Evaluation of Existing and New Periodic Tables of the Elements for the Chemistry Education of Blind Students

Abstract

As a symbol of the power and majesty of science, the periodic table has inspired many scientists-to-be to investigate the deep secrets of nature through the study of chemistry. In the spirit of inclusion, blind students too deserve and need to have their curiosity about the inner workings of nature stimulated through greater exposure to this symbol and tool of science. To this end, the authors have designed two accessible electronic periodic tables that are available for immediate download without charge: One version, the Cal Poly DAISY Periodic Table (CP-DPT), is in the DAISY format and is designed to be used on digital audio devices and electronic Braille note takers; the other version, the Cal Poly Excel Periodic Table (CP-EPT), is an Excel workbook and is accessed with a screen reader-equipped personal computer. Both versions contain data and descriptive information about the elements. We believe that distribution of these tables will aid the dissemination of chemical knowledge, and support STEM education for blind students. This report also evaluates periodic tables presented in Braille and audio-tactile formats. In addition, periodic tables available on the Web are evaluated in relation to screen reader access. HTML tables created according to standard Web content accessibility guidelines can be entirely accessible, whereas PDF and FLASH formatted tables were found to be largely inaccessible. Hence, HTML is the preferred format for accessible tables.

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