Tactile & Sensory Illustration Designer (Volunteer)

Tactile & Sensory Illustration Designer (Volunteer)

PromisePublic | Accessibility, Inclusive Design & Sensory Learning

Organization: Mentor A Promise (MAP)

Location: Remote

Type: Volunteer

Reports To: Director of Disability Justice & Accessibility

Works Closely With: PromiseLearning, PromiseStudios, Braille Writer, Program Teams

About Mentor A Promise

Mentor A Promise (MAP) is a New York City–based nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth experiencing housing instability through mentorship, education, and community. Accessibility is central to our mission—ensuring that all students, including those with visual and sensory needs, can fully engage with learning and communication.

About PromisePublic | Accessibility & Disability Justice

PromisePublic ensures that MAP’s work is accessible, inclusive, and aligned with disability justice principles. The division supports the creation of materials and experiences that remove barriers and expand access across all programs.

Role Overview

We are seeking a Tactile & Sensory Illustration Designer to support the creation of accessible visual materials that can be experienced through touch and multi-sensory engagement.

This role focuses on designing tactile graphics, sensory-friendly illustrations, and adapted materials that support learning and participation for students who are blind, low vision, or have sensory processing needs.

Key Responsibilities

Tactile Illustration Design

• Design tactile graphics that translate visual information into touch-based formats
• Create raised-line, textured, or multi-sensory illustrations for educational use
• Adapt existing visuals into accessible tactile formats

Sensory Learning Materials

• Develop materials that support multi-sensory learning experiences
• Incorporate texture, shape, and spatial awareness into designs
• Support accessibility across different sensory needs

Accessibility & Design Alignment

• Ensure designs align with accessibility standards and best practices
• Collaborate with Braille Writer to align text and tactile elements
• Support integration of Universal Design principles

Program Collaboration

• Work with PromiseLearning to support accessible curriculum materials
• Collaborate with PromiseStudios on visual adaptations
• Support program teams in identifying accessibility needs

Quality & Testing

• Review and refine materials for usability and clarity
• Support testing of materials for effectiveness and accessibility
• Iterate based on feedback from teams and users

Systems & Documentation

• Maintain organized files and documentation of designs
• Support development of accessible design guidelines
• Maintain timely, professional responsiveness via Google Workspace

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in illustration, design, or tactile graphics
• Strong understanding of accessibility and inclusive design
• Ability to translate visual concepts into tactile formats
• Attention to detail and spatial awareness
• Alignment with MAP’s mission and dignity-centered values

Preferred

• Experience creating tactile graphics or sensory learning materials
• Familiarity with tools for tactile design (e.g., swell paper, embossing, 3D methods)
• Experience working with blind or low-vision communities
• Knowledge of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles

Commitment

• Volunteer role
• Approximately 5–10 hours per week
• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred
• Fully remote

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in accessible and inclusive design
• Opportunity to create materials that directly expand access to learning
• Collaboration with accessibility, education, and creative teams
• Professional references and letters of recommendation
• A meaningful role supporting equitable and sensory-inclusive education

How to Apply

Interested candidates must apply directly through Idealist and submit:

• Resume (required)
• Portfolio (required)
• Cover letter (required) describing relevant experience in illustration, accessibility, or sensory design and interest in MAP’s mission

Design should be felt—not just seen.

Help create materials that allow every student to experience, understand, and engage.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with our organization. At this time, volunteer opportunities are limited to individuals based in the United States due to legal, safeguarding, data-privacy, and programmatic requirements. We appreciate your interest in our mission and your understanding of these constraints.