Making Science Accessible: A Co-design of Non-visual Representations for Visually Impaired Students
- Pui Yee Nikkie To, Inclusive Design, OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Christopher M. Schiafone, Psychology, University of Guelph-Humber, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Marta Wnuczko, OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Peter Coppin, Faculty of Design, OCAD University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Runa Patel, Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Robert Ingino, SenseTech Solutions, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
AbstractStudents with visual impairments typically lack access to images in standard science textbooks and are under-represented in STEM subjects. The perception of tactile images is an important skill for individuals who are blind (Thompson et al., 2006). Typically images are translated to text descriptions for “equal” access; however this is a sub-optimal solution because translation of images to text results in the loss of the spatial properties of the depicted objects or events (Coppin, 2015). Given that a traditional scientific textbook contains over 500 images (Ladner et al., 2005); this can hamper the learning outcomes of students without access to visual images. In effect, the recognition of such representations may be less accurate and slower for blind students than the original representations are for the sighted. It has long been said that true experience and knowledge comes from first-hand accounts. From a scientific point of view, self-reports are limited in that they are dependent on an individual's honesty and awareness of what affects their experience. On the other hand first-hand accounts can provide insights into the lived experiences of participants that may not be captured by an objective study. First-hand accounts can be a good starting point for research which will complement the more objective viewpoints. In the proposed tutorial we will use insights from cognitive science and the lived experiences of students with visual impairment to co-design accessible representations. Co-design is a well-established method in which participants with lived experiences are actively engaged in the design process. The tutorial will address accessibility challenges related to educational materials used in the field of psychology, neuroscience and statistics through the following learning objectives (1) to promote a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by blind learners; (2) to co-design accessible cross-sensory models with blind students; and (3) to develop strategies for improving access to scientific content and inclusion in classrooms.