Literature is a source of literacy to improve critical and creative thinking skills. However, not all readers can enjoy literary works optimally, one is readers with visual impairments or blind people.
Along with SLB Lawang, through the Learning Innovation Fund Assistance program and Assistive Technology for Students with Special Needs in Higher Education in 2021 organized by the Directorate of Learning and Student Affairs, Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education and Culture, Dr. Ive Emaliana, M.Pd., Alies Poetri Lintangsari, SS, M.Li., and Irene Nany Kusumawardani, S.Hum., M.Li, three lecturers of the Study Program of English Language Education (SPELE) Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) University Brawijaya (UB) design literature learning media that is accessible for students with visual impairments, especially in SPELE FCS UB.
This activity develops an accessible multisensory storybook based on the principles of accessibility and universal design learning. This product has advantages in terms of appearance, function, and content. In terms of appearance, this product is equipped with Braille narration which is placed on the left side of the page, making it easier for blind learners to access the book. In terms of function, this book is equipped with features that can optimize tactile sensory input and audio that can be utilized by blind learners.
This book was also developed using the collage method with materials that represent visual information using supporting materials such as sand, yarn, cotton, cloth, wood, and so on. The purpose of using these materials is to support their sensory tactics. Meanwhile, in terms of content, this product contains the legend of Malang City with the title ‘Sumber Biru – The Fountain of Power’.
“The title was chosen because the story is based on the legend of the formation of Sumber Biru in Malang City, East Java,” said Irene.
Irene added that this activity also developed an inclusive multisensory storytelling video based on the principles of accessibility and universal design learning, especially for learning media in literature-themed courses.
The Multisensory Story Telling Video product uses a method that adapts the flow of imagination. Imagism is a flow that stimulates mental images for readers. This method gives rise to sharp images. This product helps blind learners get a detailed and specific picture. Oral narrative in audio media is designed to be very detailed and clear so that it gives rise to an appropriate visual representation. Blind learners can understand the content of the story through the description of the words that are described in detail.
“It is hoped that this prototype can be applied to other literary readings to facilitate literacy needs in an inclusive and general scope,” explained Irene. [DTS]
