Resources available from RNIB
We've listed a few of the resources available from RNIB. Our full range of kitchen products and craft and DIY products can be viewed on our Online Shop.
Kitchen resources
Our publication Food technology: the design process (TD32) contains accessible images that have been designed to support pupils learning about the design process as part of Key Stage 4 Food Technology. The six images are: Parts of a wheat grain; Chocolate cake - design proposal; Gannt chart example; Flowchart example; Star chart example; Quality control on the production line.
We have a selection of talking kitchen scales, two of which also have clear digital displays and the useful "add and weigh" function for weighing multiple ingredients in the same bowl. A talking measuring jug (DK89) is also available.
Dycem is not sticky, but grips dry slippery surfaces such as worktops, trays, door handles and jar lids. It is ideal to position under items such as mixing bowls, chopping boards, crockery, reading stands, or any item you would benefit from having extra stability. Our range of Dycem non-slip products includes; mats and reels, jar and bottle openers.
The Good Grips apple corer and slicer (DK68) is a great gadget that easily cuts through fruit, making the perfect slices. The One Touch automatic can opener (DK124) is ideal for people with limited hand mobility as it opens the can independently.
Our Multi-grater (DK122) comes with three blades for course and fine for grating, shredding and zesting. The interchangeable blades sit on the supplied plastic box which collects the grated food, which can then be easily transferred to a plate or pan.
Our range of cooking timers includes easy-to-see, tactile and electronic timers.
Craft and DIY resources
We have a selection of clear print, tactile and talking tape measures, as well as tactile rulers and protractors. We also have a range of fine and bold line black pens, useful for drawing up design plans.
Needle threaders are simple devices that enable you to easily thread a needle.
More useful resources
Technology Teaching Systems stock a wide variety of useful items for children's work, such as motors, bulbs, wire, wheels, cog wheels, cardboard disks, dowel for axles (drinking straws rotate on them!) and stripwood of various sizes.
Sandvik make an excellent sanding block with a rough surface that lasts a great deal longer than sandpaper. The surface can eventually be replaced as required. They are a great size for blind and partially sighted pupils to use independently. A smooth sanded piece of wood is a very tangible result for a pupil with little or no sight.
Lynx jointers are a type of jig to hold card corner joints together both for assembly and whilst the glue is setting. They can also be used to help position axle supports mentioned earlier.
Paper fasteners and paper clips are useful for making electrical switches.
For further tips read our Topic spotlight: teaching about resistant materials.