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HANOVER SCHOOL DISTRICT 28

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ADA Compliant Math Equations Guide

ADA Compliant Math Equations Guide

Hanover School District 28 • Ensuring Equal Access to Education

Why Math Equation Accessibility Matters

Mathematical content must be accessible to all students, including those using screen readers, students with visual impairments, and learners with disabilities. Proper mathematical markup and alternative descriptions ensure that complex equations, formulas, and mathematical concepts are understandable through assistive technology, creating equal access to STEM education for all learners.

Methods for Accessible Math

📝 MathML

Mathematical Markup Language provides semantic meaning to equations, enabling screen readers to speak math naturally and correctly.

🔤 LaTeX with MathJax

LaTeX notation rendered by MathJax creates both visual equations and accessible markup that works with assistive technology.

🖼️ Alt Text for Images

When math is presented as images, detailed alternative text must describe the equation structure and meaning clearly.

📄 Text Descriptions

Plain text descriptions of mathematical concepts and step-by-step explanations provide additional context and understanding.

1

Use Semantic Mathematical Markup

Always use proper mathematical markup (MathML, LaTeX) instead of regular text or images when displaying equations. This provides meaning and structure that assistive technology can interpret.

Good Example - MathML
x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a
<math><mi>x</mi><mo>=</mo><mfrac><mrow><mo>-</mo><mi>b</mi><mo>±</mo><msqrt><mrow><msup><mi>b</mi><mn>2</mn></msup><mo>-</mo><mn>4</mn><mi>a</mi><mi>c</mi></mrow></msqrt></mrow><mrow><mn>2</mn><mi>a</mi></mrow></mfrac></math>
integral from a to b of f of x d x equals sum from i equals 1 to n of f of x sub i times delta x

Matrices

$\begin{bmatrix} a & b \\ c & d \end{bmatrix}$
2 by 2 matrix with first row a, b and second row c, d

Alternative Text Best Practices

Simple Algebraic Equations

3x + 7 = 22
alt="3x plus 7 equals 22"
3x plus 7 equals 22

Complex Fractions

a/b ÷ c/d = a/b × d/c
alt="a over b divided by c over d equals a over b times d over c, demonstrating the rule for dividing fractions by multiplying by the reciprocal"
a over b divided by c over d equals a over b times d over c, demonstrating the rule for dividing fractions by multiplying by the reciprocal

Scientific Notation

6.022 × 10²³
alt="6.022 times 10 to the 23rd power, which is Avogadro's number"
6.022 times 10 to the 23rd power, which is Avogadro's number

Geometric Formulas

A = πr²
alt="Area equals pi times radius squared, the formula for the area of a circle"
Area equals pi times radius squared, the formula for the area of a circle

Math Accessibility Tools and Resources

MathJax

JavaScript library that renders mathematical notation in web browsers using MathML, LaTeX, and ASCIIMath markup with full accessibility support.

MathType

Equation editor that creates accessible math for documents, presentations, and web pages with automatic MathML generation.

NVDA + MathCAT

Free screen reader with MathCAT add-on that provides natural speech and Braille output for mathematical expressions.

JAWS Math Viewer

Screen reader feature that allows users to navigate through mathematical expressions step-by-step with detailed speech output.

Equatio

Google Chrome extension that allows students to create math expressions using speech, handwriting, or typing with accessibility features built-in.

WAVE Math Evaluation

Web accessibility evaluation tool that identifies inaccessible mathematical content and provides specific recommendations for improvement.

Nemeth Braille

Braille code specifically designed for mathematics and scientific notation, supported by modern screen readers and Braille displays.

LaTeX to MathML Converters

Tools like Pandoc and online converters that transform LaTeX equations into accessible MathML format for web publishing.

