The state of Iowa supports TSVIs in the areas of science and math, with a state-wide consultant in each of these fields. Jennifer Bliss is the state-wide STEM/Science consultant for the Iowa Educational Services of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Jennifer is frequently asked how to make labs accessible for braille students. Here are her tips!
Generally
- Ask the student—the student can usually tell you what works or doesn’t
- Allow some space in the room for students to keep their adaptive materials close at hand
- Think digitally—last minute materials can be sent to students via email.
- Remember that PDFs are sometimes not accessible. Send document files when possible.
- When including diagrams or pictures in files, include alternative text that describes the image (right click on the image and choose “alt text” to add a description)
- Arrange for student tour of classroom and locations of materials ahead of time
- Canes should be left by door or folded to prevent tripping
- Label necessary items in braille or large print
- Keep aisles clear—solicit cooperation from peers
- Speak specifically—try to avoid “here” or “on that table”
- Preview videos to see if descriptions are clear
- Check out the Described and Captioned Media Project for many educational videos that are audio described as an alternative. Materials are free to educators.
- When working in groups with lab materials—try and give students a set of their own so that they can explore independently and tactually without interfering with other students’ ability to see materials
- Use real objects whenever possible—especially before moving to more abstract concepts
- Containers, trays and rubber mats are useful for containing materials and keeping them from slipping
- Remember that models have limitations—use multiple models when possible to avoid misconceptions
- Abstract models or complicated diagrams, graphs or tables can sometimes be pre-taught by the teacher of the visually impaired
- Insist that students collect data from investigations in a format that is accessible to them so that they can later reflect, extrapolate and graph the data.
- Allow for occasions when the student is given time to create his/her own graph either electronically or tactually which can be read by the student for analysis and interpretation
Science labs
- If possible, allow the student to preview an experiment ahead of time—including chemicals or materials that will be used
- Allow students to take an active role:
- Adaptive tools for measuring and experimenting whenever possible
- Students should collect and record their own data in a format that is accessible to them. If someone writes for them in print—it is not useful later for reflection
- Requesting peers to assist with descriptions encourages students to develop keen observation skills and clear descriptive abilities—both useful science skills
- Use a braille labeler to specially identify chemicals or materials used in a lab
- Example of a braille labeler (about $30)
- Use a funnel when pouring
- A piece of sandpaper on containers can warn student of toxic or caustic materials
- Bunsen Burners: Some preteaching will be necessary—but it is no more dangerous than a gas stove. Allow student to practice WITHOUT the flame first. Practice putting whatever will be over the burner there—whether with a testtube and clamp or a beaker stand—with no flame first. Make sure the Bunsen burner is firmly attached to the lab table so it can’t be accidentally knocked over.
- Consider the free iOS app from Microsoft: SeeingAI. Students may need help initially in learning to orient the device to objects. This app speaks or contains audible cues for the following:
- Light meter (can detect changes in translucency)
- Color id (pH strips—color change)
- Short text OCR (reading labels)
- OCR for reading entire documents aloud
- Handwriting recognition OCR
- Preparing for a blind student in chemistry: (Perkins)
Documents linked below may be helpful as well
- Tips for Teaching a Visually Impaired Student in the Science Classroom
- IESBVI Quick Reference
- Adapting Science for Students with Visual Impairments (2006) is a handbook from American Printing House for the Blind (APH) for classroom teachers and teachers of students who are blind or visually impaired (TVIs). It provides suggestions for making science accessible to students with vision loss and is available in print or braille as a free download.
Download the Lab Tips for Braille Students document.
By Jennifer Bliss
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