1. Adapting Science for the Visually Impaired
Jennifer Bliss, Science Consultant
Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired
Adapted from “Teaching Chemistry to Students with Disabilities: A Manual for High Schools, Colleges, and Graduate Program, 4th Ed.” Milner, et al American Chemical Society Committee on Chemists with Disabilities, 2001,
The American Chemical Society.

2. Why go to this trouble?
Scientifically literate citizens to support education
• Great physical prowess is rarely a prerequisite for a successful career in science
• Many research problems can be solved when approached from multiple perspectives.
• Not just inclusion—but full participation.

3. Before you begin… Preterm Meeting—preferences for learning
Preferential seating
Have needed materials in preferred format as soon as possible
Preload content for student whenever possible (Jack)
Make extra copies of materials available at home when possible

4. Ideas to Consider Plan ahead when you can
Make all written material accessible
Mimio/Smartboard accessibility
Think digitally
Speak carefully (that, over there, this)
Describe visuals and preview videos for good description (alt text)

5. Alt Text

6. During the Year
Keep aisles clear—alert student of changes in arrangement
Make an area for the student to keep his/her own materials
Learn sighted guide techniques and help classmates to learn it as well
Content on websites should be well described (accessible graphics) Alt Text
Use real objects when possible
Use containers to keep materials organized (cupcake tins, trays)

7. Difficult Science Concepts for the Braille User
Particulate property of matter
balloon examples
Forces such as gravity
cube/rubber band example
Periodic Table organization
Azers
Adapted example
Light/Shadows
Light & Sight Kit

8. Lab Independence Allow student an active role—timing, calculations
Peer assistance—good observation skills
Notetaking: must have ability to take own notes and reflect back upon them

9. Lab Independence: Collecting Data
Distance—tactile rulers and talking rulers
Mass—talking scale and pan balance
Temperature
Talking thermometers
Temperature apps
Liquids—adapted cylinders, syringes, beakers (use contrasting paper)
Light meter app
Color ID app
Wind direction (compass app)

10. Lab Independence: Notes
Example—3 ring notebook
Brailler or brailled notes
Sketches (draftsman, wikki sticks, puff paint, tactual pens and mat)
FOSS?
Print out notes in braille

11. Chemistry
Label containers, cabinets, and shelves with high-contrast, large print or braille whenever possible
Identify hazardous chemicals with a piece of sandpaper or sticker by the label
Have measuring devices and chemicals close together so the student doesn’t have to walk across the room with the chemicals

12. IESBVI Resources Teacher of the Visually Impaired APH Lending Library
Science/Math Lending Library
Professional Library
Consultants

13. Labs: Data collection & graphing
Distance Traveled by Rubber Band Rocket
Create a tactile bar graph with high contrast colors that both you and your VI student could use and read.
10 cm force
20 cm force
50 cm force
Trial 1
25 cm 75
350
Trial 2
20 cm 60
325
Average
22.5 cm
67.5
337.5