Focus on Math Accessibility: Make STEM Materials Usable for All

This May, ITS Digital Accessibility is highlighting training and resources to help you create accessible math and STEM materials. The focus this month is on making sure technical content — like equations, formulas, and data — is usable by everyone, every time. Whether you are preparing materials for teaching, research, or communications, these resources are here to support you.

Math and STEM content can create barriers when it isn’t designed with accessibility in mind. For users who rely on assistive technology, images of equations, poorly structured content, or inaccessible formats can make materials difficult — or impossible — to use.

Recent advances in equation editors, document formats, and assistive technology support have made accessible math more achievable than ever. With small changes to your workflows, you can create math content that works across devices and supports all users.

Explore tools and step-by-step guidance on making math content accessible.

• Math Best Practices: Learn about formats, markup languages, and workflows to produce accessible mathematics documents.
• Creating Accessible Digital STEM Materials (Indiana U Canvas course): Dig deeper into what accessible math means.
• Canvas Equation Editor: Understand how to create equations within Canvas Pages.
• Microsoft Equation Editor: Create accessible equations in DOC or PPT files.
• Panorama: Convert math files in Canvas.

Small improvements can significantly increase access. Start with one step this month:

• Use built-in equation editors instead of images of equations.
• Ensure math content can be read by assistive technology.
• Review one document or course module with math content for accessibility improvements.
• Test how your content works across different devices or formats.

• Attend sessions to learn accessible math workflows.
• Create materials that are “born accessible” using tools and templates.
• Start with one course or module and build from there.
• Use equation editors (Canvas, Word) instead of images.

• Work with subject matter experts to improve technical content.
• Use clear structure and formatting for readability.
• Share accessible versions of reports and materials.

• Support tools and platforms that enable accessible math.
• Provide guidance for teams creating STEM content.
• Partner with instructors and content creators to reduce accessibility gaps.

Office Hours (Drop-In Support)

• Every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month | 1:30 – 3 p.m.
• Zoom Meeting ID 935 9909 5960

Have questions about digital accessibility, Title II compliance, or creating accessible digital content? Join our virtual drop-in office hours hosted by ITS Digital Accessibility and the ECRT Disability Equity Office.

By building accessibility into math and STEM content now, we can create more inclusive learning, teaching, and research experiences that support every member of the U-M community.