Making Mathematics Accessible for the Visually Impaired

Mathematics is a fundamental subject that provides a framework for problem-solving and critical thinking. For blind people, mathematics can be especially helpful in understanding the world around them and making informed decisions. 

Here are some of the important areas where mathematics is essential for blind people:

Science: Mathematics is a fundamental subject in science, and blind people can benefit from understanding concepts such as measurements, equations, and formulas. In a study by the National Science Foundation, visually impaired students who received training in math and science were more likely to pursue higher education and employment opportunities in STEM fields. Understanding science provides one with the tools necessary for developing critical thinking skills. Being able to manipulate numbers influences the ability to navigate the world and can result in better decision-making. For example, visually impaired individuals can use mathematical concepts to understand measurements of different substances and calculate how much of a particular ingredient to use in a recipe.

Finance: Mathematics is crucial in finance, where it is used to calculate monthly budgets, taxes, and other financial calculations. Blind individuals can use math to manage their finances and make informed decisions about spending and saving.

Daily Life: Blind people can benefit from understanding mathematical concepts such as measurement, time, and money in their daily lives. Personal anecdotes demonstrate how mathematics can be applied in practical situations. For example, visually impaired individuals can use mathematics to measure ingredients and cook food. Measuring cups and spoons can be labeled with Braille to help visually impaired individuals measure ingredients accurately. Similarly, blind people can use math to budget their time and keep track of appointments and deadlines.

Travel: Visually impaired individuals can use mathematics to calculate distances, travel times, and transportation costs. They can also use mathematical concepts to navigate public transportation and plan their trips. Blind people can benefit from maps and GPS systems that use mathematical calculations to determine the best routes and estimate travel times.

Home Improvement: Visually impaired individuals can use mathematics to measure and plan home improvement projects, such as painting, tiling, and carpentry. Tools such as tape measures and levelers can be labeled with Braille to help visually impaired individuals take accurate measurements. Blind individuals can also use math to calculate the number of materials needed for a project and estimate the costs.

Sports: Mathematics is also applied in sports, and visually impaired individuals can use mathematical concepts to understand the rules and strategies of different sports. Personal anecdotes illustrate how math can be used in various sports. For example, understanding angles and trajectories can help visually impaired individuals play billiards, darts, and bowling games.

Making Mathematics Possible for Blind People

Quadratic Equation formula in Braille - Image Source/Credit: https://aimath.org/

Mathematics can be made possible for blind people through various resources and tools that help them learn and understand mathematical concepts. Here are some of the resources that can help:

• Audio Books: Audio books are an excellent resource for blind people to learn mathematics. Some of the popular audiobooks on mathematics include "The Joy of x: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity" by Steven Strogatz, and "Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction" by Timothy Gowers.
• Braille Materials: Braille materials are essential for blind people to learn mathematics. Some famous publishers of Braille materials on mathematics include the American Printing House for the Blind and the National Braille Press.
• Assistive Technology: Assistive technology makes mathematics possible for blind people. Some popular assistive technology tools for learning mathematics include MathPlayer, MathType, and Tiger Software Suite.
• Tutoring Services: Tutoring services provide one-on-one support to blind people struggling with mathematics. Some of the popular tutoring services for blind people include the National Federation of the Blind, the American Council of the Blind, and the Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired. These organizations provide free or low-cost tutoring services to help blind people learn and understand mathematical concepts.

• The National Federation of the Blind offers a Math Tutorial Service that provides one-on-one support to blind students who are struggling with mathematics. The service is free and available to blind students from elementary school through college. The tutors are experienced in working with blind students and can help with topics ranging from basic arithmetic to advanced calculus.
• The American Council of the Blind also provides a scholarship program for blind students pursuing degrees in mathematics. The scholarship is awarded annually to several students, and the recipients are chosen based on academic performance and financial need.
• The Hadley Institute for the Blind and Visually Impaired is a nonprofit organization that provides distance education to blind and visually impaired individuals. The institute offers a variety of mathematics courses, including basic arithmetic, algebra, and geometry. The classes are designed to be accessible to blind individuals and can be completed online or through the mail.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are various resources available to blind people that can help them learn and understand mathematical concepts. Mathematics is an essential subject for blind people as it helps them understand the world around them and provides them with a framework for problem-solving. With the right resources and support, blind people can develop a solid foundation in mathematics and succeed in their academic and professional pursuits.

Citations and Links:

MathPlayer: https://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathplayer/

MathType: https://www.wiris.com/en/mathtype/

Tiger Software Suite: http://tigerappsuite.com/

"The Joy of x: A Guided Tour of Math, from One to Infinity" by Steven Strogatz: https://www.amazon.com/Joy-Guided-Tour-Math-Infinity/dp/0547518161

"Mathematics: A Very Short Introduction" by Timothy Gowers: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/mathematics-a-very-short-introduction-9780192853615

Update: I was told the 2nd image didn't have the proper source/credit, so I have updated its caption. Apologies for that

Do let me know in the comments below if you have any suggestions, good tools, or resources for the visually impaired