Technological Innovations

Explore the exciting new innovations and cutting-edge technology that promise to make scientific inquiry more accessible to students who are blind or visually impaired.

Electronic Accessibility in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (Webcast), National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE)
This one-hour webcast features a panel discussion on "electronic accessibility to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classes"; includes transcript.

Exploration: News and Features, Vanderbilt University
Kara Furlong's multi-media article discusses a new pen computer that may help students with a visual impairment study science and math. She also reports on a grant to address "learning among blind college students in the STEM content areas – science, technology, engineering and math."

Introduction to DotsPlus® Braille, The Science Access Project (SAP) University of Oregon
This overview of DotsPlus® Braille describes how it addresses four problems that plague braille: translation, numbers, exotic symbols, and symbols out of context.

Effective Practices for Description of Science Content within Digital Talking Books, National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM)
NCAM conducted a three-year study project, which ended in 2007, "to research and document effective practices for providing meaningful descriptions of non-text science content for postsecondary students or scientists who have visual impairments or are blind." The team will create a recommended practices report and a training manual.