Adobe

Microsoft

Kaltura

When math materials are not designed with accessibility in mind, learners can encounter barriers just to 

 the content, before they can even engage with the concepts. This guide brings together strategies, tools, and examples to help instructors and staff create math materials that are easier to read, navigate, and use in digital spaces, with an emphasis on reducing avoidable barriers and supporting more equitable participation for students with disabilities and other diverse learners.

This guide is organized by topic, allowing you to jump directly to the information you need. You do not have to read it in order—start with the section that matches the type of material or task you’re working on. Choose the section that matches what you’re working on—documents, slides, Canvas pages, videos, or overall course design.

Inclusive Design and Pedagogical Strategies

Tools and Technologies for Accessible Math

PDFs and Document Level Accessibility for Math

PowerPoint That Works for Everyone: A Quick Guide to Accessible Slides

Making Math Make Sense: A Quick Guide to Accessible Equations

Zoom

Accessible Math Videos


Creating accessible math videos involves careful planning, clear narration, and accurate captions. This section begins with general video accessibility tips to help you prepare and record effectively. It then explains how to narrate all visual content and provide accurate captions—the two elements required for legal accessibility compliance. Finally, it outlines how to use Kaltura to review and edit your captions. 

Consider using a script. This isn’t required, but it can help you plan what to say, and manage timing. A script can also make your presentation easier to follow and help you how to narrate your equations.

Minimize background noise. Ambient sounds can make speech difficult to understand, especially for students with hearing loss. Choose a quiet space or consider using a dedicated recording studio if available.

If you write on-screen using a tablet, stylus, or Lightboard, check that your marker colors have good contrast and show up clearly.

In accessibility standards, this practice is called providing an audio description—verbally conveying what’s shown on screen so that students who cannot see the visuals still receive the same information. In instructional videos, this simply means describing aloud any math content, symbols, or visuals essential to understanding the material.

Unlike documents, slides, and PDFs, in video it's acceptable to handwrite equations using a tablet and stylus or Lightboard—as long as you narrate them completely and accurately using correct math terminology (e.g., "x squared plus y squared equals r squared"). This ensures that blind or visually impaired students can follow what's happening in real time.

Also, describe any visual annotations that carry instructional meaning. For instance, If you underline, circle, or highlight something to indicate importance or show relationships, say so aloud: "I'm underlining the final term in red to emphasize it's the variable we'll solve for." However, if a visual marking doesn't add instructional value, it's better to omit it—unnecessary color or decoration can create cognitive clutter and accessibility barriers.

When drawing graphs or diagrams, describe what you're creating as you work. For example: "I'm writing y equals 2x plus 3—this is a straight line with a slope of two and a y-intercept of three." Use high-contrast, legible writing and maintain a consistent layout. Never rely solely on color to convey meaning; always describe it verbally.

 If you're uploading presentation slides to accompany your lecture, you cannot screen shot the equations and insert them in your slides—these equations would not be accessible. The PowerPoint Best Practices section explains how to make slides accessible. 

Automated captions alone are not sufficient for legal accessibility compliance under the ADA, Section 504/508, and WCAG 2.2. While tools such as Kaltura, YouTube, or Zoom can generate machine captions, these must always be reviewed and corrected by a human to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Captions must be accurate, complete, synchronized, and easy to read. They must fully reflect all of the video’s spoken content—you cannot condense, summarize, or edit the spoken text in the captions. Captions should appear and disappear in time with the audio, staying on screen long enough to be comfortably read. It’s best practice to display no more than two lines of text on the screen at a time. Sentences should start with a capital letter and end with a period, with other punctuation used only as needed for clarity. Bold, italics, and underlining should not be used in captions. 

Caption files use plain text and cannot display superscripts, subscripts, or special mathematical symbols. This is why narrating equations fully is essential—the captions will reflect your spoken words, not the visual formatting.

VCU uses Kalutra for video captioning. To create automated captions or edit existing captions  in Kaltura:

This page focuses on how math is structured and taught, drawing on research in cognitive load theory, multiple representations, and Universal Design for Learning (UDL), as well as work on inclusive assessment in Math. The goal is to design learning experiences that reduce unnecessary barriers, support different ways of engaging with math, and promote more equitable participation.

Accessibility and UDL

Implementing UDL and Accessibility in Your Course

Course Development Guide: UDL and Accessibility

UDL and Accessibility Strategies for Math Instruction

The following strategies can help you design math content that is accessible, reduces cognitive load, and supports all learners.

Design Assignments That Reduce Cognitive Load

Take one existing problem and rewrite the prompt as a short numbered list. Pull key conditions (e.g., “round to two decimal places”) into bullets above the question.

Pick one core concept (e.g., linear function, limit, standard deviation) and present it symbolically, visually or in a table, and in plain language, plus 1–2 sentences connecting them.

Instructure

In today’s digital learning environments, accessible math ensures that all learners, regardless of ability, can fully engage with mathematical concepts and content. Accessible online math goes beyond simply displaying equations; it incorporates clear design, readable notation, and compatible technologies that work with assistive tools such as screen readers and keyboard navigation.

