E-Learning Study Support and Accessible Documents Creation for Students with Special Needs

Abstract

This paper discusses the need for automated accessible documents creation in a world of disabled people inclusion and their education. Converting study materials into more accessible formats is not a trivial problem. We will try to review several possible solutions to this problem. The first very used solution for producing study scientific documents is to produce them in LaTeX language, but when we generate PDF documents directly from LaTeX, math expressions are not accessible by screen readers and braille displays. They can be made accessible by using LaTeX package, which automatically produces a hidden text corresponding to the LaTeX commands that generate the math expressions. The second solution is used the system LAMBDA for reading and writing mathematics especially for people with visual impairments. This system does not help to produce accessible math documents but it can be used as e-learning study system. The third solution is RoboBraille service. RoboBraille is automatized system for decentralized study materials production and automated document conversion service. RoboBraille can very easily convert study documents into digital Braille, MP3 audio files, DAISY structured audio books and various types e-books. Finally yet importantly, solution for e-learning study support students with special needs is to use computer algebra system. The main features of using computer algebra system MAPLE in the e-learning process as a supporting tool in the education of people with disabilities. We will illustrate on the solution of the differential equation in the chapter five.