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YOU CAN Create Accessible Math for Students With Print Disabilities

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Presented at 1:30pm in Cotton Creek I on Tuesday, November 19, 2019.

#29705

Speaker(s)

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

Session Details

  • Length of Session: 3-hr
  • Format: Bring-your-own Device Workshop: Windows-based laptop. Software: Microsoft Windows, MathType (trial version), EquatIO (trial version)
  • Expertise Level: Intermediate
  • Type of session: Pre-conference

Summary

Creating accessible math for students with print disabilities seems to be an insurmountable task, but the truth is, there are some great tools out there to create accessible math and other STEM content. This session will show you how, and the promise is: Yes, YOU can DO THIS!

Abstract

Creating accessible math seems a daunting task. Impossible, even. But by using some simple tools, you can create accessible math that can be used for blind students, and for students who may just struggle with reading math. The ability to hear math spoken out loud, correctly, can be a game-changer for these students, who've struggled their way through math for years. The best part? You don't have to be a "math person." Anyone can do this, and all alternate format providers and producers should have these tools in their alt format toolbox.

I will cover how to OCR files and use MS Word to correct the text, and how to use the tools in MathType to correct the math. In addition, I will do short demonstration of EquatIO, a new math capturing tool created by the folks at Texthelp that can help make the process speedier.

All in attendance will receive a copy of my Alternate Format Production Manual, a complete guide to alt format production in a university/college setting.

Keypoints

  1. How to extract/convert materials in preparation for creating math content.
  2. How to use MathType software for creating math in MS Word documents.
  3. How to output the completed math to several formats for students, including MathML and Braille.

Disability Areas

Cognitive/Learning, Vision

Topic Areas

Accessible Educational Materials, Alternate Format, Assistive Technology, 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

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