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

[Bella Teta]

Hello everyone,
Thank you all for contributing to the discussion with your valued input.
This is definitely a good starting point for me to explore, and I hope to
learn more as I continue in my studies and future career.


Sincerely,


Bella Teta

On Mon, Aug 17, 2026 at 9:25 PM Haylee Mota <haylee9803 at gmail.com> wrote:

> 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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>>