Network for Inclusive Distance Education

Snowbird Software's "Electric Chemistry Building"
Opens up to Learners with Disabilities

Snowbird Software, based in Hamilton Ontario, is currently revising its highly adaptable and engaging chemistry simulation software "Electric Chemistry Building" to include accessibility features that will provide students with disabilities access to the world of self-directed chemistry experiments.

For some students with disabilities, conducting chemistry experiments may prove difficult. Those with visual disabilities have difficulty accessing the visual cues offered by chemical reactions, and cannot utilize traditional methods of measuring experimental outcomes. For students with mobility disabilities, working with sometimes dangerous chemicals may be too much of a risk to consider the experiment a worthwhile learning venture.

Snowbird Software's Electric Chemistry Building allows users to conduct experiments using any of up to 150 chemicals and different types of experimental apparatus. The simulation then provides students with readouts of any chemical reactions that take place, and the weight, size and temperature of reactants.

The accessible version of the Electric Chemistry Building will include:

• Full keyboard access
• Screen reader compatibility
• Speech output where required
• High contrast graphics and text

For more information about this project, or to order copies of the Electric Chemistry Building, please contact:

Snowbird Software
71A Leland St.,
Hamilton, Ontario
L8S 3A1 Canada
Telephone (905) 521-9667
Fax (905) 521-9667

Back to Accessible Interactive Learning Tools

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The Adaptive Technology Resource Centre

J.P. Robarts Library, First Floor, University of Toronto Information Commons
130 St. George St. Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5S 3H1
Telephone: (416) 978-4360 Fax: (416) 971-2629

For additional information please e-mail Laurie Harrison