Additional Math Accessibility Best Practices

  • Always provide context before presenting complex equations or formulas
  • Use consistent variable names and clearly define all symbols used
  • Break complex derivations into smaller, manageable steps with explanations
  • Include units of measurement when applicable (e.g., "5 meters" not just "5")
  • Provide both symbolic and word-based representations of mathematical concepts
  • Test mathematical content with multiple screen readers to ensure compatibility
  • Create tactile versions of graphs and geometric figures for students who are blind
  • Use high contrast colors in mathematical diagrams and ensure they work in grayscale
  • Provide downloadable formats (PDF, Word, Braille) for complex mathematical documents
  • Train educators on how to describe mathematical content verbally during instruction
  • Consider cultural and linguistic differences in mathematical notation and terminology
  • Regularly update accessibility practices as screen reader technology improves

ADA Compliance Contact

Lori Underwood

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (719) 426-8002

Hanover School District 28

WCAG 2.1 AA Compliant
-reader-text">x equals negative b plus or minus the square root of b squared minus 4 a c, all over 2 a
Avoid This - Plain Text
x = -b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac) / 2a
x = -b +/- sqrt(b^2 - 4ac) / 2a
x equals negative b plus forward slash negative square root left parenthesis b caret 2 minus 4 a c right parenthesis forward slash 2 a (confusing)
2

Provide Descriptive Alternative Text

When equations must be presented as images, include comprehensive alt text that describes both the visual structure and mathematical meaning of the equation.

Good Example - Detailed Alt Text
[Math Image: Pythagorean Theorem]
alt="Pythagorean theorem: a squared plus b squared equals c squared, where a and b are the lengths of the legs of a right triangle and c is the length of the hypotenuse"
Pythagorean theorem: a squared plus b squared equals c squared, where a and b are the lengths of the legs of a right triangle and c is the length of the hypotenuse
Avoid This - Generic Alt Text
[Math Image: Equation]
alt="math equation"
math equation (provides no useful information)
3

Include Step-by-Step Explanations

Provide written explanations that walk through the mathematical process, especially for complex multi-step problems or derivations.

Good Example - Full Explanation
Solve: 2x + 5 = 13
Step 1: Subtract 5 from both sides
2x + 5 - 5 = 13 - 5
2x = 8

Step 2: Divide both sides by 2
2x ÷ 2 = 8 ÷ 2
x = 4
Avoid This - Steps Only
2x + 5 = 13
2x = 8
x = 4
No explanation of what operations were performed or why
4

Use Consistent Mathematical Notation

Maintain consistent notation throughout your materials and clearly define any symbols or conventions that might be unfamiliar to students.

Good Example - Clear Notation
Notation Key:
• ∑ (sigma) = summation
• ∆ (delta) = change in
• ∞ (infinity) = without bound
• ≈ (approximately equal) = roughly equal to
∑(i=1 to n) x_i ≈ μ as n → ∞
Avoid This - Undefined Symbols
∑(i=1 to n) x_i ≈ μ as n → ∞
No explanation of what the symbols mean
5

Provide Multiple Representations

Offer mathematical concepts in various formats: equations, graphs, tables, and verbal descriptions to accommodate different learning styles and assistive technologies.

Good Example - Multiple Formats
Linear Function: y = 2x + 3

Equation: y = 2x + 3
Description: A line with slope 2 and y-intercept 3
Table:
x = 0, y = 3
x = 1, y = 5
x = 2, y = 7
Avoid This - Single Format
y = 2x + 3
Only equation provided, no context or alternative representations
6

Test with Assistive Technology

Regularly test mathematical content with screen readers and other assistive technologies to ensure equations are properly announced and navigable.

Good Example - Tested Content
f(x) = x² + 3x - 4
✓ Screen Reader Test Passed:
"f of x equals x squared plus 3 x minus 4"
✓ Navigation: Users can move through each term
✓ Context: Equation type clearly identified
Avoid This - Untested
[Complex equation image without alt text]
✗ Screen Reader Result: "Image" or silence
✗ Navigation: Cannot access equation content
✗ Context: No mathematical meaning conveyed

MathJax Implementation Examples

Fractions

$$\frac{a}{b} = \frac{numerator}{denominator}$$
a over b equals numerator over denominator

Exponents and Roots

$$x^{2} + \sqrt{x} = x^{n} + \sqrt[n]{x}$$
x squared plus square root of x equals x to the n plus n-th root of x

Integrals and Summations

$$\int_{a}^{b} f(x) dx = \sum_{i=1}^{n} f(x_i) \Delta x$$

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(719)382-9589- Fax
Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7:30am-4:15pm

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(719) 683-2247 ext. 112
(719)382-9589- Fax
Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 7:30am-4:15pm

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