Bridging STEM Accessibility Gaps

Creating accessible instructional content and assessments can be challenging for any course, but STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses requiring the use of complex mathematical equations, scientific formulas, or special symbols can make the challenges more difficult. Some of these challenges require subject-specific solutions.

On this page, our goal is simply to point ²ÝÁñÊÓƵ STEM faculty to external articles, modules, training, and resources that are available. We plan to continue updating this page, so if there are resources you have found helpful, or something you would like us to help you find, please let us know through our General Inquiry form.

Resources

 Overview of program promoting the participation and advancement of faculty with disabilities in STEM fields

 Overview and resources from program for increasing diversity, including disability, in digital learning

 Extensive DO-IT resources for students and faculty in multiple STEM fields promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities

 Resource presenting two approaches to creating accessibility in STEM labs

Audio Descriptions: Instructions for using Kaltura MediaSpace to make demonstration and lab videos more accessible for students with visual disabilities

Web page describing how to use D2L's math editor to create MathML, LaTex, Chemistry, and Graphical equations

 Research report outlining accessibility and fairness considerations for special populations

 Collaborative research report from National Science Foundation Award abstract resulting in over 20 publications

 Resource seeking to "promote the full integration of blind and low vision students...into hands-on science laboratory learning experiences

Study on accessibility in STEM field classes, including broad strategies and early resources

 Extensive articles and resources from ADCET (Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training)

 Research-based interactive computer simulations and demonstrations for many STEM topics

 Lesson from the California Community Colleges Accessibility Center that includes basic training on math language and dozens of other resources

 Workbook resource for K-12 from the Smithsonian Science Education Center

  •  Web Resource provided by the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

     Progressive access tool for making complex diagrams accessible (Subscription)

     Article describes multiple accommodations

     Article outlining how mindful color choices improve chemical communication

     Article on approaches to making chemistry accessible to blind students

     Article including strategies, methods, and resources

     Article on training students with disabilities, specifically blind students in chemistry labs

     Article on audio resources to help the blind access 2D and 3D models

  •  Project promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities in computing classes

     Resources from the Alliance for Access to Computing Careers for students with disabilities and educators, including accessible curricula

  •  Project conducted by the University of Washington's DO-IT initiative, including links to checklists, resources, networks, and communities

     Project for Engineering Research Centers working to increase access for students with disabilities

     Project for Engineering Research Centers working to increase access for students with disabilities

  •  Accessible math resources

     Interactive math and graphing content and calculators that are accessible to screen readers and electronic braille readers

     Free advanced and scientific calculators for readers with dyscalculia.  Helps a student solve problems step by step

     A tool to add math formulas and other expressions into documents (cost involved)

     A tool to add math formulas and other expressions into documents (cost involved)

     Webinar with related materials from the National Center on Accessible Education Materials and CAST

     A JavaScript display engine for mathematics that works in all browsers

     Tool for digitizing screenshots of any math equations and symbols and exporting them to multiple accessible formats

     Downloadable tool for creating and integrating mathematical notation in desktop and web applications

  • National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities: Organization promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the nursing field

     Article on the value of nurses with disabilities and offering UDL structures for access useful for students in nursing courses

  •  Open-access article from the International Journal of STEM Education introducing faculty to accessibility issues in physics