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Tools and Techniques for STEM accessibility

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.

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Tools and Techniques for STEM accessibility

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  1. Tools and Techniques for STEM accessibility

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

  3. 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

  4. Reading Mathematics

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. Writing Mathematics

  10. 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 + \

  11. 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

  12. 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.

  13. Managing Graphs and Diagrams

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

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

  17. 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

  18. Managing Labs

  19. 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.)

  20. 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

  21. Rough work

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

  23. 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

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

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

  26. IDEs

  27. 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

  28. Some Accessible IDEs • Visual Studio • Dev C++ • CodeBlocks

  29. 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

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

  31. THANK YOU Any Questions?

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