Quick Start Workshop: Make Your Chemistry Accessible
Mar 31, 2026 2:00 - 3:30 pm
- Sponsor
- Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning
- Speaker
- Marc Thompson and Lauren Pellant
- Cost
- Free but registration required
- Registration
- Click here to register for Make Your Chemistry Accessible
- Contact
- Marc Thompson
- thompso1@illinois.edu
- Views
- 14
- Originating Calendar
- Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning
This hands-on workshop will cover the basics of what makes digital chemistry accessible for all learners.
With a focus on General Chemistry level topics, we will cover:
- The what, why, and how of making chemical equations accessible.
- The opportunities and limits of using accessible math tools like EquatIO, Desmos, Microsoft Equation Editor, and MathType for Chemistry
- Choosing an accessible periodic table for your class
- Tips for writing alt text and descriptions for common General Chemistry diagrams
- Future directions in accessible chemistry
By the end of this workshop, you’ll have a better idea of how to create accessible chemistry for your specific teaching or professional workflows.
Important: To participate actively in this workshop, you will need to install the following free software prior to the workshop:
- For Windows users, NVDA screen reader and its Access8 math verbalization plugin
- For Mac and Windows users: EquatIO accessible math tool
- Other tools used are free, web-based, and require no installation
Participants are welcome to bring specific examples of General Chemistry materials that they would like advice on making more accessible.