STEM Accessibility Challenges - VCCS
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STEM Accessibility Challenges

STEM Accessibility Challenges

Comprehensive guide for making STEM content accessible

Learning Objectives

Understand STEM-specific accessibility requirements and implementation strategies

Target Audience

STEM instructors, course designers, and educational technology specialists

Success Metrics

Measurable improvements in accessibility compliance and student engagement

Common STEM Accessibility Challenges

Identify and address the most frequent accessibility barriers in STEM education across different content types.

Mathematical Content

Common Challenges

  • Complex equations that require screen reader compatibility
  • Whiteboard or screen-based problem solving sessions
  • Handwritten mathematical work and note-taking
  • Greek letters and mathematical symbols
  • Multi-level subscripts and superscripts
  • Matrix and vector notation

Recommended Solutions

  • Use MathML or LaTeX with proper rendering tools
  • Provide verbal descriptions during whiteboard sessions
  • Offer digital alternatives to handwritten work
  • Record step-by-step audio explanations
  • Implement keyboard navigation for interactive equations
  • Use semantic markup for mathematical structures

Data Visualizations

Common Challenges

  • Charts and graphs that rely solely on color
  • Complex multi-dimensional data displays
  • Interactive data exploration tools
  • Real-time data updates

Recommended Solutions

  • Add patterns and textures to differentiate data
  • Provide detailed alt text and data tables
  • Implement keyboard controls for interaction
  • Use ARIA live regions for dynamic updates

Scientific Diagrams

Common Challenges

  • Detailed anatomical or molecular structures
  • Images that can't reveal answers in alt text
  • Process flowcharts and cycles
  • Layered or 3D representations
  • Interactive simulations

Recommended Solutions

  • Create non-revealing descriptive alt text focused on structure
  • Provide separate detailed descriptions for study purposes
  • Use progressive disclosure for complex diagrams
  • Offer tactile graphics or 3D models when possible
  • Implement audio descriptions for animations

Laboratory Content

Common Challenges

  • Safety procedures and protocols
  • Equipment operation instructions
  • Measurement and observation recording
  • Virtual lab environments

Recommended Solutions

  • Create detailed procedural documentation
  • Use clear, sequential instruction formats
  • Provide alternative data collection methods
  • Ensure virtual labs are keyboard accessible

Good vs Bad Accessibility Examples

Real-world examples showing the difference between accessible and inaccessible STEM content.

Whiteboard & Screen-Based Teaching

Bad Example

Scenario: Teacher solves calculus problem silently on whiteboard

  • • No verbal explanation of steps
  • • Writes symbols without saying them
  • • No description of visual layout
  • • Students can't follow along aurally

Good Example

Scenario: Teacher narrates while solving problem

  • • "I'm writing the integral of x squared"
  • • "Moving to the right side of the equation"
  • • Provides digital copy of work afterward
  • • Records session for review

Scientific Images & Diagrams

Bad Example - Anatomy Quiz

Alt text: "Heart diagram showing the left ventricle, right atrium, aorta, and pulmonary arteries"

❌ Gives away all the answers to students using screen readers

Good Example - Anatomy Quiz

Alt text: "Anatomical diagram of human heart with 4 labeled structures to identify"

Separate study resource: Detailed description available after quiz completion

✓ Maintains quiz integrity while providing accessibility

Handwritten Mathematical Work

Bad Example

  • • Requires all work to be handwritten
  • • No alternative input methods
  • • Scanned handwriting without text alternative
  • • No accommodation for motor disabilities

Good Example

  • • Accepts LaTeX or MathML input
  • • Provides equation editor tools
  • • Allows voice-to-text for explanations
  • • Offers multiple submission formats

Scientific Data Visualization

Bad Example

Alt text: "Graph"

  • • Uses only color to differentiate data
  • • No data table alternative
  • • Missing axis labels and units
  • • No trend description

Good Example

Alt text: "pH levels over time showing acidification trend from 8.2 to 7.8 over 50 years"

  • • Uses patterns + color for differentiation
  • • Includes accessible data table
  • • Clear axis labels with units
  • • Describes key trends and insights

Mathematical Content Accessibility

Best practices for making mathematical equations, formulas, and notation accessible to all students.

