Accessibility Software for Math Education: Empowering All Learners Through Inclusive Math Tools

Accessibility software is transforming how students with disabilities engage with STEM education. As global education policies evolve, so does the need for inclusive technology. Thanks to innovations like MathSpeak -developed by Design Science, a math technology company now part of Wiris- math accessibility is not only possible but practical.

In this success story, we explore the journey behind MathSpeak and the large impact on accessibility tools for math education. Developed with the support of the U.S. Department of Education, MathSpeak has become a foundational standard in making mathematical content understandable to blind and visually impaired users. 

Why Math Accessibility Software Is Now Essential

Math content has traditionally been one of the hardest areas to adapt for students who are blind or visually impaired. However, legislative changes in both the US and Europe are mandating inclusive practices:

• The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has long required accessible digital content.
• The European Accessibility Act (EAA) requires that new digital products meet accessibility standards by 2025, with a full transition by 2030.

These changes have created an urgent need for accessibility software that works effectively in real-world learning environments.

From Vision to Innovation: The Origins of MathSpeak

Before joining Wiris in 2017, Design Science -known for tools like MathType and its contributions to MathML- was already pioneering solutions in math accessibility. One of its most impactful contributions was MathSpeak, a speech convention designed to verbalize mathematical notation so that blind or visually impaired users can understand math content without ambiguity.

MathSpeak received a U.S. SBIR Phase II grant from the U.S. Department of Education to advance this innovation. A key contributor to the development and formalization of MathSpeak during this period was Neil Soiffer, a long-time accessibility advocate and software architect at Design Science at the time. Though Neil no longer works at Design Science, his expertise in both math and assistive technology was instrumental in shaping the final product.

This standard has since become foundational across the industry, much like MathML, providing consistency for screen reader users across platforms.

Making Math Audible: How Math Accessibility Software Works

MathSpeak is a precise system of speech rules that makes complex math notation understandable when read aloud by screen readers. It describes every structural element -fractions, superscripts, matrices, etc.- using a consistent vocabulary:

• Reads equations with structural clarity (e.g., “start fraction”, “end fraction”).
• Ensures content is understood the same way across devices and software.
• Helps users with visual impairments navigate complex math without ambiguity.

Initially distributed through a free tool called MathPlayer, MathSpeak is now integrated into MathType, the flagship math editor from Wiris.

As Andy Buell, the Wiris U.S. Country Manager who joined our team from Design Science, shared in an interview: “Ever since the invention of MathSpeak in the late 2000s, we’ve featured accessibility as a cornerstone of MathType. It helps prepare math education for their immediate need right now and all their future needs for accessibility.”

ClearSpeak and MathSpeak: Complementary Tools for Accessibility

While MathSpeak delivers maximum precision and consistency, ClearSpeak was developed to improve clarity by using more natural, intuitive phrasing for mathematical expressions. The two systems are not competitors, but complements:

• MathSpeak is ideal for advanced users who require complete structural detail.
• ClearSpeak benefits beginners or students with cognitive disabilities like dyscalculia.

Both are integrated into MathType, giving educators and students the flexibility to choose the accessibility mode that best suits their needs. A 2016 study by ETS (Educational Testing Service) highlighted the advantages of ClearSpeak in improving comprehension in algebra. The integration into MathType allows:

• Educators to create accessible math content for exams, assignments, and web platforms.
• Institutions to meet legal compliance with ADA and EAA.
• Students with visual impairments or dyscalculia to access and understand math independently.

Inclusion Is Not Optional: It’s the Standard

Accessible education is no longer a luxury; it’s a legal and ethical obligation. Tools like MathType, powered by MathSpeak and ClearSpeak, ensure that math is no longer a barrier to inclusion.

This matters because:

• Students should not be excluded from STEM careers due to inaccessible content.
• Institutions face increasing regulatory pressure to provide inclusive learning.
• Digital tools must evolve to serve diverse learner needs.

Moving Forward with Wiris Accessibility Software

The future of education is inclusive, and accessibility software like MathType, with MathSpeak and ClearSpeak built in, is paving the way. These tools aren’t just add-ons: they’re fundamental to a fair, equitable education system.

At Wiris, we believe in designing technology that empowers every student. Whether you’re a teacher, student, or accessibility specialist, now is the time to embrace tools that make learning possible for everyone.