[Blindmath] Ways to create math solutions for sighted instructors

[Sabra Ewing]

You could try the Pearson equation editor. It is computer-based, but you could connect the braillenote to the computer as a braille display. He would type his work in Nemeth,  and then convert it to an object that he could put in a word document. Other than that, the only other solution is computer braille. You might see something like (4X) ^ 2. You have to use parentheses to differentiate the top and bottom of a fraction and use a slash and to say SQRT for square root and so forth. It's basically the same way you would enter math if you were a programmer. It is still very hard four sided people to read. Other blind people are using a language I don't know how to spell, but it sounds like  latex. With that, you can produce things that are easy for sighted people to read, but it's hard on you because you have to adhere to a strict syntax, and if you make one mistake, your assignment won't convert properly. Other blind people take a very old fashion route where they write their math on a Perkins Brailer and have someone transcribe it, but I wouldn't recommend that because there is a shortage of instructors, and you want the instructor to be preparing assignments and things, not transcribing a students work when there are other options.

Sabra Ewing

> On Aug 17, 2016, at 1:51 PM, Russell Solowoniuk via Blindmath <blindmath at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Hi everyone,
> 
> We are supporting a student who is blind and taking Math 099. We are trying to figure out a way for the student to complete assignments and print them out in a format that a sighted instructor is able to read and comprehend. The student will be working on things like quadratic equations.
> 
> The student does use nemeth. He has a BrailleNote Apex QT. The problem with printing from the Apex is that things like superscript, subscript, fractions, etc. are written out as (superscript) 2 (endscript), (subscript) 2 (endscript) (open frac) 1Over 2 (close frac) etc.
> 
> Is there a method of working with math for the blind that will allow the material to be exported to a format that is easy to understand for sighted instructors?
> 
> Any help will be greatly appreciated.
> 
> Russell
> 
> Russell Solowoniuk
> AT Educational Assistant, Services to Students with Disabilities
> MacEwan University
> 7-198 D4, 10700-104 Ave.
> Edmonton, AB  T5J 4S2
> E: solowoniukr at macewan.ca
> T:  780-497-5826
> F:  780-497-4018
> macewan.ca
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