The increased use of graphing and/or programmable calculators, particularly at senior school years, can cause difficulties for students who are blind or who have low vision. Issues may include:
It is important to trial the calculator and/or computer software with the student prior to purchase. Further information and product comparisons can also be found on the “Math Technology” page of the Texas School for the Blind website.
| Model and Supplier |
Price |
Input |
Output |
Functions |
| Abacus - Crammer Equipment Solutions |
A$54 | Beads on rods | Beads on rods | 13 rod abacus with tactile markings for simple calculations |
| Audio Graphing Calculator ViewPlus Technologies |
Download free 30 day trial |
Keyboard Onscreen keypad |
Self-voicing Tactile output options Scalable visual display Print equations and graphs Description of graph shape through audio tones and cues |
PC: software Scientific graphing calculator Import data from Excel and other programs |
| Audiocalc |
US$600-$650 | 3 distinctive levels of keys |
LCD display |
Stand alone talking scientific calculator Business version available (+$) 9V rechargeable battery |
| Big Calculator Sensory Software |
Free download | Numeric keypad or mouse | Large print - size is determined by the width of the calculator window | PC: calculator software Basic functions |
| Graphmatica |
Download free trial version |
Keyboard or mouse | Equation, axis and up to 25 graph lines |
PC: graphing software Equation plotter Different colours Zoom function |
| GTCALC Horizon Educational Software |
A$195 | Key commands or mouse Large buttons onscreen |
Clear large print All input and output is spoken Adjustable colour screen |
PC: software Graphing scientific calculator, auto Bodmas Statistics, linear regression, constants & conversions, financial mode, rational (fractions) mode On-screen Help Zoom feature Programmable Replay allows review of work Calculations can be saved and printed |
Large Print Scientific Calculator |
A$537 | Clear keys |
Large print LED display | Stand alone calculator for low vision users |
| Math Flash APH |
Free demo download |
Keyboard or mouse | Voice - human speech Print on screen |
PC: maths problems Voiced instructions, drills and practice sessions Degree of difficulty can be individualised 6 years and up |
| Microsoft Equation Editor View: Equation Editor See: Using your Computer for Maths |
Free with Win98+ | Keyboard or mouse - see menu for mathematical symbols | Print on screen - can be enlarged | PC: write equations using the many symbols in the menu |
| RNIB Talking Scientific Calculator Equipment Solutions View: RNIB Scientific Calculator |
A$650 | Key pad with large high contrast print and tactual buttons | Natural voice One model has visual display |
Stand alone talking scientific calculator |
| Talking Calculator Spectronics |
$A39 | Key pad - low contrast | Voice and visual display | Stand alone talking calculator for basic calculations |
| Talking Desktop Calculator with Earphone Equipment Solutions |
A$48 Other models available A$18+ |
Key pad | Female voice | Stand alone talking calculator for general arithmetic calculations |
| Virtual Pencil HenterMath |
Arithmetic - US$199 + P&H Algebra - US$399 + P&H |
Keyboard or mouse | Adjustable size and colour Compatible with screen reader for voice output |
PC: software Designed to allow vision impaired, motor impaired or learning disabled students access to maths Two versions - Arithmetic (more simple) and Algebra |
| Windows Standard Calculator and Scientific Calculator | Free with Windows 98+ | Keyboard and mouse | Red, blue and black print on white background Enlarge with enlargement software |
PC: calculator software Find in Start - Programs - Accessories - Calculator For Scientific, go to View - Scientific |