I am grateful to Statped for the opportunity to attend the course Tactile Communication (TAKOM) – Modules 1, 2, and 3.

TAKOM (website) is an online resource where people can learn tactile signing. Tactile signing is based on sign language and involves communication through touch. It is used by people who have both hearing loss and visual impairment. 
The course combines theory around tactile communication, practical exercises in tactile signing, and the sharing of experiences.

In 2023 and 2024, I also attended the courses Tactile Book (read more: 2023, 2024), organised by Statped. Through these courses, I learned about the importance of tactile senses for blind, visually impaired, and deafblind people, and I created tactile books that can be understood through touch.


Module 1 (29 January 2026)

One of the key learnings for me was the variety of forms within tactile communication and the barriers surrounding it. Tactile communication includes more than tactile signing; it also involves forms such as haptic communication, mimetic signs, and trace signs. I found strong potential in integrating these forms into my artistic practice as well.

There are several barriers to tactile communication. For example, some people have negative reactions to touch. This highlights the importance of building trust, having patience, and offering diverse tactile experiences.

Participants practiced tactile signing in pairs: one person wore a blindfold while the other provided tactile signing, such as introducing names and simple words. While wearing the blindfold, it was extremely difficult to guess words without any visual context. This experience made me realise again how much I rely on my visual sense.

I am very much looking forward to learning more about it in the following modules.