Even though I have trouble seeing information in all of my classes (and outside of my classes for that matter), my disability accommodations for math look different than the accommodations for my other classes. One of the main reasons is because math is a more visually complex subject, incorporating in a mix of symbols, letters, numbers, and subscripts/superscripts, and the size of a character is also significant when it comes to things like exponents. I tell people that my brain loves math but my eyes do not, so I need additional math test accommodations so I can see everything on the page. Here is a list of math test accommodations for low vision that I have used in various math classes, including middle school math, high school math, and college math classes like calculus and statistics.
Getting approved for math test accommodations for low vision
As a student with low vision, my disability accommodations are documented in an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or more recently in a college Disability Services file— I’ve also had a 504 plan and Student Assistance Plan in the past. The listed disability accommodations are approved for all of my classes, but I also have accommodations specific to math for things like calculators and software that would be used in the classroom. This post is written with the assumption that someone has already been approved for disability accommodations and is wondering what math test accommodations they might need to add.
While visual impairment is my primary disability, I also have dysgraphia (which affects handwriting) and an additional neurological condition which is connected to my vision loss. I have always accessed the general curriculum for math, taking math classes at or above my grade level and taking advanced math classes in college as well.
Related links
- Common Classroom Accommodations For Low Vision
- Learning to Self-Advocate
- Assistive Technology For Dysgraphia
- Disability and Classroom Accommodations For Chiari Malformation
- How To Create A Disability Services File
Larger print sizes and magnification
For students who primarily access information visually, large print is a common classroom accommodation for low vision since many students struggle to read standard size font— large print is defined as 14 pt font or larger. I use a larger font size for math compared to other subjects because every symbol is important, and misreading even a single number or symbol can lead to me getting an entire question wrong. The font size I use for math is usually 6 to 8 pts larger than the minimum font size listed in my disability accommodations, or I receive a digital exam that I can enlarge to my preferred font size independently.
In addition to large print, it is helpful to have screen magnification, magnifying glasses, or video magnifiers added to the list of math test accommodations for low vision. These can be helpful for enlarging exponents, symbols, icons, and providing more options for displaying content in large print.
Related links
- A to Z of Assistive Technology for Reading Digital Text
- How I Read Research Sources With Assistive Technology
- Adapting Math Symbols: Math Problems and Low Vision
- Adapting Digital Equations: Math Problems and Low Vision
- How I Document Accessibility Preferences With Low Vision
Modified page layout for math test accommodations
When I would get paper copies of math tests enlarged for low vision, the paraprofessional would sometimes cut off the ends of equations or other symbols when enlarging information in a portrait (vertical) orientation, or miss a column of a table. The following math test accommodations for low vision can make it easier for students to read questions visually:
- Landscape or horizontal page orientation for questions, which made it easier to enlarge math problems in a larger font size
- Increased spacing between questions or fewer questions on each page. The test itself was the same amount of questions
- Single-column layout for questions and answers, instead of having multiple questions or answers stacked next to each other.
- Color-coding symbols or writing exponents and symbols larger on the page
One of my friends had a math test accommodation where someone would write the page number for each page of their exam, such as “Page 1 of 3.” This was implemented after they unknowingly had missing pages from an exam.
Related links
- Paper Sizes and Low Vision Accessibility
- Adapting Digital Equations: Math Problems and Low Vision
- Adapting Math Symbols: Math Problems and Low Vision
- Adapting Page Layouts: Math Problems and Low Vision
- Ten Spooky Inaccessible Assignments and How To Fix Them
Use of pens and markers
I can’t read pencil with low vision, so I am permitted to use pens, markers, and highlighters when appropriate to take math tests. I often use color coding to help with breaking up parts of an equation, or highlight answers with a marker in the test booklet instead of using a bubble sheet/Scantron.
As an alternative to scratch paper, I prefer to use a dry-erase board because it is easier for me to write in large print and erase answers quickly, especially since my handwriting can get messy as I attempt to write on a finite amount of paper. In most cases, I work out the problem on my whiteboard and then copy the answer or recopy the scratch work directly onto my exam. Some professors have asked me to take photos of my whiteboard, and in these situations I am allowed to take out my phone or use my iPad to take photos that I attach to digital files.
Related links
- Writing Aids For Low Vision: My Personal Superlatives
- Highlighting Information With Low Vision
- How I Show Work For Math With Low Vision and Dysgraphia
Receive accessible electronic copies of math tests
I prefer to read electronic copies of math tests and use digital formats instead of printed exams for a few reasons:
- It is easier for me to enlarge digital text compared to print text using browser zoom, pinch-to-zoom, or screen magnification
- Assistive technology tools like video magnifiers or magnifying glasses are not always available for enlarging text
- I can use additional display settings like Invert Colors to improve readability
- I can’t use pencils due to contrast deficiencies, so I use a stylus or digital writing tools instead (which are easier to erase).
