You are here: Home > FAQ > Learn > POP

Print on Palm Illustrations

Print on Palm (POP), sometimes known as Block or Spartan, is a system used between deafblind and non-deafblind people to communicate, when the non-deafblind person is not skilled in other accessible communication methods. Letters are drawn on the palm of the deafblind person's hand, one on top of another, with a short pause between words. The letters are block capitals, drawn with as few strokes as possible, to make it easier to feel.

Instructional Chart

Below is a chart of the strokes used to write letters clearly.

Example Photo

The picture below shows one person drawing on the palm of another person. The "listener's" hand is palm-up, with the index finger at the top of the writing surface, as if the wrist were the binding of a book.

Back to Learning Braille, Sign Language, and other specialized communication modes.

See also How do DeafBlind people communicate? in our FAQ section.