Mathematical and scientific notation can be challenging to make accessible due to the following reasons:
- Specialized knowledge or software is required to produce many types of equations in a format that can be read by screen readers.
- Many popular screen readers do not interpret all equations as intended or in a way that is comprehensible to the user; however, tools for reading mathematical notation comprehensibly (e.g., ) are being continually improved.
These challenges are among the reasons many have tended to present mathematical and scientific notation in images, rather than real text (e.g., by using a mathematical editor or markup language). Images of equations present their own challenges for accessibility because screen readers cannot interpret images of text, whether mathematical notation or words, handwritten or typed; so, images of equations must be accompanied by equivalent text.
Best Practices
Use software or online tools to produce mathematical notation in an accessible format.
- Use the integrated equation editor available in some platforms, (e.g., , ).
- Use a mathematical markup language.
- provides access to visual representation of equations and to speaking mathematical notation comprehensibly by assistive technology.
- by Wolfram converts text mathematical expressions to MathML
- can be input into popular equation editors (e.g., Canvas, Microsoft).
- is an easier-to-write markup language for mathematics.
- converts MathML, LaTeX, or ASCIImath to HTML+CSS, Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG), or MathML
- provides access to visual representation of equations and to speaking mathematical notation comprehensibly by assistive technology.
- Convert images of equations to real text
- converts images of equations into MathML, LaTeX, or ASCIImath
- features
- Equation editor that can take typed, spoken, image, or handwritten input
- Output options include image with alt text; LaTeX; MathML; HTML.
- For of equations, provide equivalent text in at least one way:
- Alt text
- Caption
- Separate section of text provided or linked close to the image
- Present equations in a recorded narrated video (e.g., , ) with accurate synchronous captions and transcript.
Resources
- Learn more about MathML and how to use it with .
- : a KnowledgeBase article about how to make mathematical equations in web content accessible to assistive technology
- for Windows, Microsoft 365
- Free that allows you to create equations and generate the LaTeX code that you can then paste onto a webpage that accepts LaTeX.
- Canvas Instructor Guide:
- Compare features of