ABSTRACT
For a long time, the sense of touch has been regarded as the inferior sense as compared to vision or audition. However, the potential to receive
information tactually is well illustrated by some natural (i.e., nondevice related) methods of tactual speech communication. Particularly noteworthy is the so-called Tadoma method that is employed by some individuals who are both deaf and blind. In Tadoma, one places a hand on the face and neck of a talker and monitors a variety of actions associated with speech production. Previous research has documented the remarkable abilities of experienced Tadoma users (e.g., Reed, Rabinowitz, Durlach, Braida, Conway-Fithian, & Schultz, 1985). Not only can these individuals converse with both familiar and unfamiliar talkers at high performance levels, but they pick up additional features such as the speaker’s accent. The Tadoma method is a living proof that high information transmission is possible through the somatosensory system.
