STEM Accessibility

General STEM Resources
Topical STEM Resources
Chemistry Resources
Computing Resources
Engineering Resources
Mathematics Resources
Nursing Resources
Physics Resources

Creating accessible instructional content and assessments can be challenging for any course, but STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses requiring the use of complex mathematical equations, scientific formulas, or special symbols can make the challenges more difficult. Some of these challenges require subject-specific solutions.

On this page, our goal is simply to point KSU STEM faculty to external articles, modules, training, and resources that are available. We plan to continue updating this page, so if there are resources you have found helpful, or something you would like us to help you find, please let us know through our General Inquiry form.

General or Multi-Discipline STEM Resources

Access Advance

Overview of program promoting the participation and advancement of faculty with disabilities in STEM fields

Access Cyberlearning

Overview and resources from program for increasing diversity, including disability, in digital learning

Access Includes Initiative

Extensive DO-IT resources for students and faculty in multiple STEM fields promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities

Accessible Labs

Resource presenting two approaches to creating accessibility in STEM labs

Audio Descriptions

Instructions for using Kaltura MediaSpace to make demonstration and lab videos more accessible for students with visual disabilities

Equations and Formulas in D2L

Webpage describing how to use D2L's math editor to create MathML, LaTex, Chemistry, and Graphical equations

Equitable STEM Instruction and Assessment

Research report outlining accessibility and fairness considerations for special populations

Georgia STEM Accessibility Alliance

Collaborative research report from National Science Foundation Award abstract resulting in over 20 publications

Independence Science

Resource seeking to "promote the full integration of blind and low vision students...into hands-on science laboratory learning experiences.

Making Math, Science, and Technology Instruction Accessible to Students with Disabilities

Study on accessibility in STEM field classes, including broad strategies and early resources

Making STEM Accessible

Extensive articles and resources from ADCET (Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training)

PhET Accessible Simulations

Research-based interactive computer simulations and demonstrations for many STEM topics

Public STEM Accessibility

Lesson from the California Community Colleges Accessibility Center that includes basic training on math language and dozens of other resources

Zero Barriers in STEM Education

Workbook resource for K-12 from the Smithsonian Science Education Center

Topical STEM Resources

Chemistry Resources

Accessible Periodic Table of the Elements

Web Resource provided by the U.S. National Chemistry Olympiad

Accessible Chemical Diagrams

Progressive access tool for making complex diagrams accessible (Subscription)

Applied Computational Chemistry for the Blind and Visually Impaired

Article describes multiple accommodations

Coloring Chemistry

Article outlining how mindful color choices improve chemical communication

Nobody Can See Atoms

Article on approaches to making chemistry accessible to blind students

Teaching Chemistry to Students with Disabilities

Article including strategies, methods, and resources

The Value of Safety and Practicality

Article on training students with disabilities, specifically blind students in chemistry labs

Visually Impaired Researchers Get their Hands on Quantum Chemistry

Article on audio resources to help the blind access 2D and 3D models

Computing Resources

Access CM

Project promoting the inclusion of students with disabilities in computing classes

Access Computing

Resources from the Alliance for Access to Computing Careers for students with disabilities and educators, including accessible curricula

Engineering Resources

Access Engineering

Project conducted by the University of Washington's DO-IT initiative, including links to checklists, resources, networks, and communities

Access ERC

Project for Engineering Research Centers working to increase access for students with disabilities

UDL in Engineering Classes

Brief video introduction to accessibility in engineering classes from the University of Washington DO-IT initiative

Mathematics Resources

Benetech Diagram Center

Accessible math resources

Desmos Accessibility

Interactive math and graphing content and calculators that are accessible to screen readers and electronic braille readers

eMathHelp Math Solver

Free advanced and scientific calculators for readers with dyscalculia. Helps a student solve problems step by step.

Equatio for Mac

A tool to add math formulas and other expressions into documents (cost involved).

Equatio for Windows

A tool to add math formulas and other expressions into documents (cost involved).

Making Math Notation Accessible

Webinar with related materials from the National Center on Accessible Education Materials and CAST

MathJax

A JavaScript display engine for mathematics that works in all browsers

MathPix

Tool for digitizing screenshots of any math equations and symbols and exporting them to multiple accessible formats

MathType Equation Editor

Downloadable tool for creating and integrating mathematical notation in desktop and web applications

Nursing Resources

National Organization of Nurses with Disabilities

Organization promoting the inclusion of people with disabilities in the nursing field

Nurses with Disability

Article on the value of nurses with disabilities and offering UDL structures for access useful for students in nursing courses

Physics Resources

Physics Webpages Create Barriers to Participation

Open-access article from the International Journal of STEM Education introducing faculty to accessibility issues in physics