<bold>IrisMath</bold>: A Blind-Friendly Web-Based Computer Algebra System

Abstract

Visually impaired individuals face challenges in pursuing higher education, particularly in technical courses related to engineering. The lack of specialized tools and resources that allow for proper development in academic activities is a significant barrier to their admission, retention, and graduation from higher education institutions. By considering this, this paper presents the development of a blind-friendly Computer Algebra System (CAS) called IrisMath. This system enables visually impaired people to perform mathematical operations commonly used in engineering. IrisMath is a web application inspired by Jupyter Notebooks and developed using a Layered Architecture to provide modularity. It offers a variety of output formats, including LaTex, CMathML, JSON, and audio formats. Our CAS has undergone an extensive assessment of its functional, non-functional, and usability requirements, demonstrating its potential as a tool for engineering students with visual disabilities.

Keywords

• Blind people
• Python
• synthesized voice
• sonification
• computer algebra system