Math and Science Accessibility
How to write accessible math and science equations
- D2L has an equation editor that outputs MathML, no matter which of the D2L equation
editors you use (Graphical, LaTex or MathML).
- The MathType plugin for Microsoft Word and PowerPoint has an equation editor that can be used to write
math and publish to a webpage with MathML.
- Download this registry file to add HTML+MathML as a MathType output option.
- The end user should follow the instructions on the linked webpage to download a JAWS symbol file for full math speech with JAWS.
Graphing
Desmos is an accessible graphing tool for both instructors and students with visual disabilities. Students who are blind and using a screen reader can both create and consume (read and listen to) graphs.
Another option for audible graphing (specific to statistics) is the SAS Graphics Accelerator. The accelerator includes a laboratory in which you can create accessible graphs of your own data. These graphs can be sonified, visualized, and downloaded. You can explore table variables and access automatically generated sample graphs. For more information, see Graphing Your Data.
Math/Science in online publisher content
Proceed with caution when dealing with publisher-based content. It should be carefully vetted for accessibility. Contact itdacad@mtsu.edu to help you evaluate publisher content for accessibility.
Math/Science in Tests
- TestGen content is not accessible by default. The output has to be retyped into MathML in order to be read by screen reading software.
- Make sure any tests or quizzes follow the specific document type rules listed above.
Additional Resources
- Statistical Software and Blind Users
- MOLinsight: A web portal for the processing of molecular structures by blind students.
- Blindmath Gems
- Blindscience
- Access2Science
- MathTrax: an older graphing tool that works with screen readers.
- Teaching Accessible Science
- 4-part webinar series on accessible math and science
- Guidelines for Describing STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) images
- Effective Practices for Description of Science Content
- Texas School for the Blind: Math Home Page
- Resources for Teaching and Adapting Science Lessons for Students with Visual Impairments
- AccessStem
- Diagram Center webinars on accessible math tools, accessible complex images
My question is not answered here. What do I do?
Contact options:
- Email itdacad@mtsu.edu
- Call: 615-904-8189
- Send your question or request some individualized instruction
Information for this page was adapted from PCC's website and is based on the Creative Commons license.
