There are several ways for making math content accessible: MathML, LaTex, and OpenMath. A consensus from many involved with this area is that MathML provides the best support for accessibility. Most major Learning Management Systems provide support for incorporating math content via MathML or LaTex.

Using MathType to create 508 compliant pages (pdf)

There are some limitations, but you can create a webpage that has “speakable” equations using MathType and the free MathPlayer (http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathplayer/).  The equations can only be spoken when users display the page in Internet Explorer.  Also, FireFox has the ability to display MathML natively without any plug-ins. Here are the steps to do this:

Step 1.  Download and install the MathPlayer (http://www.dessci.com/en/products/mathplayer/).

Step 2.  Open up (or create) a document that has equations created by MathType.

Step 3.  On the MathType tab, go to Publish to MathPage.

Step 4.  Give the document a Title and name the file.  If you want students to have the ability to have the equations spoken, you should publish as MathML and select XHTML+MathML* option from the pull-down menu.  This will allow the document to be rendered in both Firefox (without the need for a plugin!) and Internet Explorer, which would require the MathPlayer plugin.  Save it with the file extension .xht.

Step 5.   The worksheet will open in your default browser.  In order to display properly, you should have Internet Explorer open.  Once this is open, your users can make use of some of the MathML options. They can click the equations to see it enlarges.  They can right click the equation and select Speak Expression.  While there is not a direct way to have the equations spoken in Firefox, if the user has software (e.g. JAWS) they can be, since the equations are created with MathML.

*If this method does not work, you may need to download a small file that enables another option: HTML + MahtML.

Also note that with Jaws, you don’t have to use the Speak Expression command. That command was intended mostly for demo purposes, but can also be used by/for LD students, because the equation will be read with synchronized highlighting. With Jaws, the reading is continuous, with no perceptible pause when Jaws encounters an equation.

Notes:

• HTML+MathJax. If you’re targeting an audience with the latest and greatest browsers, the XHTML target (next bullet) is probably a better choice. If you’re not sure, then this one should work in most all situations.

• XHTML+MathJax. All other things being equal, this is the preferred target to use. If your browser (and that of your audience) supports HTML5 or XHTML, and/or if your workflow involves ebooks, this is the clear choice. This should work in most browsers on mobile devices also.
• XHTML+MathML. This target has the same advantages as the previous target, but will work in browsers that either don’t support JavaScript, or browsers in which the user has disabled JavaScript.
• MathPlayer (IE behavior). If you know your audience is using Internet Explorer and/or will be using assistive technology to read the web page, this is the best target.
• Multi-browser (UMSS). If you find none of the other targets work for you, this target would have the widest possible coverage of browsers and operating systems. It does require uploading 2 supporting files in addition to the MathPage itself.

**Tested using Windows 10

Here is a list of assistive technology products with Math Support