Mathematical Notation Guidelines

Critical Requirements

  • Use MathML or LaTeX for screen reader compatibility
  • Provide text descriptions of mathematical relationships
  • Narrate all whiteboard or screen-based work aloud
  • Offer digital alternatives to handwritten assignments
  • Use semantic markup for mathematical structures
  • Ensure keyboard navigation for interactive content

Whiteboard Accessibility

  • Verbalize every symbol, operation, and step
  • Describe spatial relationships and positioning
  • Provide digital copies of all written work
  • Record sessions for later review

Recommended Tools

MathJax

JavaScript Library

Render mathematical notation in web browsers using LaTeX, MathML, and AsciiMath

Visit Tool

MathType Online

Web Tool

WYSIWYG math editor that creates accessible math content

Visit Tool

NVDA Math Player

Assistive Technology

Screen reader support for mathematical content

Visit Tool

Data Visualization Accessibility

Making charts, graphs, and data visualizations accessible while maintaining their analytical value.

Best Practice Guidelines

Recommended Practices

  • Provide alternative text that describes the chart type, data trends, and key insights
  • Use patterns, textures, or shapes in addition to color to differentiate data series
  • Include data tables as alternatives to complex visualizations
  • Ensure sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 ratio) for all chart elements
  • Provide sonification options for data exploration when possible

Implementation Example

<div role="img" aria-labelledby="chart-title" aria-describedby="chart-desc"> <h3 id="chart-title">Sales Growth 2023</h3> <p id="chart-desc"> Bar chart showing quarterly sales growth from Q1 to Q4, with values increasing from $10K to $25K </p> <!-- Chart visualization --> <table aria-label="Sales data table"> <!-- Accessible data table --> </table> </div>

STEM Accessibility Tools & Resources

Curated collection of tools, software, and resources specifically for STEM accessibility.

Math Rendering

MathJaxMathTypeKaTeX

Data Visualization

Highcharts AccessibilityD3.jsChart.js

Assistive Technology

NVDA Screen ReaderJAWS Screen ReaderVoiceOver (macOS)

STEM Accessibility Quick Reference

Your one-page cheat sheet for making STEM content accessible. Start with these top actions this week!

Top 5 Actions (Start This Week!)

  1. 1.
    📝 Transcribe handwritten notes with AI (Gemini or Copilot) - 2 minutes
  2. 2.
    🧮 Use Canvas equation editor for all math content - No more screenshots!
  3. 3.
    🖼️ Add alt text to quiz images - Describe features, not answers
  4. 4.
    📄 Never "Print to PDF" - Always "Save As PDF" with structure tags
  5. 5.
    🔍 Run UDOIT scan - See where your course stands

🖼️ Alt Text Rules - ACORN Framework

  • Accurate - Factually correct
  • Concise - Brief but complete
  • Objective - Describe, don't interpret
  • Relevant - Context-appropriate
  • Necessary - Skip decorative images

For Quizzes:

❌ "Heart diagram with A=left ventricle, B=right atrium"

✅ "Heart diagram with five parts labeled A through E"

📄 PDF Checklist

✅ DO:

  • • Start with Word/Google Docs
  • • File → Save As → PDF
  • • Check "Document structure tags"
  • • Test with screen reader

❌ DON'T:

  • • Use "Print to PDF" (strips accessibility!)
  • • Scan without OCR
  • • Post image-only PDFs

Fix Scanned PDFs:

Use UDOIT Advantage OCR or recreate from source

Math Accessibility

Canvas Equation Editor:

  1. Open Rich Content Editor
  2. Insert → Equation
  3. Type LaTeX OR use visual tools
  4. Test with screen reader

Example LaTeX:

  • • Fraction: \frac{numerator}{denominator}
  • • Square root: \sqrt{x}
  • • Exponent: x^2

✉️ Accessible Emails

Three Rules:

  1. Use real headings (Heading 2 for sections, not just bold)
  2. Descriptive links ("Download Lab 3 PDF" not "click here")
  3. Alt text for embedded images

🛠️ Your Toolkit

Already Have:

  • • UDOIT Advantage (Canvas scanner)
  • • DesignPlus Accessibility Checker
  • • Canvas Accessibility Checker
  • • Grackle Docs (Google Workspace)

Before You Publish Checklist

All images have alt text (descriptive, not generic)
Math equations use Canvas editor (not images)
PDFs created with "Save As" + structure tags
Links are descriptive (not "click here")
Headings used for structure (not just bold)
Videos have accurate captions
Color isn't the only way to convey info
Ran UDOIT scan recently

"Accessible content isn't extra work—it's better work."

