Hey team. I’m looking at going back to school. I’ve not done any major studies since 2005. I’ve been working a lot since then. My situation is i’m legally blind and am considering doing uninworj with a strong focus on math and finance. The world has changed a lot since i was at school. How do blind / VIPs deal with math text books and study load since there’s often math formulas and audio files (i’m guessing) aren’t entirely useful. Thank you.
TheBlindBookLover6 points5y ago
Hi. It is important to note that every school and each state works differently. It is common to need to order your books early in advance for your math classes. The frustrating reality is that electronic books just do not work well with most math related textbooks. I would look into enrolling in your state’s vocational rehabilitation program (if you live in the States) and your school’s Disabled Student Program Services. They would be the first place to start in terms of getting your textbooks. Hopefully, the cost of your textbooks will be covered by these groups. If not, I would suggest starting applying for grants and scholarships both big and small to help with the costs. Additionally, be prepared to need to wait an extended period of time to recieve your materials. My DSPS counselor at the community college explained that it would take 1 to 2 semesters to get my materials in Braille back from the state. If I were you, I would just call your school’s DSPS office for more information. I hope that this helps.
Type_ya_name_here [OP]2 points5y ago
1-2 semesters is a huuuuge period.
TheBlindBookLover2 points5y ago
Yep. Like I said, the earlier that you communicate with your school, the better. One issue is that most colleges cycle through new textbook editions every few years, so the chance of your school already having a copy is slim. One thing that you should also look into is getting a talking scientific or graphing calculator. You will want to look into which specific type and version of calculator that your school prefers. I have some friends who found out the hard way that the mathematics professors do not want students to use the Ti-84 since there is a way to program formulas onto that specific graphing calculator. I would also like to warn you though that talking calculators are often fairly expensive.
jrs122 points5y ago
What is your vision like? Do you still use it for learning? What you use in the classroom to be successful will change based on how you use your remaining vision. If you can see, but need things enlarged or brought closer, things like a screen sharing program and a monocular may be all you really need in class to keep up. You might need electronic books as well, but can always reference the physical book with a magnifier if the graphics don't make sense. If you are functionally blind, that makes things more complex. Do you know or read braille? Your professor will need to learn to talk in a different way while teaching so that the material isn't gobbled gook. Materials will need to be presented in braille, of course, but it really slows down the turn around time for feedback since there isn't a vision teacher to transcribe like in high school. Learning Ally supposedly does a good job of describing things in books and has professional readers knowledgeable in the subject area read the materials, so that might be helpful. There is certainly a way to reach your goals. You may just have to push for them a little bit. Be confident in yourself in case other people aren't, you'll have some spare to share.
ENTJ3511 points4y ago
I have been through this and used as a source so I can give you my advice I give them.
First thing first. I would get this book in hard copy large print or braille. I refuse to do math any other way. Get a lot of paper or a brailler, it will be your very best friend for this class.
I would talk to the adaptive technology specialist or the person in charge of converting or ordering your book a semester in advance. Do not go talk to them 3 weeks before the semester starts and say, "I need help!" And expect fast results or them knowing what to do. This is the most frustrating thing for them. I am the model blind student whereever I go and ideas usually get ran past me when it's a blind student, anonnomously of course. This is important because of the next advice.
I suggest a traditional math class. Take the classes that does not involve a online math portion or uses software. A lot of people like stuff like Alex. It's more fun, interactive, and the plus for the teacher is that it's easier to grade. Problem? Alex and such math ' software is inaccessible. So, either a teacher that teaches traditional and use no tech to teach their classes or someone who will modify their class for you and give you the alternative assignment that requires no online work.
The disabilities office can indeed help you do this and get your book in large print. But they can not do it three weeks before a semester and not stress and be a little short. It may be a tough process to find but they will find one for you.
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