AudioFunctions: Eyes-free exploration of mathematical functions on tablets

Abstract

It is well known that mathematics presents a number of hindrances to visually impaired students. In case of function graphs, for example, several assistive solutions have been proposed to enhance their accessibility. Unfortunately, both hardware tools (e.g., tactile paper) and existing software applications cannot guarantee, at the same time, a clear understanding of the graph and a full autonomous study. In this paper we present AudioFunctions, an iPad app that adopts three sonification techniques to convey information about the function graph. Our experimental evaluation, conducted with 7 blind people, clearly highlights that, by using AudioFunctions, students have a better understanding of the graph than with tactile paper and existing software solutions. © 2014 Springer International Publishing.