Top Math Resources To Help The Visually Impaired
- Can the visually impaired learn math as effectively as sighted students?
- What are the top math resources available for the visually impaired?
- Why is there a need to teach Mathematics?
Modern technology is a wonderful thing. It is now possible for visually impaired children to learn Math. They can do this alongside their sighted counterparts. This has, in a way, leveled the playing field.
You could say that iOS devices are a godsend for these individuals. There are apps constantly being developed. These help empower children all over the world. Here’s hoping you’ll find an app for your child here.
These apps rely heavily on the VoiceOver function in most iOS devices. Audio feedback from these apps can now notify users of what is on their screen. They do this by taking a picture of what they want to “see”.
It is also obvious that people prefer iOS device for its ease of use. All you have to do is pick one up to find out for yourself. These are highly-intuitive devices for all ages.
There are also Android apps doing the same thing. Our main focus is on iOS devices for now. iOS devices still remains the top devices most individuals choose. It is only logical for developers to target the bigger market share.
Table of Contents
Importance Of Mathematics
Mathematics is a universal language. Numbers play a huge part in our lives and provide order in a world full of chaos. It is the basic building block in our daily lives.
Learning mathematics early on in life can open up many opportunities later on in life.
Developing a strong grasp for numbers can lead to great career paths. Here are some career path examples:
These careers can be anything related to
Other areas affected by math:
- creativity
- reasoning
- abstract reasoning
- spatial thinking
- music
The world would literally grind to a halt without mathematics. Modern civilization owes its existence to math. Our society developed with it through the ages.
Just take a look at the remnants of the eight wonders of the world. This is proof of Math’s importance to civilization.
It is extremely important for everyone to learn basic mathematics. Here’s a link to our apps and resources. There are several math resources there that you can use.
Challenges These Students Face In The Classroom
Traditional school facilities do not have the equipment for visually impaired individuals. They do not automatically cater to the needs of children who are visually impaired.
Imagine this: you’re sitting through a class where numbers, ratios, and proportions are discussed and you can’t see what’s on the board. Imagine being called to the board.
What if you can’t provide an answer?
What if you don’t know what it is you’re writing?
Is there anyone available to help you out?
Freehand writing is definitely out of the question. It is easy to lose track of starting and ending points. What could end up on the board is just a bunch of squiggles.
This can be a very frustrating experience leading to poor education and development.
Special Classes Are Expensive
You’re lucky if you have the financial resources. Institutions that specialize in teaching the visually impaired cost a lot of money. Most individuals have to seek sponsorship.
These can come from the government. Others from altruistic individuals or companies. You will need all the help you can get to fund your child’s education.
Sadly, only a small percentage of individuals get this type of help. This leaves the vast majority lacking in educational opportunities and development.
Society’s Effects On These Children
We now live in a more mindful society. Nowadays, everyone seeks to respect the rights of all individuals.
There are still some exceptions., though. There are still some people who don’t get it. Some people still look down on those who are legally visually impaired.
What these people fail to realize is that everyone has a potential to shine. To succeed, as long as they are given the right opportunities.
Visually impaired individuals need a strong support system. This can help them not feel helpless or left out. This feeling of being ostracized can be caused by external or internal factors.
What Can We Do?
Give children a sense of control over their interactions with their environment. This is the best way to help children who are visually impaired.
A strong support system is essential. This builds self-confidence and willingness to try out different experiences. Interacting more with the world is an essential part of learning.
Making sure they have a good education with the proper curriculum is the key. Teachers who are experienced in this area are also extremely important.
Mathematics, along with a healthy dose of English, Science, and other essential subjects is important.
This is a great way for kids to feel more confident about themselves. As a result, they become positive contributors to society in the future.
The apps we’ve included in the list is one of the many ways we can help.
Here Are Some Helpful Apps
These are just some of the more useful apps that can help you learn mathematics better. This relies on the use of modern technology found in iOS devices. This selection is primarily for young children.
Math Melodies
Math Melodies helps the learner understand mathematics better. It uses the VoiceOver function found in iOS devices. Math Melodies is a highly specialized math app for the visually impaired.
EveryWare Technologies developed this app for children in Europe. It was initially just for young children. It can also assist older individuals.
Tap Tap See
Like Math Melodies, Tap Tap See uses VoiceOver to relay what the camera sees to the user.
How easy is it to use?
- Point the camera at the object you want to “see”
- Tap the screen to capture the image
- Listen to the audio feedback
This app can identify two or three-dimensional objects captured by the camera.
This app can help you count or see the numbers on the board. That can help you provide a solution if an answer is needed.
It is compatible with all iOS devices.
It also supports a vast number of languages including:
- English
- Arabic
- Croatian
- Czech
- Danish
- Japanese
- Norwegian Bokmål
- Polish
- Romanian
- Russian
- Simplified Chinese
- Spanish
- Traditional Chinese.
This app helps make visually impaired individuals become more independent. They no longer are reliant on other people. No one else needs to describe what’s in front of them.
