Teaching with Accessible Math

Math notation can be difficult to make accessible. Just reading the content aloud, without considering the order in which the parts of an expression need to be grouped, can cause confusion. Fortunately, text-to-speech technologies are becoming smarter and more capable of interpreting math notation accurately to support access and understanding. Many of the tools mentioned on this page also provide multiple options for creating math notation: you can type it, speak it, or even draw it. With these options, all of your learners can be successful at learning math. 

EquatIO

EquatIO provides multiple ways for you to work with math notation: you can type, hand write or speak your math expressions into the EquatIO editor. When you're done, insert the expression into the current document and EquatIO will add the alternative text and MathML code that is needed for the expression to be accessible.  

EquatIO's Screenshot Reader can help when you come across inaccessible math expressions on the web. Draw a marquee around the expression and the Screenshot Rader will read it aloud with text-to-speech. You can also extract the MathML or LaTeX code and paste it into the EquatIO editor to do additional work on the expression before you insert it into your document. 

Microsoft OneNote

Use the Immersive Reader feature built into Microsoft applications such as OneNote and Word to have math expressions read aloud to you. Microsoft OneNote for Windows 10 and OneNote Online also feature a Math Assistant. Use OneNote's drawing tools to handwrite a math expression. Select the handwritten expression with the marquee tool and use the Math button to access options for converting the handwriting to text, solving the expression, and even seeing the steps required to arrive at a solution. Both the solution and the steps can be inserted into your OneNote document. To learn more about the Math supports built into OneNote, visit the following:

• Solve math equations in OneNote for Windows 10 (Microsoft Support article)
• Independent learning with math tools in OneNote (Microsoft.Edu course)

MathType

MathType (WIRIS) is an equation editor with support for Microsoft Word, Google Docs and a number of learning management systems. Use MathType along with Texthelp's EquatIO to quickly convert inaccessible math notation into more accessible math content you can copy and paste into a Microsoft Word document. Extract the MathML for the expression with EquatIO's Screenshot Reader feature, then paste it into Microsoft Word. MathType will add the notation in a way that makes it accessible to a screen reader. 

Desmos

Desmos is a graphic calculator with sonification support for students with visual impairments. You can use it in your web browser or you can install it as a mobile app on your iPad or Android device.

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