BLIND SCIENTIST TOOLS

An open red cartoon toolbox filled with various tools. Welcome to the Blind Scientist Tools resource page. Below, you’ll find the tools and methods that have been important in my journey from a student to a Professor of Bioengineering. This compilation of informational cards offers insights, experiences, and guidance on working with access assistants, selecting the right hardware, and much more. Whether you are blind or supporting a blind student or colleague, I hope these tools will help you navigate and thrive in your academic and professional endeavors.

Sections:

Explore each section to learn more about the specific tools and methods that can support a successful journey in the sciences for blind individuals

1. What Are The Tools I Use?  -->
2. How Do I Use These Tools As A Blind Scientist ?  -->
3. How Can I Advocate For The Tools I Need?  -->
4. What are the other tools that advocate for ?  -->
5. Key Publications ?  -->

WHAT ARE THE TOOLS I USE?

How Do I Use These Tools As..

A Student?

Taking Classes

• Lectures and Presentations
• Professors
• Tests
• Individual Studying

How To Take Notes

• Note Taker Profile
• Estabilishing Communication
• Organization and Saving
• Types of Notetaking

Getting a PhD

• CUMES
• Oral Qualifiers
• Defense
• Writing a Thesis

Presenting

• PowerPoints
• Memorizing
• Audience Interaction
A Researcher?

Learning New Concepts

• Visualizing Data And Results
• Learning to Ask the Right Questions
• Acquiring Information
• Lithophanes
• Swell Forms

Collaborating

• Be Proactive
• Tips and Tricks

Publications

• My Process
• Preparing to Write
• Writing
• Submitting

Proposals

• My Approach
• Importance of the Process

Molecular Visualization

• Modeling Kits
• Crafting
• 3D Printing
• Bite-Sized Memorization

Coding

• Writing Code
• Programs and How I've Used Them

ACS Conference

• Scheduling
• Networking
• Getting Around

Making Research Accessible

• Alt Text
• PDF Accessibility
A Teacher?

Teaching

• My Method
• The Results

Lecture

• Preparing for Class
• Lecture Format
• Presenting Math-Focused Materials
• Virtual Classes

Office Hours

• Fielding Questions
• Working Problems
• Access Assistants and Teaching Assistants

Grading

• System
• Process
• Returning Graded Materials

Interacting with Students

• Communication
• Access Assistants

HOW CAN I ADVOCATE FOR THE TOOLS I NEED?

Finding Access Assistants

• Start Early
• Computer Skills
• Example Flier

Interviewing Access Assistants

• Interview Procedure
• Signs of a Good Access Assistant
• Signs of a Bad Access Assistant

Choosing A School

• The Disabilities Office
• Livability
• Choosing an Advisor

Advice for Advisors

• In Advance
• Have No Fear!
• Keep Equal Standards

Advice for Disability Services

• Let Them Do the Hiring
• Let the Student Have a Voice
• Hold Semesterly Coordination Meetings

Finding a Job

• Search and Organization
• Applying
• Interviewing
• Negotiating

WHAT ARE THE OTHER TOOLS THAT I ADVOCATE FOR ?

Health and Fitness Tools

• Cradle App:
CRADLE (Computer-Assisted Detector of Leukocoria) White Eye Detector, developed by Gregory Hamerly, is an innovative app designed to detect white eye reflections (leukocoria) in photos. This can be an early indicator of serious eye conditions in children, such as retinoblastoma. The app employs machine learning to analyze photos from the user's library, alerting parents and healthcare providers to any potential issues. It is intended for use with children aged 12 months and up. For more information click here.
• Be My Eyes App
Be My Eyes: "See the world together" is an app that connects blind and low-vision users with volunteers and companies around the world through live video and artificial intelligence. It provides sighted assistance for a variety of tasks, such as reading labels, identifying objects, or navigating new environments. This app enhances independence for blind and low-vision individuals by offering real-time help. For more details and to download the app, visit the Be My Eyes website.
Chalks
Blackboard Duster