Awards:
- 2014 – Access Award from the American Foundation For The Blind.
- 2013 – App of the month.
Be My Eyes
This is another app that helps the visually impaired.
Be My Eyes helps them see the world through their phone’s camera.
Why Use Be My Eyes?
- This is a free global service
- Designed for users 17 years old and up.
- It comes with a vast support from any language.
- Be My Eyes uses a large network of volunteers and company representatives. These individuals tell the user what is on their screen accurately. There are over 3 million volunteers ready to help you.
Just don’t expect them to answer your mathematics assignment for you.
You will still have to learn and answer that on your own.
This app has won several awards including:
- 2020 Dubai Expo Global Innovator
- 2018 Winner of the Dr. Jacob Bolotin Awards at the NFB National Convention
- 2018 Winner of AbilityNet Accessibility Award at the Tech4Good Awards
- 2017 Winner of World Summit Awards – Inclusion and Empowerment.
Seeing Assistant Home
https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/seeing-assistant-home/id625146680
“What is the most important thing for visually impaired individuals?”
It is to have the ability to “see” the world around them. This is what Seeing Assistant Home does.
Seeing Assistant Home allows users to recognize colors, detecting light sources, scan and generate barcodes and QR codes.
There is also a DropBox integration for easy file storage. This is extremely helpful for learning math and seeing numbers as well.
Supported languages include:
- English
- Croatian
- Dutch
- German
- Greek
- Italian
- Norwegian Bokmål
- Polish
- Russian
- Serbian
- Simplified Chinese
- Spanish
- Turkish.
This free app requires iOS 9.0 devices ranging from iPhones, iPads, and iPods.
BARD Mobile
- How would you like to carry a library in your pocket?
- How would you like to swipe through thousands of books?
- Who would pass up on this chance?
This is your chance to read everything they’d ever want to read
Learning should encompass everything. It shouldn’t just be about Math.
There are lessons that you can glean from current best-sellers, classics, and popular magazines. Songs too. All of these are available in braille or audio format.
Who can access this app?
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NSL) at the Library of Congress.
To enroll:
Call 1-888-NLS-READ (1-888-657-7323)
Follow the prompts for your state.
You can also request enrollment information at:
https://www.loc.gov/thatallmayread.
Registered for NLS service?
Contact your cooperating NLS library to request your BARD account.
You can find your library by visiting:
https://www.loc.gov/nls/braille-audio-reading-materials/find-a-local-library/.
- Free for iPhones, iPads, and iPods with iOS 11.0 +.
- Languages supported include English and Spanish.
- For Ages 4 and up
In Conclusion
Mathematics is extremely important to everyone.
Having a good grasp of Mathematics is the key to success in life.
Everyone should have access to Math.
It doesn’t matter if they have normal sight, or are visually impaired.
Modern civilization owes a lot to math. It has for many centuries. It is in our best interest to practice, develop and advance it. This is for the future generations’ benefit.
Everyone can benefit from our continued efforts in this area.
Every human being has a right to a proper education. This is regardless of :
- race
- religion
- economic stature
- physical abilities
Education is for everyone’s benefit.
Math when applied properly, results in technology.
It is only fitting that we continue to study math. These are the basic building blocks of civilization. This allows us to progress in leaps and bounds as the years go by.
Instill a love for mathematics and education in children for a bright future.
These apps ensure equal opportunity for everyone. These can help individuals with visual impairment.
Here’s hoping you will find the app you need.
Related Questions
Is It Still Necessary For My Child To Learn The Braille System?
Yes. Braille is an essential form of communication. This is especially true for children with severe visual impairment.
This allows children to read and communicate. It also helps them share their thoughts and ideas. Braille makes communication easier.
Braille is a time-tested system. It is internationally recognized.
It is also used all over the world. They should still learn this form of language.
Are There Apps For Android Users Too?
Yes. The majority of the apps are for iOS users. But, there are also apps out there for Android users.
These apps work just as well as their iOS counterparts.
They also provide value. These apps empower visually impaired users. They achieve more by “seeing” the world through their device’s camera.
Do I Really Need To Enroll My Child In A Special Class?
Yes. But this isn’t a strict requirement.
Children thrive better in a special school environment. One that caters specifically to their unique needs.
Everyone wants their child to have better and faster development. Enroll them in any of the certified schools for the visually impaired and watch them soar.
Do you want more teaching tips and math resources?
Are you looking for more apps to help the visually impaired?
Do you need more resources for classroom and home learning purposes?
All Digital School has a rich collection of resources. We also have tons of advice for educators like you.
We also have experts, teachers, and parents here!
Everyone’s exchanging tips and information on our community boards.
Do you want in?
You can also register via your Facebook or Google account. Click any of the buttons below.
Do you have more math resources? Apps for the visually impaired?
Do you have techniques for teachers that you’d like to share?
We want to learn from you as well.
Let us know in the comments below!
