RAFIF ESLEEM

Gaza- Tactile books help children with visual impairments to develop their literacy skills. These books have tactile images with the letter of the alphabet in Braille and print. Artist Taima Salama (20) wrote a tactile book entitled, “The Woodcutter and the Tree,” for children with visual impairments. She was supported by one of her relatives with visual impairment when she wrote her book. “This book is not my first work for people with visual impairments. Last year, I held an exhibition for people with visual impairments. I displayed three-dimensional paintings at the exhibition. A 25-year-old woman with visual impairment visited the exhibition and understood what the paintings tell by touching them. At that time, I felt accomplished.”

“Artists should reach all segments of society”

Noting that artists should reach all segments of society, Taima Salama said, “Artists should appeal to all people and reach all segments of society in order to convey several messages about various issues. If they cannot do these things, they cannot be successful.” Speaking about her book, “The Woodcutter and the Tree”, Taima Salama said, “Preparation of this book was not easy for me. Children with visual impairments touch it to be able to read it so tactile books should be prepared by using healthy materials. Gypsum and other materials may be harmful to children's fingers. I managed to adapt a material by inserting several colors on it to obtain a safe and impressive result.”

“I am working on a new book”

Taima Salama faced many obstacles in obtaining materials due to the blockade of the Gaza Strip. But she never gave up and succeeded in obtaining a grant from the French Cultural Center in the Gaza Strip. “Now, I am working on a new book by using different technology and different materials. I overcame obstacles by working hard. My book is a potent source of happiness for me.”

“I will follow my dreams”

Giving information about her new book, she said, “I want to prepare a book for all people with visual impairment. This is one of my dreams now. I imagine how they will be happy when they touch the book. Despite all obstacles, I will not give up and I will follow my dreams.”