[Athen] Writing math notation with VoiceOver on Mac

[Top Tech Tidbits via athen-list]

Howdy J!

 

It's awesome that you're working to support your student’s ability to engage fully in their statistics course, especially with both reading and composing math expressions. The scenario you're dealing with is not uncommon, and there are a few approaches that might help bridge the gap until they feel more comfortable with LaTeX or similar tools. Here are some options that could make math composition more accessible for your student using VoiceOver on a Mac:

 

1. Math Input with VoiceOver in Microsoft Word (Equation Editor)

The Microsoft Equation Editor has made progress in terms of accessibility, particularly with screen readers like JAWS and NVDA on Windows. However, on macOS, the experience with VoiceOver remains more challenging. The navigation and editing of complex equations are not always intuitive, and screen readers may not read more complicated expressions correctly​.

 

This means while Word’s Equation Editor could work for basic needs, it's not the most reliable option for complex math on macOS with VoiceOver.

 

You could test it out with the student to see if it meets their immediate needs for simple equations, but I’d recommend preparing alternatives for more complex expressions.

 

2. Use of MathType

MathType is a more robust option for creating math expressions and integrates well with Word and other programs. However, its accessibility with VoiceOver is also limited. As of now, it may require extra steps and isn't considered very VoiceOver-friendly. That said, it can still output MathML and LaTeX, which are more accessible formats​.

 

3. Overleaf (Collaborative LaTeX Writing)

While LaTeX might seem out of reach for your student now, tools like Overleaf could offer a middle ground. Overleaf is a web-based LaTeX editor that works in collaboration with others, allowing your student to get help as they learn. LaTeX is known for its accessibility and is often easier for screen readers to navigate than graphical math editors. Overleaf can allow a sighted peer or instructor to help the student while they gradually learn LaTeX​.

 

4. Plain-Text Descriptions with a Structured Format

As the instructor proposed, writing math using structured text (e.g., "sum of x from i equals 1 to n") can be a useful stopgap. You can establish a consistent way of writing descriptions for complex expressions, perhaps building off MathSpeak conventions, which provide a structured way of speaking and writing math that is screen-reader friendly​. With practice, the student can develop fluency in these descriptions, and it reinforces the idea that they are still engaging fully with the content.

 

5. MathSpeak and Nemeth Code

Though more suited for advanced users or those familiar with Braille, MathSpeak offers a standardized way of describing mathematical expressions verbally, often used by blind or visually impaired users. This can be helpful in establishing precise, screen-reader-friendly communication of math​. Nemeth Code, a Braille-based system for mathematics, is another option, but this would require Braille proficiency and additional training.

 

6. MathML for Composition

While MathML is more commonly used for reading math content aloud (like in your plan for converting LaTeX to MathML), it can also be a potential tool for writing math. However, manually typing MathML might be cumbersome for the student. MathType and other editors can output MathML, but editing MathML directly with VoiceOver is currently not an ideal solution​.

 

7. VoiceOver’s Web Math Solutions

Some web-based tools like Desmos (for graphing) have improved VoiceOver support, though this might not cover all mathematical needs. Similarly, WIRIS (a web-based math editor) has some VoiceOver accessibility, but its ability to navigate through equations and complex math could be limited depending on the student’s level of comfort with VoiceOver​.

 

Long-Term Plan: Transition to LaTeX

It’s great that the student plans to learn LaTeX in the future, as it is widely regarded as one of the most accessible ways to both read and write mathematical notation for blind users. Structuring learning sessions for LaTeX over time will provide a powerful skill they can use in academia​.

 

The Overleaf platform, mentioned earlier, could be a good way to gradually introduce LaTeX, allowing real-time preview and collaboration with others.

 

  _____  

Actionable Steps

1.	Assess VoiceOver Compatibility with Word’s Equation Editor: Try out the latest version of Microsoft Word’s Equation Editor with VoiceOver on macOS to see how effective it is for your student. Be cautious of limitations for more complex equations.
2.	Use Plain-Text Math Descriptions with a System: If the student sticks with this approach, create a standard format for describing math expressions, possibly referencing MathSpeak conventions​.
3.	Explore Overleaf for Collaborative LaTeX Writing: This could introduce your student to LaTeX gradually while giving them a chance to collaborate and get real-time feedback from others​.
4.	MathSpeak Training: If the student is willing, explore MathSpeak or Nemeth Code as a more precise way of describing math verbally, though these might require additional training​.
5.	Monitor Accessibility Updates: Stay updated on any new developments in VoiceOver compatibility with tools like Word’s Equation Editor or MathType as updates roll out​.

 

Final Thought

 

You're absolutely right in wanting to counter the narrative that disabled students can’t do the work or that it’s easier to excuse them from certain tasks. By ensuring the student is equipped with tools and strategies to actively participate, you're helping to remove those attitudinal barriers. It might be a process of trial and error to find the right solution, but with your support, they’ll gain confidence in reading and composing math.

 

Wishing you and your student the best of luck!

 

Aaron Di Blasi,  <https://www.pmi.org/> PMP

 

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From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Romack, Justin via athen-list
Sent: Saturday, September 7, 2024 7:53 PM
To: athen-list at u.washington.edu
Subject: [Athen] Writing math notation with VoiceOver on Mac

 

Howdy all!

 

I’m working with a blind student studying statistics and we’ve run into a challenge this fall.

 

They are taking a class with some heavy math and will need to both read and write math expressions throughout the semester.

 

For the reading portion, the professor produces materials in LaTeX and I feel fairly comfortable that we can take their source and convert to HTML w/ MathML. This should address the reading needs.

 

The composition of math using Voiceover is where I’m a little stumped… Granted, this student anticipates they will learn LaTeX in the future – they don’t know enough now for this to be an option. I’ve heard the MS Equation Editor has become much more usable with JAWS/NVDA, but I don’t know if the same is true for VoiceOver.

 

One solution that has been proposed by the instructor is for the student to write a literal text description of the math expression, which the student has done for an assignment. We wanted to see if there were other options available or if this was the best route to get them through this course until they are able to do more with LaTeX in the future.

 

If anyone has thoughts, ideas or firsthand experience, I’m all ears!

 

FWIW: This student has had some progressive vision loss, which is why they have had less exposure to techniques like this to this point. Also… they have had well-intended instructors who have dismissed them from doing certain aspects of the work in other classes. I mention this because we need to counter the narrative that our disabled students can’t do it… or that it’s easier to exempt them from doing it… because it puts them at a significant disadvantage as they progress through their area of study. What feels like kindness and empathy is rooted in attitudinal barriers which do more harm than good (and those with sensory disabilities tend to be most adversely impacted by these situations).

 

Take good care,

J

 

 

 

 

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