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Ann Conefrey is a tactile graphic designer and researcher with extensive experience in designing tactile books, including projects for Royal Dutch Visio and the European Erasmus+ project 'Tacticos'. She recently completed a master’s degree, researching ‘The Enhancement of Tactile Communication'. As both a designer and parent to a blind daughter, Ann brings a unique perspective to designing with braille and tactile images. Her keen observational skills have led to the development of award-winning tactile children’s books that truly align with the experiences of blind learners.  

We are delighted that she will share her insights at the Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference! 

Originally from the Netherlands where she co-founded Sonokids, developing accessible games and apps for blind and visually impaired users, Phia Damsma has lived and worked in Australia for many years. She collaborates with various organizations for people with blindness and low vision across the South Pacific and was closely involved in organising the SPEVI 2025 Conference. A true innovator, she integrates sonification into apps, making them more accessible for braille learners. 

Phia Damsma is a creative thinker, a connector, and an inspiration. We are thrilled that she will share her expertise at the conference in June!

Jonathan Mosen MNZM directs accessibility excellence initiatives at the US-based National Federation of the Blind, the world’s largest organisation of blind people. He has been totally blind from birth and is also hearing impaired. He has been a thought leader, broadcaster, podcaster, advocate, change agent, government relations professional, author, CEO, DPO leader, information technology consultant, Internet start-up founder, candidate for Parliament, IT product designer, and non-profit Chair. He was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2019 for his services to the blind community and has received numerous other awards for his work for blind people.  

We are looking forward to his keynote speech at the Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference.

The Rijksmuseum (home to world-famous masterworks from the Dutch Golden Age including the Milkmaid by Vermeer and Rembrandt's Night Watch) is the largest museum in the Netherlands dedicated to art and history. The forefront of making this institution truly accessible is Cathelijne Denekamp, Manager Accessibility & Inclusion, who is committed to ensuring that all visitors and employees experience the museum on equal footing, feeling welcome and recognized.

Cathelijne's work spans across physical, social, and digital accessibility, focusing on creating an environment where everyone can participate and feel a sense of belonging. Her efforts include making the museum a more accessible employer and ensuring diverse representation within the collection. This holistic approach aims to build a solid foundation for the Rijksmuseum to be a museum for everyone.

Her philosophy is simple yet profound: an accessible museum is a better museum for all. To share the Rijksmuseum’s journey towards accessibility, Cathelijne authored a book, ‘Accessibility Without Limits – Rijksmuseum’, which chronicles the strides taken and the lessons learned in this ongoing mission.

Dagmar Reinhardt is a practicing architect, academic, and researcher, currently an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney. Her research focuses on design, robotics, human-robot collaboration, and resilient systems. She is the visionary behind the Museum of Touch and has a unique approach to conceptual design and working with blind students and adults.  

A truly inspiring figure, Dagmar seamlessly combines research and practice. 

[caption photo: A/Prof Dagmar Reinhardt, School of Architecture, Design and Planning, The University of Sydney]

Museums often present valuable artefacts and artworks behind barriers, making them inaccessible to people who are blind or have low vision (BLV). This limits meaningful engagement with cultural treasures that shape our understanding of history and the world. Human perception goes beyond sight — it includes touch, sound, smell, and taste.

In this keynote speech, Cathelijne Denekamp (Manager of Accessibility & Inclusion, Rijksmuseum Amsterdam) and Prof. Dagmar Reinhardt (The University of Sydney) discuss strategies for creating more accessible and inclusive museums.

Together, they explore cutting-edge design strategies and technologies, such as the WESSST principles for touch design, photogrammetry, and 3D printing. Concepts that are reshaping the future of inclusive museum experiences. Key questions include: How can we achieve lasting change? How can we encourage deeper participation? How can touch-based engagement transform the museum experience for all?

Don't miss this inspiring keynote speech! Join us in Amsterdam and be part of this compelling discussion.

Take a look at the complete program

We’re excited to announce that the Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference in Amsterdam isn’t just about inspiring talks and innovative ideas — it’s also about celebrating together!

On Tuesday, 3 June, right after the conference day, participants are warmly invited to a festive evening full of good food, drinks, music, and great company. The evening runs from 5:30 to 9:00 PM, and it's all included in the conference ticket — no extra registration needed!

This is the perfect opportunity to relax, meet fellow participants, and continue the conversations in a more informal setting. Whether you want to connect, unwind, or simply enjoy the atmosphere, we’ve got you covered. We can’t wait to celebrate with you in Amsterdam!

Braille and tactile reading play a crucial role in making information accessible for blind and visually impaired individuals, worldwide. These reading methods are not only essential for education and independence but also contribute to inclusion and equal opportunities in society.

