Because much of the content in math and science fields is presented via complex visuals (e.g. equations, charts, diagrams and maps), making the content accessible on a screen reader may seem daunting, if not impossible.

However, these steps below can help instructors and other present content which is accessible and still retains the original visual characteristics.

Guidelines

  1. Ensure that all general course guidelines are met.
  2. Ensure that equations are either in MathML or images with an ALT tag or in MathML.
  3. Ensure that technical symbols are supported on a student’s screen reader.
  4. Ensure that all complex images include a text-based long description.
  5. Ensure that all charts can be interpreted without color and include a properly tagged data table.
  6. Ensure that data tables include headers in the top row and a caption or summary. Simple tables are strongly recommended.
  7. Ensure that diagrams or charts supplement color coding.