5.19.2011

An Artist



Did you know there are coloring pages for blind children? They have raised edges and other raised textures to show dimensions of drawings. It's really quite simple and brilliant. 


The above image comes from a coloring book Rocco had when he was younger. It's called "The Farm Bumpacolor by Kelly". Do you know the most amazing part about this book? It was created by Kelly Rickard for an entry into the Western New York Regional "Invention Convention" competition, when she was in just 5th grade! Of course this won her first place. Since then, Tactile Vision Inc. has made her idea a reality for blind children all over the world.

I must have spent the last hour trying to find any information on Kelly and her story. Nada. I don't even know what year she entered this competition. Is she all grown up now? Does she realize her simple invention changed the world of art to blind children? 

Rocco loves art. I mean absolutely loves it. He draws almost daily. He gets absolutely absorbed into a world of fantasy when he is drawing. He leaves out no detail. It's all scribble to our eyes, but to Rocco it's his work of art.


7 comments:

Anna said...

that's incredible, so very cool. And so inspiring. :)

becced said...

How very cool! I love this idea. I think these colour-in pictures are great for seeing children too. There is no better thing than multi sensory information.

Camille said...

Wow, when we had a competition like that at my school I was trying to think of an invention that made my bed for me. This is why Kelly probably eventually got a McArthur Genius Grant and I did not.

Carolyn said...

What an amazing story! That is one very cool little girl!

Unknown said...

That is so cool! I hope that the grown up Kelly is continuing to innovate!

Ariel M said...

i love this entry. so beautiful.

thelittleprints said...

I just love your blog. I don't comment much, but I am here often. Not pertaining to this particular entry, but I especially love the fact that you talk about the mistakes you make in sewing....SO REFRESHING! There are many beautiful blogs that show only the perfect outcomes, and it can easily be more discouraging than anything else to us beginners.

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