Visualization without Vision – How Blind and Visually Impaired Students and Researchers Engage with Molecular Structures

Authors

Croix J. Laconsay, University of California, DavisFollow
Henry B. Wedler, University of California, DavisFollow
Dean J. Tantillo, University of California, DavisFollow

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

This article examines the tools and techniques currently available that enable blind and visually impaired (BVI) individuals to visualize three-dimensional objects used in learning chemistry concepts. How BVI individuals engage with and visualize molecular structure is discussed and recent tactile (or haptic) and auditory methods for visualization of various chemistry concepts are summarized. Remaining challenges for chemistry education researchers are described with the aim of highlighting the potential value of educational research in further enabling BVI students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

Recommended Citation

Laconsay, Croix J.; Wedler, Henry B.; and Tantillo, Dean J. (2020) "Visualization without Vision – How Blind and Visually Impaired Students and Researchers Engage with Molecular Structures," Journal of Science Education for Students with Disabilities: Vol. 23 : Iss. 1, pp. 1-21, Article 12.
DOI: 10.14448/jsesd.12.0012
Available at: https://repository.rit.edu/jsesd/vol23/iss1/12