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 contribute to our shared knowledge by completing this survey about your production and opinion about 3D printing for touch readers. The survey is expected to take around 15 minutes to complete. If you indicate your willingness by providing your name and contact details, you will also be asked to take part in a semi-structured interview taking no more than one hour.

WHY WERE YOU SELECTED FOR THIS STUDY?
You were selected for this study as you are a accessible formats provider who has created 3D prints for touch readers.

WHAT COVID SAFETY MEASURES ARE IN PLACE?
Feedback will be gathered remotely via survey or interview over phone or Zoom.

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.

CONFIDENTIALITY
You do not need to provide your name and contact details unless you are willing to take part in a semi-structured interview.
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 Round Table.
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