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Making Math Accessible Doesn’t Have To Be Terrifying!

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Presented at 2:15pm in Standley I Lab on Thursday, November 15, 2018.

#17295

Speaker(s)

  • Susan Kelmer, Alternate Format Production Program Manager, University of Colorado Boulder

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 2-hr
  • Format: Lab
  • Expertise Level: Beginner
  • Type of session: General Conference

Summary

Making math accessible for the visually impaired or those with specific learning disabilities seems like an insurmountable task. However, it turns out it isn't all that hard to do! You just need to have access to the right software, learn the software, and give yourself time to practice and hone those skills. Making math accessible doesn't have to

Abstract

Making math accessible to both visually impaired or other print-disabled students can be time-consuming, but it isn't necessarily difficult. You don't even have to know how math works to do it (aka, you don't need a "math brain"). Participants will work hands-on with MathType software and Microsoft Word, with plenty of practice time and time to ask questions and dig deep into alternate format math in a production environment. Math production will be covered from beginning to end: from the original PDF to multiple outputs like MathML for the web, and MathType Word files that can be used natively with NVDA or Central Access Reader. All participants will leave with CU-Boulder's Alternate Format Production Manual, which includes an extensive section on alt-format production of math.

Keypoints

  1. Why is it important to go the extra mile with accessible math content.
  2. Using the right software, anyone can produce accessible math.
  3. How to output accessible math content in a format the student can use.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Vision

Topic Areas

Alternate Format, Uncategorized

Speaker Bio(s)

Susan Kelmer

Ms. Kelmer has been working with alternate format and accessible technology for more than 20 years in a higher education environment. Currently she works at the University of Colorado Boulder in the Alternate Format Production and Access Center, where alternate format materials for students with print disabilities are produced. She also consults with other departments on campus and other campuses about alternate format and how to produce materials effectively. She has presented at multiple AHG conferences in the last 20 years.

Handout(s)

Media

Videos