STEM/Math Documents

  • All of the standard screen readers used on campus (Jaws, VoiceOver and NVDA) can announce formulas produced this way:
    • Web pages created with MathML and MathJax (the most accessible option):
      • Cascade pages created with the MathJax plug-in
      • Moodle pages created with the Atto editor
    • Documents that can be converted into web "documents" that use MathJax and/or MathML (see "Process" below).
  • UM recommendations:
    • For Entry level or lower division classes where teachers use Word, Moodle or web pages, create accessible STEM documents whenever creating educational materials.
    • For courses where LaTeX is used to create educational materials, accessible STEM documents are created as an accommodation.
    • Students who major in Math and other STEM topics are expected to learn the tools of the trade such as Nemeth Braille Math or LaTeX.

Processes for creating accessible STEM documents

  • Word documents created with MathType 
    • Request a free copy of MathType editor for Word from IT's Software office, Kathy Garramone, 406-243-5362
    • Use the Help within MathType or links below to create formulas.
    • Offer the final document as a Word doc.  Students needing the formulas read to them can export the document as a MathPage (using the MathML or MathJax options).
      • JAWS users must use the MathJax version.
      • The MathML version is needed for NVDA + MathPlayer or Voiceover users.
  • Moodle elements created with the new Atto editor in Moodle, and
  • Web pages created in the Cascade Content Management System with the MathJax plug-in.
  • STEM faculty using LaTeX for production of complete documents can now create accessible PDFs. The process for doing that is listed below.
    • Please provide your LaTeX document, in vanilla form, to ATS@umontana.edu.
    • The document will be converted into into an accessible web page using MathJax, under the review of the teacher or others in the Math Department, and provided to the student.
  • STEM documents created with other products are most likely not accessible nor easily made accessible. When needed for an identified student, these documents will have to be made accessible by the document authors with assistance of Disability Services for Students.

Additional information:

Questions?

If a faculty member has questions about creating an accessible STEM document for an identified student, please contact Disability Services for Students (DSS). 

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