Accessible Math: Why It Matters and How to Achieve It

Students with Disabilities and Math: Key Statistics

A significant number of students with disabilities struggle to access math content, leading to lower performance and participation in math-related fields. For context:

• In the United States alone, about 6.5 million K-12 students have disabilities, and their math achievement lags far behind that of students without disabilities. National assessment data show a stark gap: only 9% of students with disabilities scored at or above proficient in 8th-grade math, compared to 38% of non-disabled students, while 69% of students with disabilities scored below basic.
• Students with vision impairments face especially steep hurdles in math. Research shows 75% of blind or visually impaired (BVI) students are at least one grade level behind in math, and 20% are four or more grade levels behind.
• Math-related learning disabilities also contribute to the challenge. For example, dyscalculia (a math learning disorder) affects up to 5–7% of the population, meaning hundreds of thousands of students struggle with basic number processing.

These statistics underscore the scope of the problem: millions of learners with disabilities are not achieving their potential in mathematics, often because they cannot effectively access the content. Improving math accessibility is critical to closing these gaps, thereby allowing these students a fair shot.

Common Accessibility Barriers in Math Education

Students with disabilities encounter several recurring barriers when trying to learn math. Some of the most common accessibility barriers include, but are not limited to:

• Inaccessible Formats (Images and PDFs): Mathematical notation is often presented visually – for instance, as images or untagged PDF content – which standard screen readers cannot interpret. In addition, the use of proprietary platforms with insufficient accessibility can double the problem, as the DRM protection on the content adds another barrier to accessibility.
• Delayed or Missing Accessible Materials: Many students who rely on accessible formats experience delays in receiving their math materials.
• Errors in Transcriptions: When math content is transcribed into Braille or other accessible formats by humans, errors can creep in.
• Lack of Tactile/Audio Alternatives for Visual Information: Math includes graphs, geometric figures, and charts, which are often inaccessible without proper descriptions or tactile graphics.
• Input and Interaction Challenges: Students with physical disabilities that affect hand use may struggle with traditional methods of writing and interacting with math content.

Advancements in Math Accessibility Technology

Fortunately, recent advancements in technology and standards are making math more accessible than ever before. Key developments include:

• MathML Screen Reader Support: The adoption of MathML has revolutionized math accessibility, allowing screen readers to interpret and render equations correctly in both speech and Braille.
• Support for Braille Math Codes in Refreshable Braille-based Products: Specialized braille codes like Nemeth Code have allowed students to read and write math in braille. This previously hardcopy-bound format has recently been gaining support for accurate Braille-to-print-matah translation across a wide range of refreshable Braille products, giving a student the opportunity to turn in an assignment at the same time as the rest of their peers.
• Accessible Math Editing and Input: Tools like MathType and EquatIO allow students to write and interact with math using voice input or keyboard navigation. Further, many stand-alone Braille notetaker devices offer built-in equation editors.
• Multi-modal Math Learning (Audio and Tactile): Audio-based graphing calculators and tactile learning tools provide alternative ways to understand mathematical concepts.
• Standards and Inclusive Design: Accessible math is becoming a core requirement in educational technology, helping all students engage with STEM subjects more effectively.

Impact of Inaccessible Math Materials on Education and Careers

When math materials remain inaccessible, the consequences for students with disabilities extend far beyond poor test scores – it affects their educational trajectories and future career opportunities.

• Academic Underachievement and Exclusion from Advanced Courses: Many students are prevented from progressing to higher-level math and science courses due to accessibility barriers.
• Reduced Confidence and Interest in STEM: Persistent challenges in math accessibility discourage students from pursuing STEM careers.
• Underrepresentation in STEM Degrees: Students with disabilities are less likely to earn college degrees in STEM fields due to early barriers in math education.
• Limited Career Opportunities and Earnings: Many of the fastest-growing and highest-paying careers require a strong math background, leaving students with disabilities at a disadvantage.
• Need for Remediation and Accommodations in Higher Ed: College students who lacked accessible math instruction in K-12 often need additional accommodations and support to succeed.

The Case for Solutions Like Scribe for Documents

Given these challenges, schools and organizations need a reliable solution to make math content accessible. Scribe for Documents provides:

• Timely Access in Multiple Formats: Converts documents into Braille, audio, large print, and accessible HTML in seconds.
• Improved Quality and Consistency: Ensures accurate math conversion using MathML standards, providing excellent speech and Braille support for the content.
• Reduced Burden on Educators: Allows teachers to create accessible math materials without requiring specialized training.
• Compliance with Legal Mandates: Helps schools meet ADA, IDEA, and Section 504 requirements by ensuring all instructional materials are accessible.
• Universal Design Benefits: Supports multiple learning styles, benefiting not just students with disabilities but all learners.

Inaccessible math materials have been a long-standing barrier in education, but modern tools like Scribe for Documents provide an effective solution. By adopting accessible math remediation technology, we can ensure that every student, regardless of disability, has the opportunity to succeed in math and STEM fields.