Math Materials for Students Who Are Blind or Have Low Vision
These materials promote accessibility in mathematics for students with visual impairments across all grades and learning levels. Whether you're working on foundational numeracy, algebra, geometry, or data collection, these resources make it possible to engage learners tactually, visually, and auditorily.
Numerical Reasoning
Number reasoning includes numbers, fractions, decimals, counting, place value, comparisons, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and expressions
These Number Peg Boards can be easily adapted with a braille label to make them accessible for a possible braille learner. They are excellent for students with low vision as well as they are in high contrast.
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PlanToys Braille Numbers 1 - 10 can be used to teach student braille numbers 1-10.
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Place Value Setter
A tactile and refreshable tool for teaching written digits and place value in early grades. |
Base Ten Blocks used to teach addition, subtraction, number sense, place value and counting.
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The Twist & Shout game by Leapfrog provides an fun way to practice and learn math facts. Different Twist and Shout games are available including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
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Braille Number and Alphabet Blocks provide children an early play and interaction with braille. The numbers on the block are in Nemeth braille.
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Jellybean Jungle (Twin Vision Book)
A counting book with print and braille that introduces numbers using tactile illustrations and engaging text. |
The EZeeCOUNT Abacus
A 10x10 grid abacus with color and texture differentiation. Useful for place value, patterns, fractions, and operations. |
Math Drill Cards (Braille/Large Print)
Flashcards for practicing math facts with tactile and visual formats. |
Beginner’s Abacus
Introduces early math concepts and abacus terminology. Prepares students for more advanced tools like the Cranmer Abacus. |
Fractional Parts of Whole Tactile circles introducing halves, thirds, and fourths for conceptual understanding of fractions.
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Puzzle Form Board Kit Reinforces basic concepts such as shape, texture, color, size, and matching with five tactile puzzle shapes.
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Tactile Graphing Tools & Hundreds Board
Includes tactile and large print hundreds boards, number lines, and consumable versions for student use. |
Consumable Hundreds Chart
Tactile graphic organizer for developing number sense and fluency. |
Addition/Subtraction and Multiplication/Division Tables (Nemeth)
Embossed reference charts with large print, ideal for fact fluency practice. |
The Cranmer Abacus A tactile tool for performing calculations with beads stabilized by a rubber backing to prevent unintended movement.
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Flip-Over Concept Book: Fractions
Interactive braille and print book that teaches fractions, decimals, and percents through customizable panels. |
Brannan Cubarithm Slate and Cubes Young students may find it easier to use this device rather than a brailler to align mathematical problems. A rubber frame with a 16 x 16 grid pattern of nests will hold small plastic cubes numbered zero through nine in braille (no print).
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Digi-Blocks are small rectangular-shaped blocks and empty holders. These materials help children discover the important relationship between ones and tens – a concept crucial to understanding how arithmetic operations work.
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Bold line paper is a tool that can be used in mathematics for students with low vision. The paper can be turned sideways to form columns that can assist students in performing paper/pencil activities that require keeping numbers lined up.
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Patterns, Graphing Algebraic Reasoning
Tactile Five and Ten Frames Helps young students develop subitizing and understand number groupings with tactile tokens and slotted plastic frames.
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Giant Texture Beads with Pattern Matching Cards
Supports sorting, classifying, and patterning using tactile attributes. Bridges the gap between real objects and raised-line graphics. |
Tactile Algebra Tiles
Magnetic, tactile representations of algebra tiles designed for students with visual impairments. Supports hands-on algebra learning. |
MathBuilders Unit 1: Matching, Sorting, and Patterning is a supplementary math program. It includes a teacher's guide with lesson plans.
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Textured Sorting Circles and Shapes Ideal for teaching sorting and classification. Can be used to create tactile Venn diagrams.
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MathBuilders Unit 7: Fractions, Mixed Numbers, and Decimals from APH is a supplementary math program that consists of materials that are accessible to students who are blind or who have low vision.
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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.
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Hands-On Equations is a supplementary program that can 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.
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The Orion TI-36X Talking Scientific Calculator available from APH, has identical functions to the Texas Instruments TI-36X calculator.
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Geometric & Spatial Reasoning
Inset Shape Puzzles can be adapted with braille to reinforce practice with shapes. Puzzles are also available in numbers and letters that can be adapted in braille.