Progress > Perfection

Start with ONE practice this week. Build the habit.

AI Prompts for STEM Accessibility

Ready-to-use AI prompts for making STEM content accessible. All prompts work with Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.

🤖 Quick AI Prompts

Handwritten Notes → Text

Transcribe this handwritten text into clean, formatted text. Preserve the structure and organization.

Math Equation → LaTeX

Convert this equation image into LaTeX code for Canvas. Ensure all mathematical notation is preserved accurately.

Image → Alt Text (Quiz)

Create alt text for this image. Describe visual features without revealing what students should identify. This is for an assessment.

Lab Equipment → Alt Text

Create concise alt text for this lab equipment image. Be objective and under 150 characters if possible.

📝 Transcribing Handwritten Notes

Basic Transcription

Use when: Lecture notes, annotations, or lab procedures

Transcribe this handwritten text into clean, formatted text. Preserve the structure and organization of the notes.

💡 Take photos in good lighting, ensure text is legible

Handwritten Math Problems

Use when: Converting handwritten equations to digital

Transcribe this handwritten math problem into LaTeX format that I can paste into Canvas. Include all steps shown in the work.

Next: Copy LaTeX into Canvas equation editor

Handwritten Diagrams

Use when: Sketches with annotations need description

Describe this handwritten diagram in detail, including all labels and annotations. Format the description so it can serve as alt text for students using screen readers.

Math & Equations

Generate LaTeX from Description

Use when: You know what equation you need

Generate LaTeX code for [describe your equation]. Make it compatible with Canvas equation editor.

Examples: "quadratic formula", "integral of x squared from 0 to 5"

Convert Image to LaTeX

Use when: Screenshot or photo of equation

Convert this equation image into LaTeX code that I can use in Canvas. Ensure all mathematical notation is preserved accurately.

⚠️ Always paste into Canvas and preview before publishing

Multi-line Equations

Use when: Multi-step solutions

Convert this multi-step math problem into properly formatted LaTeX with aligned equals signs. Use the align environment if needed.

🖼️ Image Alt Text Generation

Science Image Alt Text

Use when: Lab equipment, experiments, scientific photos

Create concise alt text for this science image. Describe what is visible without interpreting or explaining the scientific concept. Keep it objective and under 150 characters if possible.

⚠️ Review output to ensure it doesn't give away quiz answers!

Anatomy/Medical Diagrams

Use when: Medical or anatomical images

Create alt text for this anatomy diagram. Describe the visible structures, labels, and layout without naming specific body parts by their labels (A, B, C, etc.). This is for a quiz where students must identify structures.

Graph/Chart Alt Text (Quiz)

Use when: Assessment graphs

Create alt text for this graph that describes its visual features without revealing the answer. Describe axes, scales, line types, and general patterns without stating conclusions or specific intersection points.

Graph/Chart Alt Text (Instruction)

Use when: Instructional data visualizations

Create detailed alt text for this graph. Describe the type of graph, axes labels, data trends, and key points. This is for instructional purposes, so include the main findings.

📊 Extended Descriptions

Complex Lab Setup

Use when: Image too complex for short alt text

Create a detailed extended description for this complex lab setup. First, provide a one-sentence summary suitable for alt text. Then, provide a comprehensive description (3-5 paragraphs) covering all equipment, connections, labels, and visible details in systematic order.

💡 Use summary as alt text, put full description after image

Complex Data Visualization

Use when: Multiple data series or complex trends

Create an extended description for this complex data visualization. Include: 1. Brief alt text describing chart type and purpose 2. Detailed description of all data series, trends, outliers, and key findings 3. Format as structured text that could be read sequentially

Engineering Diagrams

Use when: Circuit diagrams, blueprints, schematics

Create alt text for this engineering diagram. Describe the components, connections, and layout objectively. Use technical terms appropriate for an engineering student.

