Using Art to Update Math Education Tools for Visually Impaired

April 22, 2010

Researchers have found that children with visual impairments face disproportionate challenges learning math and, as a result, are under-represented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines by the time they reach college. A University of Illinois senior is looking to change that trend.

Sheila Schneider is the first student who is legally blind to major in sculpture within the University of Illinois College of Fine and Applied Arts. For her graduate exhibition, she has created a series of small sculptures with mathematical equations written on them in Nemeth Code, a form of Braille used for mathematical and scientific symbols.

“The sculptures are organic forms that are designed to be hand-held by children around the ages of 7-10,” said Deana McDonagh, a professor of industrial design and the lead investigator on the project. “They’re designed from the viewpoint of a younger child.”

There are some 17 million children with visual impairments in the United States. Abacuses are the traditional tools to help children with these impairments solve mathematical equations. According to Schneider, these methods are antiquated and foster stigmatization.

“We’re trying to bring the education of visually impaired children more up to date, rather than relying on staid methods of doing things,” Schneider said. “We’re hoping to eliminate this idea that blind children have to learn math with an abacus because they can’t see to write on a piece of paper. We’re trying to eliminate the stigma and provide them with a method of engaging in and with math.”

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Source: University of Illinois News Bureau (March 15, 2010)