How Can We Make Math Equations/Symbols Accessible?
There are several tools and methods to create accessible math equations, depending on the platform you are using:
1. Math Editor in MS Word or PowerPoint
- Platforms of the filetype: MS Word, PowerPoint
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How it works: Use the built-in Equation Editor to create equations that can be read aloud by screen readers.
How to write equations in Word or PowerPoints:
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Keyboard shortcut: Place your cursor where you want the equation and press ALT + = simultaneously.
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Insert Tab: Go to the Insert Tab in the ribbon, then click Equations at the top right corner.
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Other options: Use More Equations from Office, Insert New Equation, or Ink Equation at the bottom section.
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2. D2L (Talon) Equation Editor
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Platform: Talon HTML editor
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How it works: Use the Insert Equation option in the HTML editor toolbar. This automatically creates equations in MathML, which is compatible with assistive technologies.
3. YuJa Panorama
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Platforms of the Content : Talon, Word, PowerPoint, Tagged PDFs
How it works:
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Copy and paste the equation into a Talon HTML page.
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Use the Panorama “Fix Issue” feature to generate alternative text for the equation.
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You can either type the alternative text manually or select “Suggest Alternative Text”.
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If the surrounding content already explains the equation, you may mark the image as decorative to avoid repetition.
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4. Use AI for Existing Documents with Image Equations
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Platforms of the file: Word, PowerPoint, Talon HTML pages, PDFs
How it works:
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Use AI tools or other methods to create alternative text describing equations as images.
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You can also request MathML or LaTeX code, which makes the equations fully screen reader-friendly.
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5. MathType (Optional)
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Platforms of the file: Word (.docx), PDF (exported)
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How it works: Use MathType to create MathML-based equations readable by screen readers.
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Exporting to PDF: Use File → Save As → Best for electronic distribution and accessibility.
Note: Contact IT if you need access to MathType.
- Reference: MathType Tutorial
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