As nice as it would be to always get my math tests in the same file format, ultimately it comes down to what format the teacher/professor uses for their digital exams. Examples of file formats for math tests that I encounter include:
- Word (Doc/DocX). I insert equations with MathType or import documents into Notability so I can write on top of them with my iPad. I can use several tools to enlarge text and can enlarge equations or questions by adjusting the font size.
- HTML. I can’t write answers within these documents, but I enlarge them in my web browser and use a simplified reading display if needed. I write answers in a separate document on my computer or tablet.
- PDF. I rely on pinch-to-zoom to enlarge text, and often run into issues with enlarging low-resolution graphs or other images. I prefer to take PDF exams on my iPad and write on top of them using Notability or Markup— they are more challenging to enlarge on a computer.
- Taking exam on course website (Moodle, Blackboard, Canvas, etc.) or with another software like MyMathLab, ALEKS, or WebAssign. In these situations, it is likely that everyone in the class is taking a digital exam.
Since I primarily access information visually, the accessible formats I use are designed for access to large print and aren’t necessarily optimized for a screen reader or text-to-speech.
Related links
- File Formats For Low Vision and Print Disabilities
- How To Use Invert Colors With Low Vision
- How I Receive Accessible Quizzes and Tests in the Classroom
- How I’m Using MyMathLab With Low Vision
- ALEKS Accessibility For Visual Impairment
- How I Use WebAssign With Low Vision
- How I Use Moodle With Low Vision
- How I Use Canvas With Low Vision
- How I Use Blackboard With Low Vision
- Using Anthology Ally With Low Vision
Use of tablet (iPad) and/or computer for exams
Whenever possible, I use my iPad to take math tests because it is easier for me to hold my face close to the screen and tilt the display at an angle so I can read it under the bifocal in my glasses. In addition, I find it easier to use pinch-to-zoom to enlarge information, write with a stylus or type answers, and erase/undo my work if I make an error. The exam is provided in a digital format that I can write on or import into another program.
If I can’t use a tablet, I will use a computer to take math tests, typing my answers or using a mouse to select multiple-choice questions. Depending on the computer I am using, I might use an external monitor and/or screen magnification to make text larger.
For some of my classes, I would use both my computer and my tablet, displaying the calculator on one device and the exam on the other.
Related links
- Why I Prefer My Schoolwork Digitally: Updated Edition
- Implementing Shared Folders For Accessible Materials
- Computer Lab Accommodations For Low Vision Students
- A to Z of Assistive Technology For Low Vision
Proctoring math tests for low vision students
For most of my classes, I would take digital exams on my iPad with Guided Access enabled, which prevents me from accessing the internet or navigating to other applications. However, I don’t use Guided Access for most of my math exams because I often need to switch between using a calculator and reading my exam, which are in two different applications— using a split screen display doesn’t work because I can’t zoom in. Also, it can be challenging for me to open graphs or images in a full screen view when Guided Access is on.
Instead of using Guided Access, my instructors have used the following strategies to proctor math test for low vision students like me:
- Taking exams in the Disability Services Testing Center, which provides video monitoring for students taking exams
- Sitting next to the instructor’s desk while I take an exam, so they can see my screen
- Sharing my screen or creating a screen recording that my instructor can access on their own computer
- Disabling remote proctoring software that blocks browser zoom, such as Respondus LockDown browser
- Taking an alternative exam that is password protected and has different questions from the other students so the file isn’t shared.
- Arranging to take a test at a different time or with proctors
If I had to download a copy of the test to my device, I would submit the finished copy to the instructor and have them verify that all of my answers were on the test and that the file was submitted correctly. After that, I would delete the test file from my device and trash/recycling folder while the proctor or instructor watched so that I didn’t retain a copy of the exam.
Related links
- How To Use Guided Access For Testing And Exams
- How I Receive Accessible Quizzes and Tests in the Classroom
- What To Bring To The Disability Services Testing Center
- Remote Testing Accommodations For Low Vision
Extended time for timed assessments
When using a screen magnifier, large print, or other assistive technology to read information, students may find that it takes them longer to finish tests or complete extended reading tasks, especially if they have to take their time accessing information or take vision breaks. I was originally approved for time-and-a-half extended time for all of my classes, but I switched to double time (200%) extended time for math.
