Interactive U.S. Map 
with Talking Tactile Pen 

Tips and Activity Ideas  

The American Printing House for the
Blind (APH) Interactive U.S. Map with Talking Tactile Pen provides a fun way to explore, listen, and learn about the 50 states.

APH: https://www.aph.org/
Catalog #: 1-01150-00

The following tips and activity ideas are in addition to the learning materials and instructions that accompany the product.  We hope these ideas will be helpful as you learn about the U.S.

Tips for Use

•	U.S. Map is foldable, 13 7/8"×22" in size, can be used with one or more individuals, and is easily transportable.
•	Charge pen prior to use.
•	It takes practice to use the pen and sometimes may take up to 30 seconds for it to respond. 
•	Your pen may pause throughout your learning experience. 

Tips for Use (continued)

•	Keep your pen with power button and speaker facing up toward the ceiling. 
•	You may use standard headphones plugged in next to the Micro-USB connector for private listening.
•	The pen works best over the state braille abbreviations using a check mark movement and repeating movement to get more information.
•	The longer you keep the pen over the state braille abbreviation the more information you will hear including: state capitol, important cities, landmass, and adjoining states.
•	Occasionally the pen will repeat last state's information after you have moved it to another area of the map.  It may take a few moments to catch up. Take your time and explore our United States.

Activity Ideas

•	Use with the following APH items for more exploration: 	
										APH Catalog #
o	U.S. Puzzle Map 						1-01140-00
o	U.S. and Canada Tactile-Print Atlas			1-01920-00
o	State Maps Collection / Assorted Packages: 
•	Northeast Region 					1-04110-00
•	Southeast Region 					1-04111-00
•	Central Region 					1-04112-00
•	Western Region 					1-04113-00

Explore the individual states by using the Interactive U.S. Map, and then locate each on one of the table-size large maps (listed above).

•	Host a theme “State Day” including cooking a state-inspired recipe, decorating with state-inspired color(s), and listening to state-themed music:
o	Friendly note: There are advertisements on these sites:
https://statesymbolsusa.org

https://www.tasteofhome.com/collection/most-popular-cookie-in-every-state/			    
 Activity Ideas (continued)

•	Craft Your Favorite State:
o	Make a simple stencil of the state by gluing pipe cleaners onto poster or cardboard (it doesn't need to be large). Use markers or paint using just your fingertips to dot and create a colorful state. This could also be done with the State Flag.

o	Draw and Paint State(s) with APH item(s)        APH Catalog #
•	Draftsman Tactile Drawing Board		1-08857-00 
•	Quick-Draw Paper					1-04960-00
•	Paint Pot Palette					1-03933-00
•	Graphic Art Tape					1-08878-00
	
APH Resources

•	Online APH Catalog: 
https://www.aph.org

•	MCB/DDS APH Federal Quota Account Information & Order Form: https://www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/aph-federal-quota-account.html

					   Developed by: Ruth Bokulic, O&M Assistant
                			   Edited by: Lisa DiBonaventura, MA, COMS
							  Georgia Wattendorf-Guiney, M.Ed., COMS

   Please also see MCB/DDS Partnership “Focus” resources:
               https://www.focusonvisionandvisionloss.org/recreation.html