Project title: 3D Printing to Improve Access to Graphics by People with Vision Impairments
Project number: 18075

Research Assistant: Leona Holloway
Department of Information Technology
Monash University
Phone: (03) 990 32401
email: leona.holloway@monash.edu 

Chief Investigator: Prof Kim Marriott
Department of Information Technology
Monash University
Phone: (03) 990 55525
Email: kim.marriott@monash.edu

Chief Investigator: Dr Matthew Butler
Department of Information Technology
Monash University
Phone: (03) 990 31911
Email: matthew.butler@monash.edu

Partner Investigator: Sonali Marathe
Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children (RIDBC)
Phone: (02) 9872 0234
Email: sonali.marathe@ridbc.org.au 

Partner Investigator: Debra Lewis
Statewide Vision Resource Centre
Phone: (03) 9841 0242
Email: lewis.debra.d@edumail.vic.gov.au

You are invited to take part in this study. Please read this Explanatory Statement in full before deciding whether to take part in this research. If you would like further information regarding any aspect of this research, you are encouraged to contact the project investigators using the details listed above.

WHAT DOES THE RESEARCH INVOLVE?
This project aims to transform the provision of accessible graphics within Australia by exploring 3D printing as a new method for conveying graphics through touch.
Monash University is partnering with the Victorian Department of Education & Training, RIDBC, SPEVI and others to investigate the use of 3D printed models for teaching tactile literacy and STEM to children who are blind or have low vision. You are invited to work with the research team by requesting and using 3D printed models with your students, and to provide feedback via this form. If you provide your contact details, you will also be invited to participate in a remote interview no more than 1 hour in length. Audio recording may be used.

WHY WERE YOU SELECTED FOR THIS STUDY?
You were selected for this study as you are a classroom teacher, vision specialist teacher or aide working with students who are blind or have low vision.

WHAT COVID SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE?
When using 3D models with your students, we would suggest that those involved use hand sanitiser before and after touching the model. 3D printed models can be cleaned between sessions using a disinfectant spray or warm soapy water. Please do not use hot water as the model may melt and deform.
It is assumed that you will follow the current government and workplace guidelines with regards to social distancing and wearing of a mask while using the 3D printed models.

CONSENT AND WITHDRAWAL
Participation in this study is entirely voluntary. Even if you agree to take part in the study, you can withdraw your permission at any time and any material collected up that time will be discarded.
Participation in this study is not a workplace requirement. You may use the 3D printed materials being offered without participating in the study. Your inclusion or exclusion in the study does not need to be known by your workplace managers or colleagues.

SOURCE OF FUNDING
This research is funded by the Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Project LP170100026, with support from the Department of Education and Training Victoria, Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities, Inc., South Pacific Educators in Vision Impairment, Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, Guide Dogs Victoria and the Royal Society for the Blind.

POSSIBLE BENEFITS
Participants may benefit from the research through the use of 3D printed objects education or orientation and mobility.
The project aims to benefit the low vision community by supporting the use of 3D printed models for improved access to graphics.

POTENTIAL RISKS
This research involves minimal risks.
All materials used are non-toxic and 3D prints will be checked to ensure there are no sharp edges.
Models with small parts should not be given to children under the age of 3 as they may pose a choking hazard.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Your participation in this study will not be made known to others and your details will remain confidential.
Results will be published in aggregated form so that individual participants cannot be identified.

STORAGE OF DATA
Data relating to the project will be retained for a minimum of five years, in accordance with research requirements. The raw data will be stored in a secure location able to be accessed only by the research team.
After it is no longer required, all data will be destroyed in a secure manner.

RESULTS
Results of the study and overall project will be published through academic and professional journals and conferences, and be used to form the basis of guidelines to be published by the Round Table on Information Access for People with Print Disabilities Inc.
Notification of publications will be made available at accessiblegraphics.org and results will be made available on request.

COMPLAINTS
Should you have any concerns or complaints about the conduct of the project, you are welcome to contact the Executive Officer, Monash University Human Research Ethics (MUHREC):
Executive Officer
Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (MUHREC)
Room 111, Building 3e
Research Office
Monash University VIC 3800
Tel: +61 3 9905 2052
Email: muhrec@monash.edu
Fax: +61 3 9905 3831