🎓 Assessment & Communication

Accessible Quiz Question from Image

Use when: Converting image-only quiz content

This quiz question is currently entirely in an image. Help me make it accessible by: 1. Extracting all text and equations into a format I can paste into Canvas 2. Creating appropriate alt text for any remaining visual elements 3. Ensuring the question is equally accessible to all students

Accessible Canvas Announcement

Use when: Drafting course announcements

Help me make this Canvas announcement more accessible. Please: 1. Add proper heading structure (use "Heading 2" for sections) 2. Make link text descriptive (not "click here") 3. Organize information with bullet points where appropriate 4. Ensure language is clear and concise. Here's my draft: [paste draft]

Check Alt Text Quality

Use when: Verifying alt text you've written

Review this alt text for accessibility quality: "[your alt text]". Evaluate: 1. Is it accurate and objective? 2. Is it concise (under 150 characters if possible)? 3. Does it convey essential information? 4. Does it avoid giving away quiz answers? 5. Is it appropriate for context?

💡 Tips & Troubleshooting

DO:

  • ✅ Review all AI output for accuracy
  • ✅ Test LaTeX code in Canvas before publishing
  • ✅ Verify alt text doesn't reveal quiz answers
  • ✅ Use high-quality, clear images for best results
  • ✅ Combine AI output with your subject expertise

DON'T:

  • ❌ Copy-paste without reviewing
  • ❌ Use AI for content involving student privacy/FERPA
  • ❌ Rely on AI for technical accuracy without verification
  • ❌ Skip manual accessibility checks

Common Issues & Solutions:

Issue: Alt text is too detailed

Add: "Keep description under 150 characters"

Issue: LaTeX doesn't work in Canvas

Specify: "Make it compatible with Canvas equation editor"

Issue: Alt text reveals quiz answer

Add: "This is for an assessment. Describe without revealing answers"

Issue: AI misinterprets handwriting

Improve photo quality, break into smaller sections, provide context

Access AI Tools

Start with our comprehensive checklist and begin making your STEM content accessible to all students.

Common Challenges

Common STEM Accessibility Challenges

Identify and address the most frequent accessibility barriers in STEM education across different content types.

Mathematical Content

Common Challenges

  • Complex equations that require screen reader compatibility
  • Whiteboard or screen-based problem solving sessions
  • Handwritten mathematical work and note-taking
  • Greek letters and mathematical symbols
  • Multi-level subscripts and superscripts
  • Matrix and vector notation

Recommended Solutions

  • Use MathML or LaTeX with proper rendering tools
  • Provide verbal descriptions during whiteboard sessions
  • Offer digital alternatives to handwritten work
  • Record step-by-step audio explanations
  • Implement keyboard navigation for interactive equations
  • Use semantic markup for mathematical structures

Data Visualizations

Common Challenges

  • Charts and graphs that rely solely on color
  • Complex multi-dimensional data displays
  • Interactive data exploration tools
  • Real-time data updates

Recommended Solutions

  • Add patterns and textures to differentiate data
  • Provide detailed alt text and data tables
  • Implement keyboard controls for interaction
  • Use ARIA live regions for dynamic updates

Scientific Diagrams

Common Challenges

  • Detailed anatomical or molecular structures
  • Images that can't reveal answers in alt text
  • Process flowcharts and cycles
  • Layered or 3D representations
  • Interactive simulations

Recommended Solutions

  • Create non-revealing descriptive alt text focused on structure
  • Provide separate detailed descriptions for study purposes
  • Use progressive disclosure for complex diagrams
  • Offer tactile graphics or 3D models when possible
  • Implement audio descriptions for animations

Laboratory Content

Common Challenges

  • Safety procedures and protocols
  • Equipment operation instructions
  • Measurement and observation recording
  • Virtual lab environments

Recommended Solutions

  • Create detailed procedural documentation
  • Use clear, sequential instruction formats
  • Provide alternative data collection methods
  • Ensure virtual labs are keyboard accessible
Good vs Bad Examples

Good vs Bad Accessibility Examples

Real-world examples showing the difference between accessible and inaccessible STEM content.

