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Algebra

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com

Algebra is about finding the unknown or it is about putting real life problems into equations and then solving them. In teaching algebra, there are some adaptations that will allow students who are blind or visually impaired to access the concepts and skills.
Algebra includes addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With all math skills, it is ideal to start instructing the student using three dimensional and real objects. For younger students and those with learning disabilities, this is especially true. It is ideal to use a variety of real materials/objects related to the current area of study to teach algebra, patterns and functions. Students can use these same objects and materials to sort, classify, or order by defined attribute.  Once the student has mastered the concept, it is important to quickly transition to 2 dimensional, raised line representations as this is what the students will encounter in textbooks as well as tests. If using an abacus to solve algebraic equations, it can be helpful to use two abacuses. However, when student's solve algebraic equations, it is important to have students who are blind to use the Nemeth code verses the abacus as it is difficult to recall all the steps and not lose your place when using the abacus.

Algebra Materials


Picture of audio graphing calculator.
The ​Audio Graphing Calculator (AGC), provides the functionality of handheld scientific calculators commonly used in the classroom. Operating on a flexible Windows platform and augmented with audio and tactile feedback, the AGC provides an alternative for people who cannot effectively use a handheld calculator, or those seeking a more interactive interface. The AGC is accessible to anyone who can use a computer, regardless of ability, allowing the user to concentrate on math, not on learning the tools to access it.

Picture of fractional parts of whole.
Fractional Parts of Whole is a set from APH that introduce the concepts of wholes, halves, thirds, and fourths. The set consists of tactile circles that introduce the concepts of wholes, halves, thirds, and fourth. 

Picture of hands-on equations.
Hands-On Equations is a supplementary program that can be used with any math curriculum to provide students with a concrete foundation for algebra. It uses the visual and kinesthetic instructional approach developed by Dr. Henry Borenson to demystify abstract algebraic concepts. This hands-on, intuitive approach enhances student self-esteem and interest in mathematics.

Picture of APH hundreds board.
The Hundreds Board from APH is a great way for students to practice patterning.

Picture of MathBuilders Unit 1
MathBuilders Unit 1: Matching, Sorting, and Patterning is a supplementary math program. It includes a teacher's guide with lesson plans.

Picture of Graphic Aid for Mathematics.
The Graphic Aid for Mathematics allows the student to construct geometric and other figures and graphs related to arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and calculus. Students can create figures and then take a picture of their work to turn in. Students can use embroidery thread yarn, ribbon, or electrical wire to provide various textures.

Picture of Math Trax logo.
MathTrax is an educational technology tool that demonstrates the combined capabilities of the MDE library modules. Its primary audience is middle and high school students studying algebra, pre-calculus and calculus and in particular it serves blind and vision impaired (BVI) math students. MathTrax fulfills an educational need to demonstrate the relationship between math and real world science applications by translating and demonstrating math relationships in a tangible physical medium on a standard PC platform.

Students can create graphs by entering an equation, selecting an equation from a drop-down menu, entering raw data to be analyzed or activating a physics simulation. MathTrax graphs the equations and provides descriptions of those graphs using text and sound. The curves currently described are first and second order equations in two variables, i.e., line, parabola, ellipse, hyperbola, circle, null set, single point, and two lines. The dynamic text descriptions and sonification make the graphs accessible to blind students who do not use pencil, paper or written graphs to study mathematics. The text descriptions can be read by Java-capable screen readers such as Jaws for Windows, or can be input to speech synthesizing software to create self-voicing applications. MathTrax provides color and line settings for traditional "drawn" graphs to aid users with differing vision-impairments.

Picture of Orion Talking Scientific Calculator.
Students in middle school following the standard course of study will need to use a scientific calculator. The Orion TI-36X Talking Scientific Calculator available from APH, has identical functions to the Texas Instruments TI-36X calculator. Large print/Large display calculators are available for students with low vision through various vendors. These calculators are sometimes paired with speech output. When selecting a calculator, remember the students need to first gain an understanding of numbers and how to perform operations, older students will be required to use calculators as they enter middle school and perform complex operations.

Picture of Math Window Braille Algebra Add-On
​The Math Window® Braille Algebra Add-On kit contains letters of the alphabet for variable use, as well as the higher math symbols used in algebraic computations.  When added to the Braille Basic kit, the student will have the moveable Nemeth tiles necessary to complete problems in Pre Algebra, Algebra I, and Algebra II.

Sight Enhancement Systems, Ottawa, Canada, offers next generation SciPlus scientific calculators designed specifically for persons who are visually impaired.  These new models improve on the popular SciPlus family, incorporating a larger, 4-line backlit graphical LCD display with inverted white/black function and adjustable contrast.  The SciPlus-2200 version is the “non-speaking” model, and the SciPlus-2300 has English/Spanish (selectable) audio output, with additional languages coming soon.
Talking Scientific Calculator app
$4.99 Talking Scientific Calculator is a comprehensive calculator app that is designed for a wide range of users, it features colorful buttons, high contrast, VoiceOver support, and the option to use speech for answers, buttons names and formulas.

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The mission of Teaching Students with Visual Impairments is to provide all persons involved in education students who are blind or visually impaired with the necessary resources to help each student become successful members of their communities and to equip those in the visual impairment field with resources to meet the wide range of needs of the students they serve. ​
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  • VI Store & Gifts
    • VI Gift Shop >
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    • ECC Instructional Resources >
      • TVI's Guide Complete Set Bundle
      • TVI's Guide to Teaching the ECC
      • Thematic Keyboarding & Braille Fluency Worksheets
      • Visual Efficiency & Magnifier Fluency
      • Task Box Activities
      • Vocabulary Cards & Checklists
      • Interactive Sensory Stories
      • Interactive Matching Activities
    • Purchase Recorded Presentations >
      • Presentation Complete Set of 16
      • Foundations of Teaching the ECC
      • Itinerant Teaching Strategies & Tips
      • Strategies & Activities for SIDPID
      • Strategies & Activities for MIMO
      • Job Tasks for Jobs, Career & Life
      • Strategies & Activities for Standard Course of Study
      • Accommodations for BLVI
      • Accessible Content for BLVI
      • Using Themes to Teach the ECC
      • Tips for Being a Physically Fit TVI
      • Conducting a FVLMA
      • Developing SMARTER Goals
      • Determining Service Intensity Using the VISSIT
      • Selecting the Right AT
      • The Art of Teaching the ECC
      • Activities to Teach the ECC
    • Job Postings
    • Product Support
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    • Post a Job
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