WEST LAFAYETTE, IN — An educational technology company in Purdue Research Park has received a grant from the National Science Foundation to create a more inclusive laboratory experience for blind and deaf-blind students to prepare them for careers in STEM fields.
Independence Science has received a one-year, $254,767 Phase I grant from the National Science Foundation to develop Sci-Dot, a multiline Braille device that collects and analyzes scientific data. Ashley Nashleanas will serve as primary investigator on the project.
Greg Williams of Independence Science said blind and deaf-blind students are put at a disadvantage if they are not able to view and analyze graphic representations of data in real time and at the same time as their sighted classmates. He also said being solely reliant upon audio output of data in a laboratory setting can be hazardous if surroundings are too loud. Audio output also is entirely inaccessible to deaf-blind students.
"Sci-Dot addresses these issues and improves upon current Braille displays that consist of only a single line of cells, which creates limitations in looking at data tables, monitoring data as it is collected and viewing graphical representations of the data," Williams said. "Our multiline Braille device will allow blind and deaf-blind users to set up and collect experimental data independently and examine it graphically in real time along with their sighted peers."
Independence Science will partner with Vernier Software & Technology, EQware, ViewPlus Technologies, and Tactile Engineering, a start-up based in Lafayette, Indiana, to develop Sci-Dot. Williams said Tactile Engineering has developed a design for electronic, refreshable Braille cells, which reduces their spatial footprint and cost and makes a low-cost, multiline display practical.
Williams said the SBIR program allows companies to pursue innovative projects to commercialize products that have a profound impact on those who use them but would not necessarily receive interest from typical funding sources.
"Without the funding support that Independence Science received from a previous NSF SBIR award, we would not have been able to develop and commercialize the Talking LabQuest, which has made a significant difference in the lives of blind students who have been able to participate with a level of independence previously unimaginable in lab courses," Williams said. "Now, once again, with the support of the NSF SBIR program, we look forward to making the next great leap in STEM accessibility for blind students with the goal of inspiring the next, and hopefully much larger, generation of blind scientists."
Independence Science has also received $50,000 from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Elevate Ventures to develop Sci-Dot.
- This press release was originally published on the Purdue University website
Tags: Blindness Diversity & Inclusion education and training science education STEM education
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