When creating math content, the approach depends on the complexity of the equations. For simple equations like basic fractions, exponents, or linear expressions the built-in Canvas equation editor usually provides everything you need. It’s quick, supports basic math formatting, and is accessible when used correctly. However, for more complex equations involving advanced notation, matrices, calculus symbols, or multi-line expressions, you may need a specialized editor such as MathType, EquatIO, or LaTeX. These tools allow for precise formatting and accessibility features, such as generating MathML for screen readers. Choosing the right editor ensures your math content looks correct, remains accessible, and provides a smooth learning experience for all students.

Working with math in online environments can feel different at first, but today’s tools make it easier to display and share equations. Canvas learning platform includes a 

that lets you create fractions, exponents, square roots, and symbols without needing special software.

Things to keep in mind when using Canvas equation editor

Canvas, like most learning management systems, uses MathJax to display equations.  This allows users to view math and science equations on the internet, without having to download any additional software.  For simple math and science equations MathJax can provide you accessible displayed content.  However, for more advanced math and science equations, you will want to use a LaTeX editor.  Especially when you are working with complex, multi-line equations, matrices, or piecewise functions. 

You do have the option to use LaTeX editing within your Canvas course pages, quizzes and assignments.  Using LaTeX will improve accessibility for many screen readers by creating image-based equations.  However, this is only for individual equations.  For entire documents with complex equations, you must convert the LaTeX file to an HTML file first and then paste it into Canvas's HTML editor.  Just note that even though you are doing everything correctly, some complex LaTeX formatting might not display properly. Using Canvas's equation editor is recommended as the most accessible method.

Important Things to Keep in Mind for Assessments, Quizzes, and Homework

Designing accessible math activities online means thinking carefully about how students see, hear, and interact with your content. Whether you’re building materials in Canvas, Möbius, or other digital tools, accessibility ensures every learner can participate fully and independently.  Here are ten important things to keep in mind for assessment, quizzes and homework

Compatibility testing ensures that websites, apps or digital documents can be effectively understood and navigated by people who rely on screen readers.  The four main goals are that all content is not hidden or skipped, interactive elements are correctly labeled, reading and navigation order makes sense, and users can perform all actions, such as form submission or menu selection without sight.

Navigate to your Canvas course page or assignment, where you would like to add your equation. If it is a new page you want to create and work in, create the page first, then follow the steps outlined in the  guide below.

This guide show you how to enter math equations in your Canvas page or assignments.

Adding Basic Math Equations to Canvas Assignments

For now, you will want to use Classic Quizzes (Refer to this guide on how to create a classic quiz) to render your math equation, new quizzes are currently not accessible as they use LaTeX math notation that is not rendered via MathJax. This may change in the future as technology is constantly evolving.  

To add your equation, navigate to the quiz page where you would like to add your equation and follow the steps provided in the guide below.

This guide provides a step-by-step process for inserting equations into Canvas Classic Quizzes,.

How to Insert Equations in Canvas Classic Quizzes

To add an equation to your discussion page, follow the steps provided in the guide below.

How to Add an Equation to a Canvas Discussion Assignment

A list of practical guides, accessibility standards, technical background, and tutorials

This guide focuses on creating accessible equations using Word’s Equation Editor (OMML) and supported tools like MathType, ensuring that all document elements meet accessibility standards. It also outlines best practices for exporting Word documents to accessible PDFs using Adobe Acrobat, avoiding common pitfalls that make equations inaccessible. Additional sections address limitations in Google Docs and highlight recommended tools, resources, and references for accessible digital math content.

To create an accessible math document in Word, you follow the same general accessibility principles as you would to create any Word document. For a refresher,  review the 

micro course Digital Accessibility for VCU Faculty

. However, mathematical equations introduce additional accessibility challenges. This guide focuses on making equations accessible and ensuring that all other document elements meet accessibility standards.

Since Word 2007, Microsoft Word has used OMML (Office Math Markup Language).OMML, an XML-based standard, is similar to MathML but Microsoft specific. Equations created with the Insert → Equation tool are accessible, while those made with older versions of Word are not.

, a desktop and Office 365 add-in for Word. MathType equations can be saved as OMML or MathML, the W3C standard for accessible mathematical markup. MathType also easily converts between the two. Both MathML and OMML equations are accessible.

You may share your document as .docx or convert it to HTML. Follow the steps below to create an accessible PDF version.

Google docs’ built-in Insert → Equation tool does not use an XML-based standard, so equations created this way are not accessible. To create accessible equations in Google Docs, use 

To create an accessible PDF, begin with an accessible Microsoft Word document (.docx). Scanned documents are extremely difficult to make accessible. Equations and handwritten content cannot be accurately interpreted by OCR and must be recreated using digital tools such as Word’s Equation Editor or MathType to ensure accessibility.

To create an accessible PDF, do not use “Save As PDF,” as this converts all equations to images and makes them inaccessible. Instead, use the Acrobat tab on the Word ribbon or the Adobe Acrobat application to create your PDF. Finally, run the Accessibility Check in Adobe Acrobat Pro to verify that your document meets accessibility standards.

