Instructional Support

Math and Science Accessibility

New STEM Content Authoring Guides

We have just launched version 1.0 of our STEM Content Authoring Guide. This site has basic information and discipline specific tutorials to help faculty creating STEM content.

How to write accessible math and science equations

In webpages

In webpages equations need to be marked up with MathML. People don’t usually write MathML from scratch. Here are some ways to convert math to MathML.

  • The equation editor in D2L Brightspace outputs MathML.
  • Write inline LaTeX in the HTML with the \( … \) or \[ … \] delimiters and MathJax will convert on page load.
In Microsoft Word & PowerPoint

In Microsoft applications equations need to be marked up in OMML.

  1. Use the Insert Equation menus to create equations.
  2. The equation editors can convert from LaTeX
Notes
  • As soon as you convert from one file type to another (for example, a PDF) it is highly likely the markup for equations is lost. Use the original MS Office files or web pages in D2L/Brightspace for math

Graphing

We are excited about Desmos as an accessible graphing tool for both instructors and students with visual disabilities. Students who are blind and using a screen reader, can both create graphs and consume (read and listen to) them.

Math/Science in online publisher content

Proceed with caution when dealing with publisher-based content. It should be carefully vetted for accessibility. Contact onlineaccess@pcc.edu to help you evaluate publisher content for accessibility.

And consider switching to WeBWorK which is an accessible online homework site.

Math/Science in Tests

  • TestGen is not recommended. When we last tested it, it did not export to an accessible format.
  • Make sure any tests or quizzes follow the specific document type rules listed above.
  • If a student has a time extension which would make taking the test unreasonable to complete in one sitting (imagine taking a six-hour exam in one session!), the instructor should split the test into multiple parts so that the student can take the different parts on different days.

Additional Resources