Tools and Techniques for STEM accessibility

Outline Screen Readers – Text to Speech Software Reading Mathematics Writing Mathematics Managing Diagram and Graphs Managing Labs Rough Work IDEs (Integrated Development Environments)

Screen Readers Screen Readers are Text-to-Speech (TTS) converters, which speaks out whatever is written on the computer screen. Screen Reading Software- Windows – NVDA, JAWS, Narrator. Linux – Orca Mac/iOS – VoiceOver Android – TalkBack

Reading Mathematics

MathPlayer (By Design Science) MathPlayer makes equation accessible with screen reader by providing semantic information. Commands- Reading equation – NVDA+Alt+M for math mode followed by arrow keys for navigation.

MathML with MathJax (By MathJax consortium) MathML is a markup language for creating Mathematical content on web documents. MathML stands for Mathematics Markup Language. MathJax is a java module for making MathML accessible and rendering in sighted notation, independent of the browser used.

InftyReader (By InftyProject) InftyReader is an OCR for converting inaccessible scientific document into accessible document. Provide very good accuracy when output file is extracted in .iml format (ChattyInfty format). Cost - $400

Using JAWS dictionary manager JAWS Dictionary can be customised to have it read out symbols that it would otherwise not read Useful when word processor must be used for reading math without any third party software

Writing Mathematics

MathType (By Design Science) MathType is an add-on for MS office and an editor for creating mathematical content. MathType add-on provides an accessible way for writing mathematical equations in MS word using LaTeX. Commands- LaTeX to MathType – Alt + \

ChattyInfty (by InftyProject) ChattyInfty is an inclusive scientific editor. Features – It has its own voice output. Provides three modes of reading: Smooth, Plain and detailed mode. Yomi – context based pronunciation (Ctrl+Shift+DownArrow) Cost - $200

Using AutoText Define custom autotext entries where easy-to-type symbols can automatically be converted into mathematical symbols. e.g., sqrt can map to √ at the press of a single keystroke.

Managing Graphs and Diagrams

Sonification: Audio graphing calculator and MathTrax Convert graph into sound to help the user understand the monotonicity of the curve. Audio graphing calculator is a shareware. MathTrax is a freeware. MathTrax also returns verbal description.

Glue gun The glue gun is a device generally used to stick hard surfaces. It uses cylindrical shaped sticks called Hot Melt Adhesive. The HMA is loaded into the gun, the gun is plugged in, and hot HMA can be sprayed on paper in desired shape. The HMA solidifies within a few minutes, and the learner can feel the diagram.

ChemAccess (By Volker Sorge) Tools for making molecular diagrams of the Chemistry accessible. Example http://www.cs.bham.ac.uk/research/groupings/reasoning/sdag/chem Access/index.html

BrailleR (by Jonathan Godfrey) BrailleR is a tool for making graphics accessible by creating textual description of the graphics related to statistics. Tools Required Pandoc R Studio R BrilleR

Managing Labs

Non-Tech methods Simple modifications can be made to apparatus and labelling methods to make labs more accessible Often, apparatus can be used without any modifications, and experiments can be completed by relying solely on non-visual cues (e.g. smell to detect confirmation of certain chemicals, popping sound etc.)

Sci-Voice Talking LabQuest 2 Converts existing sensors into talking ones Includes the Sci-Voice Talking LabQuest, a USB keyboard, three sensors-stainless steel temperature, differential voltage and current Additional sensors available on demand

Rough work

Taylor Frame Consists of star-shaped eight-angled holes and metal types, different orientations of which represent different numbers

Spreadsheets The spatial process of computation can be modelled on a computer spreadsheet Allows a sighted teacher to understand computation since it resembles the process on paper

VP Arithmetic and VP Algebra Sold through HenterMath Provides a spreadsheet-like interface as well as feedback, helpful for students to learn

Abacus Mainstream computation device for faster calculations Widely used by blind and visually impaired

IDEs

Command line interfaces Given their CUI nature, these are inherently accessible for the blind Can be accessed using Command Prompt, Bash Shell or similar terminals on Windows, or the inbuilt Terminal on Mac and Linux

Some Accessible IDEs Visual Studio Dev C++ CodeBlocks

CodeTalk CodeTalk is a plugin that improves accessibility of IDEs to the visually impaired. Currently supports C# and Python, and is built for Visual Studio. More info at https://venkateshpotluri.me/codetalk

Challenges Learning curve Cost Ambiguity in spoken math Cognitive overload persistent of content Conveying complex visual content in a non-visual way

THANK YOU Any Questions?