To pass the Accessibility Checker, you often need to add a document title and specify a primary language. In Acrobat Pro, these can be set in the Document Properties window. If other accessibility issues appear, it’s usually easier to correct them in 

PDFs and Document Level Accessibility for Math.

In today’s digital and hybrid teaching environments, accessible PowerPoint slides ensure that all learners—regardless of ability or the tools they use—can fully engage with your instructional materials. Accessible slides go beyond clean design; they rely on structured layouts, meaningful descriptions, clear reading order, and compatibility with assistive technologies such as screen readers, screen magnifiers, and keyboard navigation.

When your slides follow accessibility best practices, students can navigate them smoothly, understand visual content, and review materials independently—whether viewing in PowerPoint, Canvas, or exported as a PDF.

When building or reviewing slide decks, the first step is choosing the right approach. PowerPoint includes built-in features that support accessibility, but how you use them depends on the type and complexity of your content.

 (Title Slide, Title and Content, Two Content, etc.) provides what you need. These layouts maintain semantic structure for screen readers, keep text in predictable regions, and preserve correct reading order.

However, for slides with more advanced layouts—such as multi-part diagrams, complex charts, timelines, or STEM-heavy content—you may need to adjust reading order manually or provide additional descriptions. Choosing the right structure up front ensures your slides remain clear, accessible, and easy for students to navigate.

Creating accessible content in PowerPoint may feel different at first, but today’s tools make it much easier.

Use standard PowerPoint layouts when your slides contain:

Things to Keep in Mind When Using Built-In Layouts

Handling Images, Diagrams, and Screenshots

Images can communicate important concepts—but they must be supported with accessible alternatives.

PowerPoint content is not always read in the order it appears. The 

 help ensure screen readers interpret your slides correctly.

A properly structured slide improves navigation for screen reader users and supports students using keyboard-only input.

Special Notes for STEM, Math, and Formula-Heavy Slides

STEM content requires additional attention because equations, symbols, and diagrams are often inserted as images. These images are not accessible unless properly described.

Important Things to Keep in Mind for Shared Slides, PDFs, and Online Use

Screen reader testing helps confirm that your slides are readable, navigable, and logically ordered. The main goals are to ensure that:

Testing with NVDA, JAWS, or VoiceOver provides insight into how your students may experience your materials.

Apple

Desmos

Nvaccess

Vispero

Everway

Pandoc

Katex

Wolframalpha

This document provides key tools for creating, converting, and testing accessible math—including equation editors, LaTeX/MathML workflows, graphing tools, and screen readers. It also offers guidance on when to use each tool and important considerations to keep in mind.

When to use more advanced complex math editors in general

Things to keep in mind when using more complex equation editors

Testing Tools (e.g., NVDA, JAWS, VoiceOver, MathCAT)

The three major screen readers used for testing are for both Windows and Mac Platforms, they include:

NVDA uses MathCAT to speak math clearly, support multi-language math reading, and let users navigate complex expressions (e.g., zooming into a fraction numerator).

Tools for converting math content (LaTeX ↔ MathML ↔ accessible text)

Here are 9 common tools for converting math content, they are in no particular order

Converts: LaTeX → MathML (and the reverse with some extensions)

Exports to many formats: LaTeX, MathML, EPS, images

Converts: Handwriting → LaTeX / MathML / spoken text

Converts: Math expressions → speech text (accessible math)

Converts: LaTeX → MathML (via HTML or EPUB)

Converts: LaTeX → MathML (accessibility output mode)

Converts: LaTeX → MathML (high fidelity)

Converts: Input expressions ↔ MathML / natural language

Automated vs Manual Accessibility Checkers (and their limits)

Automated accessibility checkers are tools that scan web pages or digital content using algorithms to detect known accessibility issues.  Several examples include WAVE, axe DevTools, lighthouse, site improve and accessibility insights.  Advantages over manual checks include speed and scale, consistency, early detection and integration.  Automated checks can test hundreds of pages quickly, removing the human bias, helping to catch basic errors early in development and can be embedded in CI/CD pipelines (

 build, test, and release software more efficiently and reliably) 

for ongoing monitoring.  Automation accessibility checkers have limitations in the fact they may mislabel elements due to errors in their complex coding; they also can’t evaluate usability such as navigation and cannot check content meaning.     

Manual accessibility checks involve human evaluators, testing computer interfaces for accessibility and usability barriers.  Several examples include keyboard only navigation tests, screen reader compatibility testing with NVDA, JAWS and VoiceOver and a manual review of color contrast, labels, focus states and reading order.  Advantages over automated checkers include detecting real-world usability issues automation can’t, the ability to assess visual, cognitive and interactive accessibility, helps to confirm and prioritize issues and evaluates if content makes sense and is usable.  Manual checks have limitations in the fact that they are slower than automation, need trained accessibility specialists and may vary between testers if guidelines are loosely applied.     

It is best practice to combine both, using the quick scan and baseline compliance checks of the automation and the usability and content validation of the manual.

Recommended Resources: Tools and Technologies for Accessible Math

Math and STEM Accessibility Resource Guide

Introduction

How to Use This Guide

Sections

Resources