Math Resources

Ron Stewart describes the collaboration between Science Access Project and Technology Access Project at Oregon State University in "conducting the research and development of a variety of technologies that focus specifically on access to mathematical and hard science content for the print disabled."

Susan Osterhaus offers suggestions for materials, activities, and resources to help young children develop simple mathematical concepts.

Includes both Math and ELA (English/Language Arts). These frameworks are based on the same Maryland Common Core Curriculum Frameworks that were adopted by the State Board and include the identified braille skills and expectations at each grade level (Pre-kindergarten through grade 12) for students who read braille. The standards provide a clear roadmap of braille instruction for teachers and parents to improve literacy skills for students who read braille.

Although not aimed at parents of children with visual impairments, this site has useful general information, including strategies for teaching big mathematical concepts, activities that reinforce math skills in the daily routine, and links to additional resources.

Collection of videos includes abacus, calculators, low tech math tools, and Nemeth

Questions, answers, and differing opinions about the use of Nemeth Code in math education.

The PhET Interactive Simulations project at the University of Colorado Boulder creates free interactive math and science simulations. PhET sims are based on extensive education research and engage students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.

PhET is committed to making the simulations accessible to all learners.  Their accessible simulations include: verbal descriptions and feedback, the use of sound and music to represent foundational science and mathematics relationships, and alternative navigation that moves beyond mouse or touch inputs. They are creating research-based, accessible STEM education resources to ensure that all students can experience the benefits of PhET Interactive Simulations.

The site includes teaching resources, with tips and strategies for including simulations in the classroom. They encourage teachers to share activities on the site.

For your students with low vision who have to graph equations, and of course have to use graphing calculators, here is an inexpensive option you may want to consider. The following app was designed by William Jockush.  He would appreciate your feedback at: MathSciGraphCalc2@gmail.com

1. The student must have an iPad (or Android tablet) since viewing these things on an iPhone doesn't provide enough screen to take advantage of its new features.
2. In the App Store, find the app called "Scientific Graphing Calculator 2":  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/scientific-graphing-calculator/id1066347637?mt=8   The developer is William Jockush and the current version costs 99 cents.  He has a free iPhone/iPad version which does NOT include the bold lines and print, and a 99 cent version that DOES include them. However, I think the Android version includes those features on the free app.  Free version:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/free-graphing-calculator/id378009553?mt=8

3. This graphing calculator seems simple to use.  The  "explanations" of concepts are good and it has been previewed by low vision colleagues who liked it.
4. The size of the graphs are larger than any hand-held scientific graphing calculator.  The updated version is even better because it includes (in Settings) the ability to choose larger fonts--and they are clear and readable--and there are bolder lines for the graphs.  It gives you a graph the size of your screen that is super-readable!  I expect these changes will make this app accessible to a lot more of our low vision students.

Many thanks to Margaret Edwards from Special Programs at TSBVI for bringing this excellent product to my attention.

This free webcast with Susan Osterhaus discusses the importance of the Nemeth Code, producing accessible math materials, applying a multi-sensory approach and universal design to math instruction, technology tools for students who are blind and visually impaired, helpful teaching aids for students and teachers, and issues and challenges with standardized testing.