Accessmath: Towards Developing an Accessible Interactive Learning Platform to Overcome the Challenges of Blind and Visually Impaired Students in Learning Mathematics

Smartphone-based apps and games can provide an enjoyable and inspiring atmosphere for learning mathematics. They potentially offer an engaging and exciting way to help students utilize their previously acquired abilities. Implementing such platforms has become increasingly significant in the rapidly evolving educational technology landscape. However, the integration of such technologies poses unique challenges and opportunities, particularly when it comes to catering to the needs of blind and visually impaired primary school students. This article is based upon a survey designed to investigate the needs of blind and visually impaired students and identify enablers that improve the effectiveness of interactive learning platforms specifically for learning mathematics. Nineteen people participated in this study: five blind and visually impaired students, nine teachers, and five professional experts. Participants highlighted important functionalities which would help them address their needs in primary education settings. Using the findings from this study, the authors aim to develop an interactive learning game to fulfill the participants’ needs. This interactive game focuses on enhancing numbering skills, performing basic mathematics operations, and learning about shapes and digits because most school children struggle to learn these topics. This game can engage blind and visually impaired students and help them quickly understand these topics. The aim has been to introduce educational aspects in a way that does not compromise game enjoyment.