Whiteboard & Screen-Based Teaching

Bad Example

Scenario: Teacher solves calculus problem silently on whiteboard

  • • No verbal explanation of steps
  • • Writes symbols without saying them
  • • No description of visual layout
  • • Students can't follow along aurally

Good Example

Scenario: Teacher narrates while solving problem

  • • "I'm writing the integral of x squared"
  • • "Moving to the right side of the equation"
  • • Provides digital copy of work afterward
  • • Records session for review

Scientific Images & Diagrams

Bad Example - Anatomy Quiz

Alt text: "Heart diagram showing the left ventricle, right atrium, aorta, and pulmonary arteries"

❌ Gives away all the answers to students using screen readers

Good Example - Anatomy Quiz

Alt text: "Anatomical diagram of human heart with 4 labeled structures to identify"

Separate study resource: Detailed description available after quiz completion

✓ Maintains quiz integrity while providing accessibility

Handwritten Mathematical Work

Bad Example

  • • Requires all work to be handwritten
  • • No alternative input methods
  • • Scanned handwriting without text alternative
  • • No accommodation for motor disabilities

Good Example

  • • Accepts LaTeX or MathML input
  • • Provides equation editor tools
  • • Allows voice-to-text for explanations
  • • Offers multiple submission formats

Scientific Data Visualization

Bad Example

Alt text: "Graph"

  • • Uses only color to differentiate data
  • • No data table alternative
  • • Missing axis labels and units
  • • No trend description

Good Example

Alt text: "pH levels over time showing acidification trend from 8.2 to 7.8 over 50 years"

  • • Uses patterns + color for differentiation
  • • Includes accessible data table
  • • Clear axis labels with units
  • • Describes key trends and insights
Math Content

Mathematical Content Accessibility

Best practices for making mathematical equations, formulas, and notation accessible to all students.

Mathematical Notation Guidelines

Critical Requirements

  • Use MathML or LaTeX for screen reader compatibility
  • Provide text descriptions of mathematical relationships
  • Narrate all whiteboard or screen-based work aloud
  • Offer digital alternatives to handwritten assignments
  • Use semantic markup for mathematical structures
  • Ensure keyboard navigation for interactive content

Whiteboard Accessibility

  • Verbalize every symbol, operation, and step
  • Describe spatial relationships and positioning
  • Provide digital copies of all written work
  • Record sessions for later review

Recommended Tools

MathJax

JavaScript Library

Render mathematical notation in web browsers using LaTeX, MathML, and AsciiMath

Visit Tool

MathType Online

Web Tool

WYSIWYG math editor that creates accessible math content

Visit Tool

NVDA Math Player

Assistive Technology

Screen reader support for mathematical content

Visit Tool
Data Visualization

Data Visualization Accessibility

Making charts, graphs, and data visualizations accessible while maintaining their analytical value.

Best Practice Guidelines

Recommended Practices

  • Provide alternative text that describes the chart type, data trends, and key insights
  • Use patterns, textures, or shapes in addition to color to differentiate data series
  • Include data tables as alternatives to complex visualizations
  • Ensure sufficient color contrast (4.5:1 ratio) for all chart elements
  • Provide sonification options for data exploration when possible

Implementation Example

<div role="img" aria-labelledby="chart-title" aria-describedby="chart-desc"> <h3 id="chart-title">Sales Growth 2023</h3> <p id="chart-desc"> Bar chart showing quarterly sales growth from Q1 to Q4, with values increasing from $10K to $25K </p> <!-- Chart visualization --> <table aria-label="Sales data table"> <!-- Accessible data table --> </table> </div>
Tools & Resources

STEM Accessibility Tools & Resources

Curated collection of tools, software, and resources specifically for STEM accessibility.

Math Rendering

MathJaxMathTypeKaTeX

Data Visualization

Highcharts AccessibilityD3.jsChart.js

Assistive Technology

NVDA Screen ReaderJAWS Screen ReaderVoiceOver (macOS)
Quick Reference

STEM Accessibility Quick Reference

Your one-page cheat sheet for making STEM content accessible. Start with these top actions this week!

Top 5 Actions (Start This Week!)

