ASSETS 2025 POSTERS AND DEMONSTRATIONS
Precision, Control, and Cognitive Load
Math relies heavily on fine motor precision, writing formulas, drawing graphs, and using symbolic notation. These tasks can be physically inaccessible and time-consuming, often shifting focus away from core learning goals. Unfortunately, traditional classroom tools and environments rarely account for these barriers.
Identity and Social Pressure
Students hesitate to seek accommodations due to stigma, a desire to appear “normal,” or fear of being judged. For those with invisible disabilities, the pressure to “prove” their condition often leads to non-disclosure and disengagement.
Tool Overload and Mistrust
Many students enter college unaware of what disability services exist or how to access them. Navigating new tools and systems, especially without guidance, can feel overwhelming. Past negative experiences with faculty or unhelpful services cause some to question the value of available support.
Understaffed and Under-Resourced
Disability service offices often operate with limited staff and resources, leaving little room for personalized outreach. Tools like assistive tech and mentorship are valued but frequently blocked by funding issues or institutional red tape.
Policy vs. Practice
Though policies exist, students still encounter practical barriers to accessing accommodations. Services often follow rigid protocols instead of adapting to individual needs. A student’s cultural background, disability type, and past school experiences all influence whether they feel empowered or hesitant to engage with these services. While students value autonomy and self-advocacy, they also need knowledgeable support to navigate the system.
Robust Voice Interpretation
Existing tools often require users to follow rigid voice commands, disrupting focus and slowing problem-solving. Frequent transcription errors can break the flow of thinking and make it harder to engage with complex concepts. Assistivity should be designed to interpret natural variations in speech, making voice input smoother and more intuitive.
Recognizes a wide range of spoken math expressions, symbols, and notation
Supports natural speech patterns, no need to memorize strict commands
Reduces friction in problem-solving by improving transcription accuracy
Flexible Editing & Exporting
Many tools make it hard to revise or reuse math once it's been transcribed. Complex commands and clunky interfaces get in the way of quick edits or exporting work. Assistivity should enable flexible editing through voice and simple interactions, making it easier to refine ideas or share equations across platforms like Word or Docs.
Edit equations with voice or minimal interaction, no manual rework
Easily export math to tools like Microsoft Word
Supports iteration and sharing throughout the problem-solving process
Clear Logical Structure
Mathematical thinking is rarely linear. Solving complex problems often means breaking them down into smaller, connected parts. Tools that flatten this process can make it harder to follow or explain solutions. Assistivity should helps users map relationships between steps clearly, supporting both understanding and communication.
Reflects how people actually solve multi-step math problems
Visually organizes related expressions and steps
Makes complex solutions easier to read, review, and refine
Problem-solving isn’t one-size-fits-all, some users speak through problems, others jump between steps or revise along the way. Rigid tools can interrupt these natural workflows. Assistivity should be designed to adapt to individual styles, offering structure where needed and flexibility where it matters.
Personalize how equations are entered, edited, and reviewed
Supports non-linear problem-solving and exploration
Adapts to different thinking styles without forcing a fixed process
