Teaching genetics to blind-students - is it possible?

The use of three-dimensional models is a strategy that facilitates teaching contents considered difficult for many high school teachers even in classes that do not have students with special educational needs. Our objective was to develop a tactile model that helps the understanding of the DNA structure and its replication. To achieve this, we adapted the steps proposed by Miotto for the production of tactile models. As a result, we constructed the matrix of the basic structures of the DNA molecule in cardboard covered with different textures. After approval by a blind student, who reported that the scale and textures chosen allowed identification of the structure as a whole and its parts, we prepared the high relief acetate plates. These were tested and approved by blind students in the "resource class" of a State Public School.