How The Blind Can Do STEM
The Science and Engineering Division of the National Federation of the Blind and the National Association of Blind Students are presenting a joint Zoom conference on how blind college and graduate students, and blind professionals, are succeeding in courses and Careers to do with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The meeting will occur at 8 PM EST through 9 PM EST on Sunday, February 25, 2024.
Topics will be of interest for blind students in middle school, high school, college and graduate school and professionals. Parents of blind school-aged children and educators are also welcome.
Currently, the scheduled speakers, topics, and talk descriptions are:
Speaker: Ishtiaq Ahmed (8:10 PM EST)
Title: Engaging Students with Blindness and Visual Impairments in Mathematics Learning: A Review of Intervention Methodologies
Abstract: Students facing blindness or visual impairments (BVIs) encounter significant obstacles in accessing education, particularly in the realm of mathematics, which heavily relies on visual aids like tables, charts, graphs, and diagrams. Effectively addressing the educational needs of students with BVIs in STEM subjects requires thoughtful interventions and adaptive methods. This review provides a comprehensive summary of current intervention methodologies aimed at enhancing Mathematics education for individuals with BVIs. The findings reveal that several approaches can effectively engage BVIs in STEM learning, including print access, speech access, braille access, tactile communication systems, and multimodal access. However, it is noted that these interventions only partially address the accessibility requirements of these students. The results of this review can serve as a valuable starting point for educators and practitioners interested in fostering inclusive Mathematics education for individuals with blindness or visual impairments.
Speaker: Chelsea Cook (8:25 PM EST)
Title: Thinking Outside the Toolbox: How to Leverage Multidisciplinary Resources of your School to Achieve Accessibility Goals
Abstract: Studying mathematics as a blind person may seem hard, scary, intimidating, or impossible to you. But in this talk, I will show you that it can be done!
I will tell stories of how I excelled in math classes using the innovative tools and community my university possessed. Even if you attend a school with
more limited resources, creativity and adaptability are great keys to success. I will also give high and low-tech tips for adapting math concepts.
Speaker: Jonathan Stewart (8:40 PM EST)
Title: Tales from a College Senior: Mu Journey going through College for Mechanical Engineering
Abstract: This talk will provide insights on my personal experiences as a blind student studying mechanical engineering and theater in college. I will
share details about the challenges I faced during my academic journey and the strategies that helped me overcome them while pursuing drastically different
degrees requiring diverse types of thinking. Additionally, I will discuss my aspirations to work as a mechanical engineer in the entertainment industry,
and how both my majors work together to help lead me towards achieving this goal.
If you have any questions, please contact Louis Maher (713-444-7838, [email protected]).
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Join Zoom Meeting:
February 25, 2024, 8 PM EST
Zoom Links
https://zoom.us/j/4678833687#success
Meeting ID: 467 883 3687
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