We are therefore delighted that the Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference has gained broad societal support on this important topic. The strong engagement from various organisations highlights the global significance of braille and tactile reading.

With great appreciation, we acknowledge the valuable contributions of our partners and sponsors, who help make this event possible. Thanks to their support, we can share knowledge, foster innovation, and work together towards a future where everyone has access to information.

Together, we make a difference!

Visit the sponsors page

Since we received hundreds of abstracts for the Conference, we are now able to present a wonderful and inspiring program. 

We offer you several types of sessions where nearly 200 speakers from around the world will bring you up to date and inspire you. With dozens of interactive workshops, oral presentations, Show & Tell sessions, table talks and an extensive exhibition market, the conference provides a wide range of interesting sessions. There is something for everyone!

Find out when your favourite topics and speakers are scheduled. 

We are looking forward to meeting you in June!

Have a look at the complete program

We are thrilled to announce that Annemiek van Leendert, a visionary in the field of accessible mathematics, will be presenting her groundbreaking work at the conference in June! Annemiek has worked at Royal Visio for more than 30 years. She holds a PhD in mathematics for Braille readers and is currently a postdoctoral researcher at both the Freudenthal Institute in Utrecht and Erasmus University in Rotterdam. Annemiek and her co-researchers, are developing TacTiles, an innovative tactile interaction system designed to empower Braille readers in learning algebra. Additionally, she is a key contributor to TouchingMaths+, an Erasmus+ project that aims to improve the inclusion of Braille readers.

Annemiek’s passion for breaking down barriers in mathematics education is nothing short of inspiring. Her work is opening doors for Braille readers, making complex mathematical concepts more accessible through cutting-edge tactile solutions. Don't miss the chance to hear from Annemiek. 

Hoëlle Corvest-Morel worked for 30 years at the Cité des Sciences et de l'Industrie in Paris, making the exhibitions accessible to blind and visually impaired visitors. Blind herself, she understands the limits of museum experiences, where it is forbidden to touch anything. She pioneered the use of relief drawings and tactile/audio books to make art and science truly accessible. Today, through her DUGTA Foundation, she continues to train, advise and advocate inclusive museum experiences for people with visual impairments.

At the Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference she will share her thoughts on how visually impaired people can develop meaningful reading skills for tactile images. She will also propose the creation of an international network to create and widely disseminate high-quality and affordable tactile drawings. A real inspiration!

Lily Gower is a qualified vision support teacher specialising in music and creative arts in Adelaide. She has a unique approach to teaching and collaborates closely with researchers in Australia. With inspiring teaching methods she integrates new insights into her lessons, working together with Dagmar Reinhardt (Museum of Touch) and Phia Damsma, who uses sonification in lessons.

We are thrilled that Lily Gower, together with her colleague Hannah O'Brien, will share her approach and insights at the Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference. Don’t miss her workshop; it should definitely be at the top of your list!

You are very welcome to follow the Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference on Facebook. Don't forget to like and share the messages!

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If you have any questions regarding the conference, we offer you all the answers on the FAQ page on the website.

Go to FAQ page

From the very beginning Anneke Blok, former rehabilitation therapist and currently speech pathologist at Royal Dutch Visio, has been involved in the development of Tactual Profile and has led multiple projects on tactile functioning, such as Feel Free MDVI and prepatory topographic methods like An & Jan, and Waar ben ik? (Where am I?). She has been dedicated to the development of tactile books for years and is an active member of the European Typhlo & Tactus network. Currently, she is contributing to the Erasmus+ project Tacticos, which focuses on developing guidelines for tactile books. 

Her tireless efforts in tactile learning make her an invaluable expert, and we are thrilled that she will share the Tacticos results at the conference in June!

Dr. Emily White, President of ICEVI Pacific, researcher at the University of Melbourne and qualified vision specialist teacher, is dedicated to inclusive education. Her current research on braille literacy provides valuable new insights on the developmental pathway of learning to read and write in braille. At the Tactile Reading & Graphics Conference 2025, she is eager to share new knowledge drawn from expert braille teachers to build the evidence for effective teaching and learning. Her enthusiasm and commitment make her an inspiring speaker.

We are honoured that she will share her expertise with us and collaborate with the Tactile Reading & Graphics community to advance the future of braille education!

We have arranged special rates with the following hotel: Holiday Inn Express Amsterdam Sloterdijk Station *** (6,4 kilometres from the conference venue). Book quickly, as spaces are limited!

See our Location page for more hotel information in Amsterdam (no special rates). Good to know: The hotels in Amsterdam charge high rates. However, the accommodation rates are considerably cheaper just outside the city. The Muziekgebouw is located next to the Central Station in Amsterdam and is easily accessible by public transport, taxi, or Uber. So check Booking.com for more hotel suggestions outside the city centre.