Research Symposium

BIO

Dominic DeNardis is a second-year Biological Sciences major at Florida State University. He is a part of the National Honor Society, Dean's list for academic achievement, and the Holistic Health club. He has a background in coding the English language into Braille. He is working towards getting a Bachelor of Science.

Research On Creating Accessible Materials For Low-Vision/Blind Students

Abstract

As we make progress toward universal accessibility and equitable education for students with disabilities, significant barriers persist in STEM education for low-vision and blind students (LVBS). This study investigates accessibility tools that can be researched or developed to support LVBS at Florida State University (FSU), where some course material and instruction remain inaccessible. Building on prior use of 3-D printing for tactile learning, our team uses coding and the PreTeXt format to translate core math units into multiple formats, including braille. We are also exploring assistive spatial intelligence that provide audio instructions for commonly traveled campus paths, such as Meta AI glasses. LVBS volunteers at FSU test each tool and provide structured feedback. Individual coding components are created separately, refined through trial and error, compiled into a single text, and converted into braille. In collaboration with the Innovation Hub, we are also developing tactile molecular models with embossed braille labels for chemistry instruction. Findings are preliminary but encouraging. Early LVBS feedback indicates that braille translations generated through PreTeXt increase access to visual STEM content, while tactile chemistry models and navigation improves confidence in learning and movement across campus. These results suggest that accessibility tools designed with direct LVBS input can strengthen learning experiences and campus participation. Grounded in Universal Design for Learning principles, this work supports equitable access at FSU and offers scalable strategies for broader adoption across higher education.

Keywords: Coding, Braille, Accessibility