send confidential

> information, job opportunities, business/financial-related emails, or

> account password/expiration updates.]

>

> Hi Emily,

>

>

>

> According to this review, Dot Pad X: Multi-Line Braille & Tactile

> Graphics: Accessibility for the Blind and Visually Impaired

> <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=REdE8SDoOJI>, it is best suited for

> simple images rather than the complex ones we typically find in

> post-secondary settings.

>

>

>

> It looks promising and will continue to evolve to support more complex

> images down the line.

>

>

>

> Kamran Rasul, MEd.

>

> Assistive Technology/Alternate Format Specialist (SDS)

>

> Phone: 410-516-1167

>

> E-mail: krasul1 at jhu.edu

>

> Garland Hall, 1st Floor, Office 135-G

>

> 3400 N. Charles Street

>

> Baltimore, MD 21218

>

> Schedule a meeting with Kamran

> <https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/ATC2@live.johnshopkins.edu/bookings/>

>

>

>

> *From:* athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman22.u.washington.edu> *On

> Behalf Of *Emily Singer Lucio via athen-list

> *Sent:* Thursday, December 4, 2025 4:40 PM

> *To:* Access Technology Higher Education Network <

> athen-list at u.washington.edu>

> *Subject:* [Athen] Dot Pad X

>

>

>

>

> *      External Email - Use Caution      *

>

>

>

>

>

> Hi all.

>

>

>

> Has anyone used this?  Just curious if this is worth looking into.

>

>

>

> Dot Pad X <https://www.dotincorp.com/en/product/dotpadx>

>

>

>

>

>

> Respectfully,

>

>

>

> *Emily Singer Lucio She/Her/Hers*

>

> ADA Coordinator

>

> University of Maryland, College Park

>

> Belonging and Community

>

> 0112 Lee Building

>

> 7809 Regents Drive

>

> College Park MD 20742

>

> Tel:301 405-2841 | Fax:301 314-9992

>

> Email: eslucio at umd.edu

>

> *ADA Website*: accessibility.umd.edu

>

> *Report a Concern*:  Disability Access Feedback and Concerns Form

> <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDCugY2AaryXzrLgAqAF60-KVHZizQryozepxdEzOe-7QDpQ/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0> (

> Also on the UMD app)

>

> *Sign up for the ADA Newsletter*: Subscribe to the ADA Newsletter

> <https://mailchi.mp/97648624d43b/q07mkrxp6p>

>

> *Join the* UMD Disability Google Group

> <http://umd-disability+subscribe@umd.edu/>

>

> *To schedule a training*:  You can fill out our training form

> <https://diversity.umd.edu/training-education/training-consultation>

>

> *To request an interview*: You can fill out our Interview Request Form

> <https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdzrFoDfp6sh5ZWAtAbYtJkajtY3ch30i827fLW3oUIQCLjsg/viewform>

>

> *Learn more about Disability Identity Language

> <https://shared.outlook.inky.com/link?domain=www.ahead.org&t=h.eJxFT9FugzAM_JWKibdCQqEVIE1qtVXab5jEkGghQYkRnabt25ewhz7YPt35TvZ3tnqT9YdMES2hZ2zbthIUgiydn9ji3YghaGfBFB6DW73AwEAIN89OAkUlsEBAOKOlwtnCgJ1WmPCl_-0JH_R6-7jf3vMTx3nwEN0RksLYN-dlHPn9lLc8796kDjBoo-nruEODSV7QLSatg5X_Vu1T2mNBr9HGwDI7HrLP9MR-OBPK60Da4vX5yCiHtmtEc-GiazlwFAJijedI8oGfWXXpeF0157oqeZ0CcQ8MCsdR43WdtVAlyjVJMklP5ucPWQNq1w.MEYCIQDHoNbSLBuHYHS5Zz8OiPYnmXYQnUUp4mCHd05ZT4oOlgIhAO8CP7WINQ-cUdnpZ7JAtcb3zbf5EZTsk96zxQ6fYoss>*

>

>

>

> “Just because a man lacks the use of his eyes doesn’t mean he lacks

> vision.” — Stevie Wonder

>

> Source: WeCapable

>

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-- 

Natalie Reiners, MS, CRC
Assistant Director

Educational Access Center Boise State University

Appointment Scheduling: click to schedule here
<https://calendly.com/nataliereiners-boisestate>

Phone: (208) 426-1083

EAC Office: (208) 426-1583

Fax: (208)-426-1008

Email: nataliereiners at boisestate.edu

Mail: 1910 University Drive, Boise, ID 83725-1372
Location: 1607 University Dr (first floor Lincoln Office Suites)
<https://maps.boisestate.edu/?id=715#!ce/8943?s/veteran%20services>Web:
boisestate.edu/eac
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