Math is a subject that many students struggle with, especially those who have vision problems such as blindness, low vision, or color blindness. These problems can affect their ability to perceive, understand, and interact with numbers, symbols, graphs, and other visual elements of math.
However, this does not mean that they cannot learn math. In fact, there are many ways to make math learning more accessible for kids with vision problems, using web accessibility best practices. Web accessibility means creating web pages that can be used by people with a wide range of abilities and disabilities, following the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) ¹.
One of the most innovative platforms that uses web accessibility best practices for math learning is Matical Orange, a new startup that focuses on accessible learning of math. Matical Orange offers a unique feature that automates the times tables for children with language disabilities, using flashcards as a learning method. This feature helps children to master the times tables in a fast and effective way, without relying on language skills. Matical Orange also uses AI to personalize the learning process and provide feedback and support to the learners.
How does Matical Orange make math learning accessible for kids with vision problems? Here are some of the web accessibility best practices that Matical Orange follows:
- Use sufficient contrast between foreground and background. Matical Orange uses high contrast colors for text and background, making it easier for users with low vision or color blindness to see and read the content. For example, Matical Orange uses black text on a white background, and yellow text on a blue background for flashcards.
- Make all functionality keyboard accessible. Matical Orange allows users to navigate and interact with the web page using only the keyboard, making it accessible for users who cannot use a mouse or a touch screen. For example, users can use the arrow keys to move between flashcards, and the space bar to flip them.
- Provide alt text for images. Matical Orange provides descriptive text alternatives for images, making them accessible for users who use screen readers or other assistive technologies. For example, Matical Orange provides alt text for the logo, the flashcards, and the graphs.
- Caption and transcribe audio and video. Matical Orange provides captions and transcripts for audio and video content, making them accessible for users who are deaf or hard of hearing, or who prefer to read rather than listen. For example, Matical Orange provides captions and transcripts for the tutorials, the feedback, and the testimonials.
- Design consistent, predictable navigation. Matical Orange uses clear and consistent navigation menus, headings, labels, and buttons, making it easier for users to find and use the information and features they need. For example, Matical Orange uses a simple and intuitive layout, with a main menu, a sidebar, and a content area.
By following these web accessibility best practices, Matical Orange makes math learning accessible for kids with vision problems, as well as for other users with different abilities and preferences. Matical Orange not only broadens its audience, but also reflects social responsibility and compliance with legal standards.
If you are interested in learning more about Matical Orange and how it can help children with language and vision problems learn math, you can visit their website at Matical Orange or follow them on Twitter.
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