Accessible equations are equations that assistive technologies like screen readers and text-to-speech software can read. Screen readers can directly recognize math languages such as MathML or LaTeX as equations.
Equations in Canvas
Canvas has an integrated tool for math and science formulas based on LaTeX integrated with the rich content editor (RCE). More information about using the math editor is available in the article, How do I use the math Equation Editor in the Rich Content Editor?
Equations in Microsoft Word
In Microsoft Word, users can create accessible equations using the built-in Equation Editor which allows screen readers to read mathematical formulas aloud naturally, making them accessible to visually impaired users. More information is in the Microsoft Word support article, Write an equation or formula.
Equations in Microsoft PowerPoint
To make equations accessible in PowerPoint, the best practice is to use a dedicated math editor, which allows you to create equations in a format that can be read accurately by screen readers, typically by converting them to MathML; if using the built-in equation editor, always save equations as images and provide descriptive alt text to ensure accessibility for users with assistive technology.
Equations in PDFs
A PDF cannot render equations. When equations are created using the Word equation editor and the file is saved as a PDF, the equation readability is lost. To make equations accessible in a PDF, formula tags should be added within the PDF structure, and descriptive alternative text (alt text) should be added for each equation, effectively explaining the mathematical expression to screen readers. Scanned PDFs, by default, cannot be read by a screen reader; they must be edited in Adobe Acrobat to allow optical character recognition. Additional information about PDF accessibility is available in the article, PDF (Portable Document Format) Accessibility.
Equation editors
EquatIO and MathType are two applications you might use to streamline the process of creating equations, including generating LaTeX that can be copied into Word or Canvas.
- EquatIO is free if you use your academic credentials to register.
- MathType does have a yearly cost for an academic license, but there is a 30-day free trial available.