Use Descriptive Text Alternatives for Visual Content

STEM subjects often rely on visual elements like graphs, charts, and diagrams. But for students using screen readers, these visuals are invisible without proper descriptions.

Here’s what you can do:

• Add meaningful alt-text to every image, chart, or diagram. Go beyond surface-level descriptions.
  • Bad alt-text: “Image of a sine wave”
  • Better alt-text: "Graph showing a sine wave starting at zero, peaking at 90°, and completing one cycle at 360°."
• For visuals that are more complex, include a detailed explanation in the body of your content or add it as a footnote or appendix.
• During lectures, describe visuals out loud. Don’t just say, “as you can see.” Explain what’s on the screen and why it matters. This ensures everyone follows along.

To make this even easier, consider using Image Accessibility Services that help generate, organize, and standardize alt-text across your learning materials. This will help you save time and ensure consistency across different formats.

Ensure Accessibility of Mathematical and Scientific Notation

Equations and scientific symbols can become unreadable when they’re not formatted properly. Many students using screen readers face barriers when these are shared as static images or unstructured content.

To fix this:

• Avoid using screenshots of equations. If you must, include a short text explanation beneath.
• Use built-in equation editors in Word or Google Docs that support accessibility.
• Always define what each symbol means. Don’t just show E = mc². Say “E stands for energy, m is mass, and c is the speed of light.”

These small changes help students focus on the content rather than struggling to decode it.

Structure Documents and Slides for Easy Navigation

A well-structured document is like a map. It helps students using screen readers jump to what they need without having to read everything line by line.

Here are some easy ways to improve structure:

• Use proper heading levels like H1, H2, and H3 to show hierarchy.
• Avoid using empty lines for spacing. Stick to built-in formatting tools like bullet points and numbered lists.
• In tables, use headers and avoid merging cells when possible.
• Make sure each slide has a clear title, readable contrast, and isn’t overloaded with visuals.

Need support structuring your materials? Try our Document Remediation Software to automatically check and fix formatting issues in your files.

Provide Accessible File Formats

Not all file types work well with assistive technology. To avoid access issues, choose formats that are compatible with screen readers.

Here’s what to use:

• Share materials as HTML, tagged PDFs, or accessible Word documents instead of scanned or image-only PDFs.
• When using PowerPoint or Google Slides, make sure:
  • Slide order follows a logical reading sequence
  • Images have alt-text
  • Font size is large enough and contrast is strong
• Avoid sharing code or equations as screenshots. Use plain text, or platforms like GitHub that work well with screen readers.
• These steps make a big difference in how smoothly your content reaches students.

Choose Accessible STEM Tools and Platforms

Not every learning tool is created equal. Some are easy to navigate with a screen reader, while others are nearly impossible.

Here’s how to make smart choices:

• Choose learning platforms that meet WCAG accessibility standards.
• Check if STEM tools offer keyboard navigation and screen reader support.
• Before sharing new tools with students, test them yourself using a free screen reader. This gives you first-hand insight into what the experience is like.

Making the right platform choices sets the tone for an inclusive learning environment from day one.

Use Tactile or Audio-Based Representations (Where Possible)

Sometimes, the best way to explain abstract STEM concepts is through touch or sound. These approaches may take extra effort, but they can make a big impact.

Ideas you can try:

• Use 3D printed models or raised-line diagrams to represent structures in biology, chemistry, or geometry.
• Partner with your accessibility center to create tactile materials for complex topics.
• Use sonification tools to turn graphs or equations into sound. For example, a sine wave can be played as a sound to teach frequency and amplitude.
• Record spoken versions of slides and lecture materials so students can listen on their own time.
• This may take extra effort, but the payoff in clarity and inclusion is worth it.

Use Clear and Consistent Terminology

STEM is full of abbreviations and symbols, and these can quickly get confusing. When students are listening instead of reading, clarity becomes even more important.

Here’s how to keep your language accessible:

• Always define symbols, abbreviations, and variables the first time you use them.
• Avoid using phrases like “this” or “that” on their own. Be specific about what you’re referring to.
• When showing code, read it out clearly, including punctuation and spacing. Mention the structure and logic behind it.

Test and Review Content for Accessibility

Accessibility is not something you do once and forget. Your content needs to be checked and updated regularly to stay inclusive.

Before sharing your materials:

• Use built-in accessibility checkers in tools like Word and PowerPoint.
• Try navigating your content using only a keyboard or a screen reader.
• Fix issues like missing headings, unlabeled images, and inconsistent slide reading order.

Making time to test your content helps you catch problems early and shows your commitment to creating a more inclusive STEM environment.