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An inset Sound Shape Puzzles is a fun way for students to learn their shapes and
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Geometric Shape Sorters are another great activity for sorting shapes as well as practicing fine motor skills.
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For younger students, Talking Shape Sorters are a great way to practice matching shapes and listening to their names. Keep in mind it is only appropriate to use age appropriate toys with the student, and not use infant or preschool toys with older students.
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Shape templates allow students to and teachers to easily create geometric shapes. A template is easier to use than a solid shape as it is easier to trace a template.
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The Fisher Price Matchin' Middles Oreo game is a great way for younger students to practice matching and identifying shapes. Each cookie has a different shape in the middle, 2 cookie halves with matching shapes inside fit together.
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Tactile Tangrams from APH encourages the development and reinforcement of many educational and recreational skills including spatial reasoning, shape recognition, size comparison, pattern replication, and independent problem solving.
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Geometry Tactile Graphics Kit Raised-line drawings of geometric shapes and relationships, easier to measure than standard braille textbook graphics.
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Math Builders Unit 6: Geometry is a supplementary math program. It includes a teacher's guide with lesson plans specific to geometry standards.
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Stackups: Spatial Reasoning Using Cubes and Isometric Drawings Encourages construction and comparison of 2D and 3D shapes to build spatial reasoning skills.
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Tactile Treasures Bridges real objects and tactile graphics. Reinforces shape, size, position, orientation, and more.
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Geometro Flat plastic tactile shapes (triangles, squares, etc.) that can be joined to form 3D solids.
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Tactile Compass for Math and Art
Allows students to draw tactile circles with adjustable measurements. |
The APH Braille and Large Print Protractor
Includes a pivoting wand and markings for measuring and constructing angles. |
The Graphic Aid for Mathematics Used to create tactile geometric figures and graphs using textured materials like thread or wire.
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Textured Sorting Circles and Shapes includes shapes in a variety of textures, sizes, and colors. The accompanying sorting circles are also provided in a variety or colors and textures, and can be used to create Venn diagrams.
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Omnifix Cubes can be used with any math curriculum that specifies linking cubes. Students can snap flat shapes together to form a permanent cube which can then be joined to other cubes to build shapes and teach key geometry concepts!
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The Math Window Braille Geometry Kit allows the student to work and solve geometric problems, as well as, graph them on double-sided, framed work surface. The kit contains point markers for locating points and plotting squares to help the student accurately plot points on the graph.
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Measurement, Data, & Graphs
Graph Benders’ Flexible strips and tactile symbols for creating tactile graphs and demonstrating math/science concepts.
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Math Builders Unit 5: Measurement and Estimation is a supplementary math program. It includes a teacher's guide with lesson plans specific to geometry standards.
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Math Builders Unit 8: Data Collection, Graphing, and Probability/ Statistics. Kit includes a teacher's guide with lesson plans specific to geometry standards.
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Consumable Number Lines & Stick-On Number Line
Assist with sequencing, addition, subtraction. Available in braille and large print. |
Number Line Device Teaches number sequencing, operations, rounding, and estimation with a tactile and structured layout.
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This Desktop Stick-On Number Line available from APH provides both large print and braille. The self-adhesive number line can be reapplied approximately five times.
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The Tactile Demonstration Thermometer
Braille and tactile thermometer for comparing and reading temperatures. *Discontinued- hang on to it if you have one! |
Time, Calendar, & Money
The Analog Clock Model Features braille and tactile markings with synchronized moving hands.
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Electronic Learning Clock teaches kids to tell time and solve elapsed time problems. The self-checking quiz feature has two skill levels to make mastering time telling easy! Clock measures 10 3/4" high. The 32-page Clever Clock Workbook includes 26 time-learning activities that can be used with any learning clock.
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Clock Face Sheets in Braille Blank tactile clock faces for individualized instruction.
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The whole class cab use this large print and braille Classroom Calendar
High-contrast, uncluttered design with braille/print labels and embossed weather/holiday symbols. |
The Individual Calendar Kit Braille and large print calendar-making materials with grid sheets and month/day labels.
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The Coin Abacus helps students master the task of counting money. Students experiment with different coin combinations in order to reach the target amounts on the screen. The coin abacus can be easily adapted by gluing real coins on the abacus.
