Accommodations > Laboratory

Maximize visibility / magnify information

• A Digital Output Scale may be easier for a student with a visual impairment to read

Present information through auditory channels

• Talking Scales can allow a student hear the weight of a substance. Most of these products do not measure in fine increments (they are marketed as food or bath scales), and thus, may be best used for approximate measures.
  [talking scales - assitivetech.net]
• Talking Balance is a software program developed by David Lunney from East Carolina University that provides auditory output for Ohaus electronic balances connected to a computer through a serial port. The software converts the balance measurements to synthetic speech and to large text on the computer screen.
  [Download talking balance software at the simtel website]

Present information through tactile channels

• A Beam Balance may allow a student with less vision to feel when the balance is level. Tactile markings can be used to mark the weights.
  [tactile scale - assistivetech.net]

Maximize visibility / magnify information

• Position the thermometer so it is easier to read. For example, by placing a thermometer through the hole in a stopper, it can be clamped to a ring stand.
• Colored alcohol thermometers are easier to read than mercury thermometers. They are also safer to use in situations were breakage may occur.
• Large display digital thermometers may be appropriate for some students.
  [cooking thermometer - assitivetech.net]
  [indoor/outdoor thermometer - assitivetech.net]

Present information through auditory channels

• Talking thermometers may be appropriate for some students who are not able to see the LCD displays of the thermometers listed above.
  [talking clinical thermometers - assitivetech.net]
  [talking cooking thermometers - assitivetech.net]
  [talking indoor/outdoor thermometers - assitivetech.net]

Present information through tactile channels

• A few tactile thermometers are also available.

Maximize visibility / magnify information

• Mechanical (dial display) Timers with large display or tactile markings may be appropriate when count-down measurements only need to be accurate to the nearest minute.
• Large Display Stopwatch or Timers can be useful for students with low vision
  [large timer - assistivetech.net]

Present information through auditory channels

• A Talking Stopwatch can be useful for students who are blind
  [talking stopwatches - assistivetech.net]

Maximize visibility / magnify information - Present information through auditory channels

• Use a Talking Compass (e.g., for magnetism experiments)
  [talking compass - assistivetech.net]
• Use Light Sensors (e.g., for light experiments) that provide different tones for different light intensity
• Use a Talking Multimeter

Present information through tactile channels

• Use a Braille Compass (e.g., for magnetism experiments)
  [braille compass - assistivetech.net]