[Blindmath] Question for Blind Mathematicians

[Jose Tamayo]

Hello Folks,

 

I am  writing this e-mail to ask for assistance, perhaps offlist, in the
best way to address this issue I am working through with an instructor at my
University.  I thought the problems I would have would be limited to
presentation and preparation of content but I have learned quite the
contrary.  I have an instructor that has some question regarding
accommodations for me and all have agreed except her.  Understandably, she
has some questions / concerns but what worries me is her statement about
suggesting other career paths for individuals with visual impairments.  I am
pasting her response to some of our e-mails on accommodations and I would
like some direction as this issue directly applies to the success of blind
mathematicians in my area.

 

Important note: The professor has questioned some very basic accommodation
requests and also has taken the request out of context by asking if I will
require all content available to me.  Obviously, we are not asking for all
that she is concerned  about but that we cannot control.  

 

Professor’s e-mail content follows:

Please excuse my delay in answering your e-mail from Tuesday, February 23,
regarding Jose Tamayo’s request for Test 1.   I was hoping to discuss some
of the issues with him yesterday but since that did not happen, I am writing
the following response: 

 

   

It is my understanding that the materials and necessary tools for Jose to
take this course are being currently developed.  I have been willing to
extend the dates for administering tests, and have agreed to give an
incomplete grade if Jose takes two tests (Chapter 7 and Chapter 8) before
the end of the term.   However, I am now concerned as to what will be
necessary and permissible to provide to Jose in a math exam.  I believe
Jose’s request raises questions that need to be addressed responsibly, not
lightly.

 

If for test #1 the very basic right triangles 30º-60º-90º and 45º-45º-90º
need to be given, then what would be expected when he has to draw different
triangles and place them in the correct quadrants to answer other general
questions in test #2?  In this course, there are many identities that
students must memorize.  Because formula sheets are not allowed on tests,
most students usually write them down on the test papers as soon as they get
them so that they can refer to the formulas as they need them (they also do
this for the basic triangles). Is it going to be expected for Jose to have
these formulas? What would be expected for drawing triangles to represent
the application problems, how about polar graphs in test #3, etc.?  

 

As I sat in the very informative presentation of Professor McDermott-Wells,
Math in the Dark, on February 5, I wondered if I would have been one of
those who would urge visually impaired students “to avoid career goals that
involve any significant amount of Mathematics or technical content”.
However, I have never been in the position of advising VI students and in
fact, Jose is the only VI student I have had in my over 30 years of teaching
mathematics, the last 10 years at FIU.

 

A visually impaired student definitely requires a very individualized
treatment, particularly in mathematics courses.  If Jose is going to
complete this course and continue with other mathematics courses at FIU,
shouldn’t the Department of Mathematics and Statistics be asked for some
input as to what allowances can be provided?

 

A grade on a student’s transcript assumes certain uniformity in the
evaluation of a student’s work.  My concern is that for Jose not only the
course has to be presented differently but also evaluated differently.  I
will be discussing this matter with my chairperson, Dr. Bao Qin Li, next
week.