[NFB-Science] Accessible Lab Equipment in STEM: What Has Worked for You?

[Haylee Mota]

Looks like my message got cut off and the iGAGING link was done incorrectly.
the link for the iGAGING calipers is iGAGING bluetooth caliper
<https://www.amazon.com/iGaging-Digital-Coolant-Cal-Wireless-Connectivity/dp/B071DK9SXB/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3SC10LZX6EK15&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.dRUXOlMsl4ik7i4f1xNigUGPaCb7UD9U2WKGh192sh_OFtLieylsr_Pp5v5WGTRz.JPNieSIXeEo2HaRZp_1nq9z0f-B5JPGCsV-kvHSaXJ4&dib_tag=se&keywords=bluetooth%2Bcalliper&qid=1761925537&sprefix=bluetooth%2Bcalipe%2Caps%2C2083&sr=8-5&th=1>

We never really figured out a way to use the digital multimeter accessibly,
but I'm sure someone else might have suggestions for that.

As for the oscilloscope, I connected a Graphiti to the oscilloscope, and
one of the TAs for the class was able to write a MATLAB script that allowed
the Graphiti to capture a clear image of the signal I was analyzing. The
oscilloscope also had tactile buttons, so I could manipulate the signal in
certain ways.

I think a list of accessible lab equipment is a great idea, and I hope this
helped.

Best,
Haylee

On Mon, Aug 17, 2026 at 6:16 PM Haylee Mota <haylee9803 at gmail.com> wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I also have used assistants in labs to read out digital displays. I'm a
> mechanical engineer, so I've never used biology equipment, but I have used
> digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and measuring tools. I used a braille
> caliper in school which can be found at the NBP stor
> <https://shop.nbp.org/products/tactile-caliper>. The resolution is only
> 1/16 of an inch, so not as high of resolution as the calipers everyone else
> was using in our labs. I have heard that people have had luck with
> bluetooth calipers that can connect to your phone and record measurements
> in the notes app. I believe that the calipers made by iGAGING have
> bluetooth versions that do this. One of there calipers is here.
>
> On Mon, Aug 17, 2026 at 8:27 AM avery ingram via NFB-Science <
> nfb-science at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>
>> Hello,
>>
>> This seems like an excellent project! I've thought about doing something
>> similar for graphics and math workflows.
>>
>> I have a Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Biophysics, and have taken many
>> lab classes, but I sadly do not have much knowledge about accessible lab
>> equipment. I believe the Talking LabQuest has been improved since the time
>> I used it, but I found there was too much of a lag reading values for me to
>> know when to close the buret at the exact right moment during titrations.
>> This experience led me to rely on an assistant to act as my eyes, rather
>> than accessible equipment. There also seemed to be a lack of available
>> options for more advanced lab courses. I believe some exercise ergometers
>> that were not built for blind people can deliver data to a computer, so
>> perhaps that could work for some tasks. As technology is improving, it
>> would be fantastic if we could rely on it more in lab settings.
>>
>> Do you have any favorite accessible tools? If you would like to connect,
>> avery8ingram at gmail.com
>> is my email address. I hope others have more knowledge about this. Best
>> of luck to you in your goals and classes.
>>
>> Best,
>>
>> Avery
>>
>> On Aug 17, 2026, at 5:02 AM, Bella Teta via NFB-Science <
>> nfb-science at nfbnet.org> wrote:
>>
>> Hello everyone,
>>
>> I hope you all are doing well.
>>
>> I wanted to spark some discussion around accessible lab equipment. As a
>> third-year biology student, I am passionate about finding accessible lab
>> equipment that empowers independence in the laboratory as a blind student.
>> In my experience, I have used the Talking LabQuest from Independence
>> Science, which has been incredibly helpful in some experiments, especially
>> in a chemistry lab that utilizes pH scales, temperature sensors, among
>> other measurement tools.
>>
>> I am on a quest to explore other accessible lab equipment that has worked
>> for others, with the goal of creating a master list that can expand as new
>> accessible technology comes about. I would love to hear how others have
>> navigated laboratory spaces as a blind person and used accessible
>> equipment
>> in pursuit of independence.
>>
>>
>>
>> Warm regards,
>>
>>
>>
>> Bella Teta
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>