Accommodations > Laboratory

Maximize visibility / magnify information

• Large Print Rulers are available in a variety of sizes
  [large print rulers - assistivetech.net]

Present information through auditory channels

• A Talking Tape Measure may be used
  [talking tape measure - assistivetech.net]

Present information through tactile channels

• Rulers with Braille or other tactile markings are available in a variety of sizes
  [tactile rulers - assistivetech.net]

Some measurements do not need to be exact, but are provided as a guide in carrying out the experiment. Approximate measurements are acceptable in these cases.

Use equipment that will measure out preset amounts

• Liquid Measuring Spoons may be used.
1 teaspoon = 5 mL. 1 tablespoon = 15 mL. One cup = 240 mL. We were able to find several measuring spoon types of devices that had metric markings. Make sure that measurements are made over a spare beaker or sink to catch spills.
• Bottletop Dispensers may be used to measure out a set amount of reagen

Maximize visibility / magnify information

• Food Coloring (an alcohol plus organic compounds) can make the meniscus easier to see and may be appropriate in some circumstances (e.g., titrations).
• An Opaque (white or colored) background placed behind the meniscus makes it easier to see. One way of doing this is to cut two horizontal, parallel slots in the middle (at about 1/3 and 2/3) of an index card, pull back the middle third to create a vertical "hole", and slide this over a burette or graduated cylinder. The top and bottom thirds remain at the front of the glassware while the middle third provides an opaque background for readings.
• Electronic burettes provide digital readings of liquid amounts.

Present information through auditory channels

• Liquid Level Detectors use conductive principles to warn you when a liquid is near the top of a container (e.g., typically sold for coffee cups). These sensors are probably best used for non-exact measures -- giving an auditory warning when the liquid is approximately a certain distance from the top of the container. Note that they should not be used with corrosive liquids and will not work with distilled water (non-conductive substances).
  [liquid level detectors - assistivetech.net]

Present information through tactile channels

• A Syringe (e.g., medical, food baster, micro-chemistry) with tactile markings on the plunger can also be used to measure non-corrosive liquids. Greater accuracy may be achieved with smaller diameter syringes where the tactile increment markings can be spaced further apart.

Try doing the experiment with different types of measurements that may be easier to make accessible

• Weigh liquids to obtain a desired volume. When working with a known substance at room temperature, it is possible to calculate the mass of a desired volume (e.g., 1 g H 2O ~ 1 mL H 2O).

Stabilize the materials to make them easier to find by hand

• A Non-Slip Mat may be useful to stabilize glassware.
  [non-slip material - assitivetech.net]
• A Weighted Beaker Holder can also be used to stabilize glassware.

Provide larger targets to reduce the need for accurate positioning

• A Funnel can provide a larger target for the student when filling glassware with small openings, such as test tubes, graduated cylinders, etc.

Use equipment that is break-proof / spill-proof

• Plastic Containers and measuring devices can sometimes be substituted.
  [laboratory plasticware - assitivetech.net]
• Plastic Wash Bottles can be used to dispense some liquids without risk of breakage or spillage.

Reduce the need to handle glassware by mechanizing interactions

• A Magnetic Stirrer may be used. The cost for these devices varies between student and professional models.