Guideline 8
Provide access to scientific and mathematical expressions for all users with disabilities.
Current interfaces to scientific and mathematical expressions in Web sites and educational software pose two sets of problems: first, users who are blind cannot read these expressions (and users with low vision may have trouble reading them at small sizes), and second, both users with visual impairments and those with physical disabilities have difficulty using expression input and editing interfaces that require use of a mouse.
Checkpoint 8.1
Allow all expressions to be enlarged on screen.
A zooming or scaling feature, similar to one common in word processors, will improve access for users with low vision by allowing them to enlarge expressions for better viewing. Ensure that characters are smooth and legible at the enlarged size. Users may also wish to print out materials at the enlarged size.
A relatively new technique to consider is the use of Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) for images, especially in HTML-based content. Accessibility features of SVG permit improved viewing and printing of images. SVG allows smooth enlargement of images, which can provide large, high-quality images for users with low vision, and metadata included in SVG can be used programmatically to provide text information about images to blind users. SVG may also be used in some multimedia players; for example, to provide captions which must display symbols not supported by text character sets.
For more information about SVG, see:
Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) 1.0 Specification
Checkpoint 8.2
Ensure that users with visual impairments can read scientific and mathematical expressions and that users with visual impairments and with physical impairments can write expressions.
In order to interact effectively with scientific and mathematical expressions, users need to read, write and edit them. Users must be able to enter all characters needed to create an expression whether they use the keyboard or the mouse. They must know what they have written and where the insertion point is so they can add or delete characters.
Understanding longer or more complex expressions requires navigating within the expression to hear different parts separately. Expressions provided in educational content that cannot be changed by the reader are referred to here as static expressions. Expressions that can be edited or written by the user are referred to as dynamic expressions.
Currently screen reader software for users with visual impairments cannot accurately read most scientific or mathematical expressions. Superscripts and subscripts, for example, may be read as a separate line from the rest of the expression's characters, and many special symbols aren't recognized by screen readers. Expressions may be rendered as a single graphic and not recognized at all by screen readers.
Software developers may use a range of means to read static expressions to users, including direct approaches (providing prerecorded audio files) and compatible approaches (making expressions accessible to screen readers). A direct approach such as pre-recorded files would provide access for blind and low-vision students, though not for those who are deaf-blind. The audio must include sufficient information about the structure of the expression to avoid confusing the listener. Unstructured communication is only adequate in cases of very simple mathematics. For example, nested fractions such as (x+2)(3/5) are difficult to convey accurately in speech without a structured way of speaking. See Appendix 3, Guides to Spoken Mathematics, for resources.
Software that allows users to write new material including expressions must provide a way to access any user-created text. The best solution is to use a standardized mark-up language that assistive technologies can interpret. The best choice is Math Markup Language, or MathML, defined by the World Wide Web Consortium. Screen readers cannot yet read MathML, but research and development efforts will make this possible soon. Widespread use of MathML by software developers will hasten the creation of solutions for users of assistive technology. See Technique 8.2.1.
A second possible markup language for scientific or mathematical expression display is LaTeX. Tools do exist for converting LaTeX to Nemeth braille for blind users. These tools are designed to convert entire documents rather than for use with interactive software, but this does permit some access to instructional materials. See Technique 8.2.2.
If these developing technologies fail, it is essential to find an interim solution to make expressions accessible to students who are blind. A custom-designed text or text-to-speech solution can provide access to user-created expressions without interfacing with assistive technologies. For example, the software developer could use a system of spoken mathematics to write out equations and send equations directly to a text-to-speech program. Care must be taken when using this option to include blind and low-vision users in testing to ensure that the amount and timing of the equation voicing meets the users' needs. See Technique 8.2.5 for more information.
Technique 8.2.1
Use MathML to provide access to scientific and mathematical expressions
MathML is the best choice for a mark-up language for expressing math. MathML is a specification of the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) based on XML. Information on MathML is available from:
Mathematical Markup Language (MathML) 2.0 Specification
The advantage of MathML is it provides mathematical information in an open, standard format that can be exploited by a wide range of assistive technologies. Research is in progress on the development of specialized browsers or plug-ins capable of providing speech or braille output of MathML content. See the MAVIS Project talking MathML browser for complete information.
