Read Equations With Screen Readers

WebAssign uses the MathML format to display science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) content. This information outlines the best practices for using different screen readers with MathML equations.

Note

There might be multiple formats of your eBook on your Cengage dashboard. The version labeled eTextbook provides the most accessible experience and is recommended for students and instructors using screen readers.

NVDA

Firefox provides the best user experience when using NVDA.

To read math with NVDA, download the addons MathCAT or Access8Math. MathPlayer, while still available, is no longer supported by Wiris.

First time only: Configure NVDA to use MathML.
1. Right-click an equation.
2. Click Math Settings > Math Renderer > MathML.
NVDA begins reading an equation at the highest level.
- MathCAT plays a “chirp” when it encounters math. When you hear the chirp, press Enter to enter the equation.
- Access8Math does not provide an auditory cue. When NVDA begins reading math, press Enter.
To step into the equation and read it level by level, press ↓.
To read forward and backward within each level, press → and ←.
To back out of each level, press ↑ until the focus returns to the highest level of the equation.

If you have problems downloading MathCAT or Access8Math, or using the NVDA screen reader in a course, contact Cengage at accessibility@cengage.com.

JAWS

Chrome™ provides the best user experience when using JAWS®.

Chrome versions 109 and higher provide native support for the display of MathML. Chrome versions 108 and lower do not display math correctly without a change in the browser’s settings. Upgrade to Chrome 109 or higher for the best experience.

First time only: If you cannot update to Chrome 109 or higher, change your browser settings to display math correctly.
1. Go to Chrome://flags.
2. Set Experimental Web Platform features to Enabled.
3. Restart Chrome.
JAWS begins reading an equation at the highest level and says math content when it is finished. To open the math in JAWS Math Viewer, press Enter.
Math Viewer displays the math in a separate window.
To step into the equation and read it level by level, press ↓.
To read forward and backward within each level, press → and ←.
To back out of each level, press ↑ until the focus returns to the highest level of the equation.
Press Esc to close Math Viewer and return to the page.

If you have problems using the JAWS screen reader in a course, contact Cengage at accessibility@cengage.com.

VoiceOver

VoiceOver reads math in Safari, Chrome and Firefox. VoiceOver does not have math-specific commands like other screen readers. Instead, users press the same keyboard commands normally used to read and explore text.

VoiceOver begins by reading the math at the highest level, and says the word math when it is finished.
To step into the equation and read it level by level in increasingly fine increments, press Shift+VO+↓.
You may need to press Shift+VO+↓ twice.
To read forward or backward within each level, press VO and → or ←.
To back out of each level until the focus returns to the highest level of the equation, press Shift+VO+↑.

If you have problems using the VoiceOver screen reader in a course, contact Cengage at accessibility@cengage.com.