Most people who have been through high school have struggled with mathematical equations or scratched their heads trying to figure out exactly what a molecular structure is supposed to look like. While math and science are challenging to most people, they can be especially difficult for people with disabilities. The scientific and mathematical representation of numbers and graphics causes specific problems for people with disabilities. In particular, people with vision impairments have difficulty accessing mathematical and scientific notation, graphs, charts, drawings and three-dimensional models that are prevalent in the science, engineering and mathematics fields.
EASI's Guide to Math and Graphics, the second videotape in the "EASI Street to Science, Engineering and Mathematics" trilogy is an overview of special hardware and software that people with disabilities can use to enhance their study and work in the technical fields.
This 15-minute captioned video demonstrates hardware and software that can produce tactile graphics including the Nomad Pad and Dotsplus. It includes a demonstration of AsTeR: Audio System for Technical Readings, a system that uses musical tones and pitches to make mathematical equations more comprehensible for blind people, and on the Nemeth Code for Braille, which is a system of symbols that aids in the Brailled reading of complex equations.
The accompanying manual provides in-depth papers on each of the technologies and a resource section that tells where the equipment can be purchased.
Charge for the captioned video and resource handbook is $30.
For more information, contact Carmela Cunningham, carmelac@aol.com or phone (714) 830-0301.