[NFB-Science] An approach to increasing chemistry accessibility

[Patrick Johnson]

Came across the following article  on a ham radio list.

News in Assistive Technology
Researchers Create Edible Candy to Make Chemistry Accessible for Blind Students

Photo of various candies used to model molecular structures for the
study of chemistry.

Researchers found a new way to make science, chemistry in particular,
accessible for blind students. They created edible and non-edible
gummy versions of molecules that allows students to see with their
tongues. While many science texts contain stunning imagery of
complicated molecular structures, students with visual impairments
miss out on the details provided in the images. In the study,
participants could identify the molecules with an accuracy greater
than 85 percent, and some 41 percent of participants were able to
remember the structure if they felt it in their mouth rather just
feeling it with their hand. The tongue has the ability to examine the
intricacies of a molecule, allowing the brain to create a visual
picture. Even though it will take time for these to be available for
students, this research has already demonstrated the ability to reduce
barriers for students who are blind or visually impaired who want to
study chemistry. You can learn more at:
https://assistivetechnologyblog.com/2021/06/researchers-create-edible-candy-to-make-chemistry-accessible-for-blind-students.html.

Patrick