Math-capable assistive technologies that can interact with mainstream Web browsers will likely be developed once MathML becomes a common means of publishing electronic math content. For maximum accessibility, software that includes content written in MathML and HTML should allow users to use a browser that provides the functions they need. If MathML is the protocol used to deliver math content but the product is not HTML-based, the MathML content should be available as part of an operating system accessibility API or in an accessibility mode allowing access by assistive technology.
Once software programmatically exposes the MathML markup used to display math on the screen, assistive technologies will give users interactive control of reading and writing scientific and mathematical expressions. Note that MathML itself is not intended to be human-readable; tools will interpret the markup and create a useful representation in speech or braille.
Technique 8.2.2
Use LaTeX to provide access to scientific and mathematical expressions.
LaTeX is a math typesetting language used frequently in academic settings. Tools are currently available that can convert LaTeX files to Nemeth code (math braille). In addition, a "reverse translator," allowing students to enter Nemeth code and produce printed math in LaTeX, is also in development. Teachers can use the MAVIS tools to create brailled math for homework assignments, tests, and handouts without knowing any Nemeth code themselves, and students can write their responses in Nemeth code, then produce printed math to submit to their teachers. The current tools convert entire documents rather than allowing for use with interactive software, but they do provide some access by allowing instructional materials to be printed for blind users. If more software used LaTeX to encode math, these tools might be adapted to permit real-time translation of LaTeX to braille for use with interactive software. See the MAVIS Project LaTeX-to-Nemeth converter for more information.
Technique 8.2.3
Use prerecorded audio to read static scientific and mathematical expressions
A human narrator can prerecord all text including static expressions. This audio file allows the user to hear entire expressions on command, as well as smaller chunks. Use of the DAISY talking book specification provides a synchronized and controlled audio presentation. (See the Daisy Consortium for more information.) This technique, unfortunately, does not provide access for all users, such as deaf-blind students. Consider using audio files as a supplement to one of the other techniques to ensure that your content is universally accessible. See Appendix 4, Guides to Spoken Mathematics, for resources.
Technique 8.2.4
Use concatenated speech strings for simple scientific and mathematical expressions.
For simple expressions, such as those in elementary level math software, a satisfactory interface can be created by concatenating (stringing together) segments of prerecorded speech. However, the software must provide all commands needed for interacting with the expressions. Furthermore, this approach quickly loses effectiveness as expressions become more complicated and students need more structural information to interact efficiently with the content.
For example, in the accessible prototype "How the West Was One + Three x Four," created by the NCAM's CD-ROM Access project, users can create simple four-function equations. Each character is voiced as it is entered and each character deleted is voiced with the message "deleted." The whole equation can be read back on command. Two-digit numbers are read as single digits when entered but as complete numbers when read back.
Technique 8.2.5
Create scientific and mathematical expressions scripts using guidelines for spoken mathematics.
Until MathML tools are better developed, and if other techniques are not possible, software must deliver expressions in an alternative form through carefully scripted text. Software can spell out expressions on the screen in words, for example "2 x squared plus the fraction 3 over 4," which can then be read by an assistive technology.
Another interim solution is to send scientific and mathematical expression information directly to a text-to-speech engine. To use this technique, the software must provide a mode where the entire text of the expression is read, as well as provide commands for reading specific sections of the expression. The software must also allow the user to move through the text in shorter chunks, such as parts of expressions. Mechanisms for internal navigation of scientific and mathematical expressions may be required to allow the user to read specific elements and determine their position and relationship to other elements within the expression. See Appendix 4, Guides to Spoken Mathematics, for resources.
Additional resources for math and science notation include:
The Network for Inclusive Distance Education
Home of the MathML Project.
IBM's techexplorer Hypermedia Browser
A plug-in that enables the display of TeX, LaTeX, and MathML documents, and the publishing of interactive scientific material on the Web.