By Annabel Li (University of Northern Colorado)
Information
Many undergraduate and graduate level majors require at least some training in statistics and research methods. For students with visual impairment (SVI), they often face unique challenges in learning statistical knowledge, such as accessibility to graphical and tabular representations, mathematical content including equations and formulae, and statistical software. As statistical knowledge provides conceptual frameworks for SVI to make decisions both professionally and in daily lives, it is an important skill as they navigate this fast and ever-changing world. Facilitating the learning of statistics are also crucial for enhancing career opportunities and quality of life for SVI. The current demonstration involves my experience as a statistics and research consultant working with a doctoral student who is totally blind in acquiring univariate to multivariate statistical knowledge, the creative methods employed to tackle the many challenges in the process including using tactile graphing kits and other creative and handy tools, and the effectiveness of these tools in learning and applying statistical knowledge in class and in research for this doctoral student. It is my hope to raise awareness and to inspire more innovative ways to support SVI to become successful researchers, and to promote social justice for these individuals.