  1. 1.
    📝 Transcribe handwritten notes with AI (Gemini or Copilot) - 2 minutes
  2. 2.
    🧮 Use Canvas equation editor for all math content - No more screenshots!
  3. 3.
    🖼️ Add alt text to quiz images - Describe features, not answers
  4. 4.
    📄 Never "Print to PDF" - Always "Save As PDF" with structure tags
  5. 5.
    🔍 Run UDOIT scan - See where your course stands

🖼️ Alt Text Rules - ACORN Framework

  • Accurate - Factually correct
  • Concise - Brief but complete
  • Objective - Describe, don't interpret
  • Relevant - Context-appropriate
  • Necessary - Skip decorative images

For Quizzes:

❌ "Heart diagram with A=left ventricle, B=right atrium"

✅ "Heart diagram with five parts labeled A through E"

📄 PDF Checklist

✅ DO:

  • • Start with Word/Google Docs
  • • File → Save As → PDF
  • • Check "Document structure tags"
  • • Test with screen reader

❌ DON'T:

  • • Use "Print to PDF" (strips accessibility!)
  • • Scan without OCR
  • • Post image-only PDFs

Fix Scanned PDFs:

Use UDOIT Advantage OCR or recreate from source

Math Accessibility

Canvas Equation Editor:

  1. Open Rich Content Editor
  2. Insert → Equation
  3. Type LaTeX OR use visual tools
  4. Test with screen reader

Example LaTeX:

  • • Fraction: \frac{numerator}{denominator}
  • • Square root: \sqrt{x}
  • • Exponent: x^2

✉️ Accessible Emails

Three Rules:

  1. Use real headings (Heading 2 for sections, not just bold)
  2. Descriptive links ("Download Lab 3 PDF" not "click here")
  3. Alt text for embedded images

🛠️ Your Toolkit

Already Have:

  • • UDOIT Advantage (Canvas scanner)
  • • DesignPlus Accessibility Checker
  • • Canvas Accessibility Checker
  • • Grackle Docs (Google Workspace)

Before You Publish Checklist

All images have alt text (descriptive, not generic)
Math equations use Canvas editor (not images)
PDFs created with "Save As" + structure tags
Links are descriptive (not "click here")
Headings used for structure (not just bold)
Videos have accurate captions
Color isn't the only way to convey info
Ran UDOIT scan recently

"Accessible content isn't extra work—it's better work."

Progress > Perfection

Start with ONE practice this week. Build the habit.

AI Prompts

AI Prompts for STEM Accessibility

Ready-to-use AI prompts for making STEM content accessible. All prompts work with Gemini and Microsoft Copilot.

🤖 Quick AI Prompts

Handwritten Notes → Text

Transcribe this handwritten text into clean, formatted text. Preserve the structure and organization.

Math Equation → LaTeX

Convert this equation image into LaTeX code for Canvas. Ensure all mathematical notation is preserved accurately.

Image → Alt Text (Quiz)

Create alt text for this image. Describe visual features without revealing what students should identify. This is for an assessment.

Lab Equipment → Alt Text

Create concise alt text for this lab equipment image. Be objective and under 150 characters if possible.

📝 Transcribing Handwritten Notes

Basic Transcription

Use when: Lecture notes, annotations, or lab procedures

Transcribe this handwritten text into clean, formatted text. Preserve the structure and organization of the notes.

💡 Take photos in good lighting, ensure text is legible

Handwritten Math Problems

Use when: Converting handwritten equations to digital

Transcribe this handwritten math problem into LaTeX format that I can paste into Canvas. Include all steps shown in the work.

Next: Copy LaTeX into Canvas equation editor

Handwritten Diagrams

Use when: Sketches with annotations need description

Describe this handwritten diagram in detail, including all labels and annotations. Format the description so it can serve as alt text for students using screen readers.

Math & Equations

Generate LaTeX from Description

Use when: You know what equation you need

Generate LaTeX code for [describe your equation]. Make it compatible with Canvas equation editor.

Examples: "quadratic formula", "integral of x squared from 0 to 5"

Convert Image to LaTeX

Use when: Screenshot or photo of equation

Convert this equation image into LaTeX code that I can use in Canvas. Ensure all mathematical notation is preserved accurately.

