New talking scientific calculator breaks down barriers for students with
vision disabilities
Americas Sep 5, 2015
DALLAS: Texas Instruments, Orbit Research and the American Printing
House for the Blind (APH) unveiled the Orion TI-30XS MultiView Talking
Scientific Calculator, the world’s first fully accessible multi-line
scientific calculator, created for students with vision disabilities,
and available for the upcoming school year. Based on the popular TI-30XS
Multiview scientific calculator from Texas Instruments, the Orion
TI-30XS represents a breakthrough in Science, Technology, Engineering
and Mathematics (STEM) education for students with vision disabilities.
Orion TI-30XS MultiView Talking Scientific Calculator
The new Orion TI-30XS MultiView Talking Scientific Calculator is the
world’s first fully accessible multi-line scientific calculator, created
for students with vision disabilities.
Today, millions of scientific calculators are used in classrooms around
the world and are an integral part of the high school math and science
curriculum. However, the popularity and usefulness of scientific
calculators has posed a challenge for students with vision disabilities
since advanced models used in classrooms have not been accessible, until
now. With the introduction of the Orion TI-30XS MultiView, students with
vision disabilities now have access to the same technology as their
peers as they tackle demanding subjects such as algebra, statistics and
chemistry.
“For TI, this is about tearing down barriers for students with
disabilities and empowering them to overcome challenges and do great
things,” said Scott Sedberry, director of North American Business
Development for Texas Instruments Education Technology. “The identical
functionality of the accessible TI-30XS MultiView enables students with
vision disabilities to use the same calculator as their classmates,
participate in the same curriculum and take advantage of the vast
knowledge base and instructional materials that are already available
for this technology.”
Educators who tested the calculator with their students with vision
disabilities are eager to put it to use in the classroom. Susan
Osterhaus, Statewide Mathematics Consultant at the Texas School for the
Blind and Visually Impaired and APH consultant, said, “This is going to
be an awesome addition to our math toolbox and I am confident it will
help our students learn and understand difficult concepts.”
The advanced, four-line scientific calculator, with higher-level math
and science functionality, is ideal for middle school through college
students. A clear, high-quality, recorded voice announces each key and
the answer on the display, providing a choice of speech modes for quiet
or verbose operation. Students will love the thin, lightweight design,
and parents and teachers will love the familiar functionality that makes
it easy to help with classwork and homework.
“When students have the right tools to access their curricula, we all
benefit,” said Dr. Tuck Tinsley III, president of APH. “This new
technology empowers students who are blind and have low vision to reach
their full potentials and become the next generation of STEM scholars.”
The Orion TI-30XS Talking Scientific Calculator may be used on
high-stakes exams as an approved accommodation for students who are
visually impaired if it is specified in the student’s Individual
Education Program (IEP). Check with your school’s assessment coordinator
or guidance counselor to determine the guidelines for specific tests.
“The development of the Orion TI-30XS MultiView represents Orbit
Research’s continuing commitment to level the playing field for visually
impaired and dyslexic students,” said Dr. Gina Spagnoli, Orbit
Research’s founder. “Building upon our long-term partnership with Texas
Instruments, APH’s vast experience in the development of educational
products, and our expertise in adapting mainstream calculators for
accessibility, this product is the result of our collaborative efforts
to develop game-changing technology.” The calculator is available for
purchase for the upcoming school year here.
For more information, visit www.ti.com, www.aph.org, www.orbitresearch.com.
--
David Goldfield,
Assistive Technology Specialist
Feel free to visit my Web site
www.davidgoldfield.info
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