Published on: 03/10/2023 · Last updated on: 26/06/2026
What does accessible mean for STEM content?
People have different needs and access content in different ways, including using assistive technology. The key accessibility principles in the SCULPT accessibility framework are still applicable to the STEM context, in particular:
- Colour and contrast: content must be readable for users with low vision or colour blindness.
- Plain English: defining specialist terms
- Tables: use simple tables for data without merged or split cells
In addition, due to the nature of the STEM content it is also important to make sure:
- content is clear at different zoom levels and on different devices.
- be usable with screen reader software or keyboard only
- formats are adaptable: people should be able to copy and paste content and convert it easily into formats. HTML is the most flexible format for most assistive technologies and makes adaptation to docx, epub, Braille simpler.
Common barriers to digital access in STEM content
Accessing complex visual materials
Complex diagrams, charts, animations can carry lots of information, but accessing this can be challenging for some people. For example:
- a figure may have text that is too small or content that relies heavily on colour
- explanations, working out that relies heavily on visual ability
- missing or inadequate descriptions (alt text) can stop people accessing the all the information in a diagram.
LaTeX created PDFs are not adaptable
PDFs don’t reflow well when zoomed, are hard to copy text from for notes, and aren’t easy to convert into accessible formats. LaTeX PDFs can still be useful, but shouldn’t be the only default format and should be provided with at least an accessible HTML output.
Inaccessible encoding of information
Maths expressions and chemical formulae depend on spatial layout and symbols. This information must also be fully conveyed to assistive technologies by using the proper formatting.
For example, so much different meaning comes through the relative positions of 4 and 2 and this is not conveyed if the proper maths environment and tools are used correctly. Confusion can come through using images of equations, the native sub/superscript and not using the equation tools.
Inaccessible formats
Whiteboard demonstrations and handwritten solutions are a valuable modelling and explanation tool, but can be inaccessible if exclusively relied on without appropriate alternative format support.
How to create acesssible STEM content
Regardless of which tool you are comfortable and familiar with: you need to ensure that you can create outputs that are accessible to students. Particular to STEM disciplines this means:
- providing accessible Word Doc, PowerPoint or HTML formats (an additional PDF can also be provided)
- provide a digitally accessible version of digital learning materials used in lectures. For example, a set of accessible notes is needed, alongside handwritten scans or recorded videos of handwritten demonstrations.
- follow best accessibility practices on creating accessible figures and diagrams