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Reference Tools & Symbol Guides
Math Symbol Reference Booklets
Includes Nemeth and UEB math symbol reference guides for easy access to correct braille notation. |
Rulers & Measuring Tools
Large Print or Braille Toss Away Ruler
Affordable, accessible option for classroom or assessment use. |
1-foot braille ruler
Tapered edge with caliper slide and tactile inch/fraction markings. |
Braille or Large Print Yardstick Marked in ¼" increments with braille every inch.
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Braille Meterstick Raised markings every centimeter and braille every other centimeter.
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Transparent CCTV Rulers High-contrast, see-through rulers designed for use with video magnifiers.
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Games, Software & Interactive Learning
Tactile Dice Enables accessible game play and counting activities.
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Quick Pick Math
A multiple-choice braille/print math game with accessible cards and answer tool. |
More Commercially Available Materials
The Nemeth Tactile System from TackTiles is ideal for students who may not be able to read braille tactually from loss of finger sensitivity. It provides these students with the opportunity to access math.
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The Audio Graphing Calculator (AGC), provides the functionality of handheld scientific calculators. 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.
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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.
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The inTACT Sketchpad is beneficial for students to use and create their own tactual graphics due to its ease of use. When the cover is lifted, there is a recessed area to place the drawing sheet on. Magnet strips completely cover the perimeter of the board creating a secure closing when the lid is lowered.
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The inTACT Eraser is a battery operated eraser specifically designed for tactile drawing. It allows the user to erase mistakes and can also be used to create dashed lines. The eraser works like a miniature iron, heating the flat tip to approximately 180 degrees. It flattens tactile drawings quickly and erases them tactually.
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This Fraction Line, available from Slide-A-Round Math Manipulatives, was developed by Jim Franklin who is a special education teacher. This fraction number line is accessible to students with low vision as well as those who are blind.
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This Number Line to 10,000,000, available from Slide-A-Round Math Manipulatives, was developed by Jim Franklin who is a special education teacher. This number line is accessible to students with low vision as well as those who are blind.
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This Time Line, available from Slide-A-Round Math Manipulatives, was developed by Jim Franklin who is a special education teacher. This number line is accessible to students with low vision as well as those who are blind.
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Balance, SAVI/SELPH and FOSS is a specially modified balance includes a tactile indicator and holes in the balance pans, allowing use of removable plastic cups. Students use gram pieces and mass sets for weighing.
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The SAVI/ SELPH thermometer includes both a Braille and large print scale for measuring temperature in degrees Celsius. It is introduced in the SAVI/SELPH Measurement Module to measure the temperature of water. The thermometer can be calibrated. Tabs are included along the rim to mark temperatures for comparison.
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This Money Line, available from Slide-A-Round Math Manipulatives, was developed by Jim Franklin who is a special education teacher. This money number line is accessible to students with low vision as well as those who are blind.
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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.
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.
Apps
$1.99 Talking Calculator app speaks button names, numbers, and answers aloud through a customizable built-in directory that lets users record their own voice. The company also offers a Talking Scientific Calculator for $4.99
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$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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APH’s Math Robot™ has a smart “know-it-all” math robot character that provides fun drills and practices for simple math problems. The app is both self-voicing and accessible with VoiceOver on Apple devices. A low vision mode adds extra contrast.
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Slapstack Math (for iOS devices) Slapstack Math™ is fully accessible for all users. The goal is to collect the most points by pulling in the most cards. Two to eight players can play on the iPad, or two to four players on the iPhone.
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Draw2Measure Protractor (for iOS devices) This app is designed for students who are blind or low vision, and can be used by sighted students, too! It gives students an alternative way to measure angles, thus meeting students’ diverse needs in math and science classrooms. Works with devices running iOS 8 or later.
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Practice2Master Fractions. A fully accessible app that every elementary school math teacher should have in their teaching toolbox - Practice2Master Fractions helps students become proficient in fraction calculations. It provides students with an unlimited number of problems to practice.
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Practice2Master Abacus CVI A fully accessible app that makes abacus learning a fun and interactive experience. Practice2Master Abacus can be used as a supplement to classroom instructions in which teachers can assign practice tasks or drills to students. It may also be used as a self-learning tool that includes systematic instructions and practice to help students start from the basics and become proficient abacus users.
