Left / Lithophanes can impart complex data , such as this one that illustrates the purity of a protein and the amount of protein in a sample .
Right / Shaw and Cook work together with chemistry supplies to create and purify the superoxide dismutase protein .
“ The whole idea of success in education is driven by a sense of belonging . If you develop a tool that a sighted kid can use side by side with a blind kid , then , all of a sudden , it makes for a better experience for both of them .” — Julia Winter , founder and CEO , Alchemie
Learning support for students who are blind or have low vision right now is primarily provided through remediation or preparation , in which they don ’ t get to participate in science lessons in the same way as their sighted counterparts . “ The whole idea of success in education is driven by a sense of belonging ,” Winter says . “ If you develop a tool that a sighted kid can use side by side with a blind kid , then , all of a sudden , it makes for a better experience for both of them .” Alchemie , therefore , works with an “ accessibility first ” approach , with a focus on abilities and inclusion .
For both Winter and Zong , who are sighted , working with collaborators who are blind or have low vision is essential . “ I bring extensive knowledge of data visualization systems and interaction design ,” says Zong , “ but rely on collaborators that understand the lived experience of primarily using screen readers every day . These collaborations create opportunities to discover new approaches that are greater than the sum of their parts .”
He adds that designing for accessibility from the beginning pushes designers to consider sensory representations as cognitive tools that don ’ t have to be vision-centric : “ They can account for the diverse ways that people use their senses .”
Disability is a social issue Reframing a disability — whether blindness or any other — as something that is created by society , by social or attitudinal barriers , puts the onus on society to make spaces accessible by default .
“ I ask my sighted colleagues to consider the accessibility of written materials , to elevate the inclusivity of lab environments holistically ,” Minkara says . “ For example , if I am attending a group meeting with a presentation , it is extremely helpful [ to have ] the slide deck in advance , including alt text to describe the pictures and
PHOTOS BY DREW ANTHONY SMITH
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