If I am given a test with a 60 minute time limit, 150% extended time will give me 90 minutes to take the test if I need it— I can turn in the test sooner if I don’t need the extra time, but it is there if I need it. I am expected to finish the test in one session, but I can take short vision breaks/close my eyes at my desk to help with managing eye strain. When I noticed that I was rushing through math exams and finishing with seconds to spare because it takes me longer to read math symbols and write neatly, my accommodations were updated to double time (200%) so I wasn’t trying to speed-read through the last few questions.
For some students, their disability accommodations may list different extended time options for different classes, such as 200% for English and 300% for math. Many of my friends in college who had time and a half for some subjects and double time for others said that their accommodations were updated so that they had double time (200%) for all subjects.
Related links
- All About Extended Time Accommodations
- Activity Ideas For Vision Breaks
- What I Wish I Learned About Assistive Technology Before Starting Grad School
- Strategies For Using Lined Paper With Low Vision
Permission to write on exams
If I take paper exams, I frequently use a tool like a video magnifier or desktop CCTV to enlarge tests, and do not fill in Scantrons or bubble sheets. Instead, I have an accommodation to write directly in the test booklet. This was also an approved accommodation for standardized tests and exams.
When taking digital exams, I write directly on the test using an application like Markup or Notability, which provide annotation functionality so I can write with digital ink. While I frequently use color coding for my scratch work or to annotate tests so they are easier to see, many of my instructors require me to write answers in blue or black ink.
In the past, I have used a few different input methods for writing on an exam, including:
- High contrast pens
- Apple Pencil stylus
- My finger (for writing on digital exam)
- Keyboard for typing answers or adding text boxes
Related links
- How I Use The Apple Pencil With Low Vision
- Notability and Low Vision
- Using The iPad Markup Tool With Low Vision
Access to large print calculator
I can’t see physical calculators very well, so I need to use a calculator with large print buttons and displays so I can get the information I need. I use the same calculator for in-class activities and exams, and the calculator is approved by the instructor or test proctor in advance— I clear the calculation history at the end of the exam so that no information is stored.
In college, my professors don’t require students to use a specific calculator model or application, but will share what type of calculator we need for class (scientific, graphing, four-function, etc.). AI tools that are designed to solve homework problems like SymboLab and Mathway are not permitted.
My disability accommodations don’t list a specific calculator application, but when I was in high school the MyScript calculator was specifically listed in my IEP because I would use it on standardized tests.
Related links
- Five Accessible Calculator Apps For Low Vision
- How To Explain Disability Accommodations To Professors
- The Best Study Tips For Visually Impaired Students
High resolution graphics in separate folder
When it comes to answering multiple choice questions about graphs or examining details in an image, it can be challenging to zoom in on embedded graphics. My instructors share images in a separate folder so that I can enlarge them in full screen as needed. I request that they have meaningful file names, such as “Exam3_Question5_OptionC” so I am not left wondering what question an image corresponds to.
Some students may benefit from having modified graphics that are designed with improved readability in mind— I share more information about this in my post on coordinate planes linked below.
For students who have difficulty seeing graphs, another thing to consider is including alt text and/or image descriptions that provide information about what is in an image. In applications like WebAssign, MyMathLab, and ALEKS, there is a way to enable “accessible questions” that have alt text enabled, and another option is to use Desmos for digital graphs/charts, which offers several built-in accessibility tools for students with low vision.
Related links
- Adapting Coordinate Planes: Math Problems and Low Vision
- No-Tech Solutions For Drawing Graphs With Low Vision And Dysgraphia
- High Contrast and Low Vision
- Adapting Accessible Charts: Math Problems and Low Vision
Access to formula sheet
In middle school and high school, a lot of my teachers would forget about providing accessible formula sheets or give me a copy of a formula sheet that I couldn’t read. Alternatively, they would allow students to bring in an index card with handwritten notes— a format that I was unable to read. Having an accessible formula sheet is an overlooked but important math test accommodation, and it is important to ensure students have access to the information they need.
Related links
- How To Create An Accessible Formula Sheet
- Adapting Accessible Z-Tables: Math Problems and Low Vision
- How To Create Accessible Classroom Posters For Students With Visual Impairments
- How To Modify Accessible Anatomy Graphics For Low Vision
More resources on math test accommodations for low vision
- After I ran into an issue with remote proctoring that used eye tracking, I had to add a disability accommodation to wear my prescription tinted classes for an exam. Learn more about unexpected accommodations in Seven Unexpected Disability Accommodations For Virtual Learning
- Want more ideas for common classroom accommodations for low vision students? Read Common Classroom Accommodations For Low Vision
- Interested in learning more about accessible digital text? Read A to Z of Assistive Technology for Reading Digital Text
- Looking for more resources on math accessibility for low vision? Browse Science and Math Archives | Veroniiiica
Published November 12, 2020. Updated January 2025