Authors : Dr. Sariat Ajibola Adelakun; Aminat Obakhume Abdulsalaam; Dr. Evangeline Udonna, Chukuka; Dr. Michael Adeyinka, Kehinde; Musbau Adeniyi Shittu

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 8 - August

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/u4utesf8

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/42zf4ska

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25aug423

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Abstract : Blind and visually impaired (BVI) students in Nigeria face significant barriers in accessing mathematics and science education due to the visual nature of equations, symbols, and scientific notations. Existing assistive tools, such as Braille and tactile graphics, often fail to adequately convey complex mathematical structures, limiting inclusion in STEM learning. This study presents the design and development of an equation converter software that transforms mathematical equations from Word documents into ASCII formats compatible with screen readers and Braille displays. Developed using C# within the .NET Framework, the system incorporates an equation parser, a custom text replacement engine, and a Unicode-to-ASCII converter to replace mathematical symbols with accessible text equivalents. The software addresses infrastructural challenges in Nigerian schools while promoting independence and equitable participation for BVI students, by enabling real-time, offline conversion. The findings highlight the potential of low-cost, context-specific assistive technologies to bridge the STEM accessibility gap, with implications for inclusive education policy and the scaling of locally relevant solutions.

Keywords : Visual Impairment, STEM Education, Equation Converter, Assistive Technology, Inclusive Education, ASCII Conversion, Nigeria.

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