⚠️ Always paste into Canvas and preview before publishing

Multi-line Equations

Use when: Multi-step solutions

Convert this multi-step math problem into properly formatted LaTeX with aligned equals signs. Use the align environment if needed.

🖼️ Image Alt Text Generation

Science Image Alt Text

Use when: Lab equipment, experiments, scientific photos

Create concise alt text for this science image. Describe what is visible without interpreting or explaining the scientific concept. Keep it objective and under 150 characters if possible.

⚠️ Review output to ensure it doesn't give away quiz answers!

Anatomy/Medical Diagrams

Use when: Medical or anatomical images

Create alt text for this anatomy diagram. Describe the visible structures, labels, and layout without naming specific body parts by their labels (A, B, C, etc.). This is for a quiz where students must identify structures.

Graph/Chart Alt Text (Quiz)

Use when: Assessment graphs

Create alt text for this graph that describes its visual features without revealing the answer. Describe axes, scales, line types, and general patterns without stating conclusions or specific intersection points.

Graph/Chart Alt Text (Instruction)

Use when: Instructional data visualizations

Create detailed alt text for this graph. Describe the type of graph, axes labels, data trends, and key points. This is for instructional purposes, so include the main findings.

📊 Extended Descriptions

Complex Lab Setup

Use when: Image too complex for short alt text

Create a detailed extended description for this complex lab setup. First, provide a one-sentence summary suitable for alt text. Then, provide a comprehensive description (3-5 paragraphs) covering all equipment, connections, labels, and visible details in systematic order.

💡 Use summary as alt text, put full description after image

Complex Data Visualization

Use when: Multiple data series or complex trends

Create an extended description for this complex data visualization. Include: 1. Brief alt text describing chart type and purpose 2. Detailed description of all data series, trends, outliers, and key findings 3. Format as structured text that could be read sequentially

Engineering Diagrams

Use when: Circuit diagrams, blueprints, schematics

Create alt text for this engineering diagram. Describe the components, connections, and layout objectively. Use technical terms appropriate for an engineering student.

🎓 Assessment & Communication

Accessible Quiz Question from Image

Use when: Converting image-only quiz content

This quiz question is currently entirely in an image. Help me make it accessible by: 1. Extracting all text and equations into a format I can paste into Canvas 2. Creating appropriate alt text for any remaining visual elements 3. Ensuring the question is equally accessible to all students

Accessible Canvas Announcement

Use when: Drafting course announcements

Help me make this Canvas announcement more accessible. Please: 1. Add proper heading structure (use "Heading 2" for sections) 2. Make link text descriptive (not "click here") 3. Organize information with bullet points where appropriate 4. Ensure language is clear and concise. Here's my draft: [paste draft]

Check Alt Text Quality

Use when: Verifying alt text you've written

Review this alt text for accessibility quality: "[your alt text]". Evaluate: 1. Is it accurate and objective? 2. Is it concise (under 150 characters if possible)? 3. Does it convey essential information? 4. Does it avoid giving away quiz answers? 5. Is it appropriate for context?

💡 Tips & Troubleshooting

DO:

  • ✅ Review all AI output for accuracy
  • ✅ Test LaTeX code in Canvas before publishing
  • ✅ Verify alt text doesn't reveal quiz answers
  • ✅ Use high-quality, clear images for best results
  • ✅ Combine AI output with your subject expertise

DON'T:

  • ❌ Copy-paste without reviewing
  • ❌ Use AI for content involving student privacy/FERPA
  • ❌ Rely on AI for technical accuracy without verification
  • ❌ Skip manual accessibility checks

Common Issues & Solutions:

Issue: Alt text is too detailed

Add: "Keep description under 150 characters"

Issue: LaTeX doesn't work in Canvas

Specify: "Make it compatible with Canvas equation editor"

Issue: Alt text reveals quiz answer

Add: "This is for an assessment. Describe without revealing answers"

Issue: AI misinterprets handwriting

Improve photo quality, break into smaller sections, provide context

Access AI Tools

Start with our comprehensive checklist and begin making your STEM content accessible to all students.

Ready to Implement STEM Accessibility?

Start with our comprehensive checklist and begin making your STEM content accessible to all students.

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