[Blindmath] To all you blind physics experts

[Michael Whapples]

I probably would be able to help as I have done a fair amount of physics in 
my time. However trying to think of strategies I used which may be useful, 
they seem to be escaping me at the moment (I am not sure if there was 
anything particularly different for optics and electromagnetism). The only 
thing I will say is that as memory goes optics is simpler to show with 
tactile diagrams as much of it can be dealt with with a simple 2 dimensional 
view. Electromagnetism is certainly more 3 dimensional, thinking of the 
examples you give like the right hand rule and how an electric motor works 
do require three dimensions.

I guess what I am offering is that if you have specific areas where you need 
help, may be I could try and help explain the concept. If you felt actually 
talking would help it might be possible to talk on skype, however please 
bear in mind I am in the UK so there is a time difference and so your 
evenings could be quite late for me.

Sorry I haven't been able to give any general strategies you could use.

Michael Whapples

-----Original Message----- 
From: Amanda Lacy
Sent: Friday, February 10, 2012 6:23 AM
To: Blind Math list for those interested in mathematics
Subject: [Blindmath] To all you blind physics experts

There seem to be several of you on here, so I am hoping for some advice even 
though this isn't exactly about math.

I am currently in general physics II and beginning to struggle. My physics 
professor (Prof. Underwood) says that the units which will probably be the 
hardest for me are electromagnetism (the one we're on now) and optics. I 
have the book from Learning Ally and write down all the homework problems 
and important equations on the computer. I've also started experimenting 
with one of Prof. Baldwin's programs in order to emboss important diagrams 
and follow along in class. I try to ask lots of questions during Prof. 
Baldwin's office hours, in class, and in lab. I have a tactile drawing pad 
and at least two people who give me pieces of there time and expertise when 
they can, but still I am lost in class. The subject matter is so visual that 
Prof. Underwood is often drawing and redrawing complex things on the board 
as he lectures. Then I hear such tantalizing statements as, "learn this 
right-hand rule," or "this very important concept explains how an electric 
motor works." I hadn't f
ollowed whatever it was which led to such statements. At the end of class, 
my unanswered questions are often more numerous than they had been at the 
beginning. As a consequence of not following lecture, some of my homework 
looks completely unfamiliar to me so that I have no idea how to proceed. 
Prof. Underwood is talking about building some 3D models for me. He is 
really doing the best he can and sometimes seems unsure what to do with me. 
I don't always know what to do with me either.

If any of you can describe strategies you used which did not rely on vision, 
I would be grateful. I am genuinely curious about what I'm supposed to be 
studying. If I can satisfy that curiosity, then the A will come on its own, 
as it always does.


Thanks,
Amanda
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