Hello, I’m Dr. José Manolo Álvarez, and I’m passionate about Braille, technology, and coding!
As a blind person, and based on my personal and professional experience, I have often observed that many blind students struggle to master basic skills in science, mathematics, technology, and engineering (STEM) due to the highly visual nature of these subjects and the lack of accessible alternatives to support their learning.
As a professor of assistive technology courses at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), I have developed various educational tools based on the use of Braille displays to promote access to STEM for blind students in a simple and non-intimidating way. Braille is essential for blind students in STEM, as it enables them to access, understand, and manipulate scientific, mathematical, and technical information independently through a precise and structured tactile format.
I have created this Inclusion STEM site to publish and make available several of the projects I have developed as tools to support blind students in mastering the basic skills necessary for STEM areas. The available apps include both Windows and web-based versions. They are available in both English and Spanish language and are compatible with screen readers and Braille displays.
Building Basic STEM Skills Through Braille Display Technologies
Braille display technologies are essential for blind students to develop basic skills in STEM areas from the earliest school levels. Among them, the Monarch represents a major breakthrough as an innovative multiline Braille display that can present text and graphics simultaneously. This makes it easier for students to grasp foundational concepts in math, science, or programming in a clear and accessible way—from simple numerical operations to the interpretation of basic charts.
The apps available on Inclusion STEM are designed to work seamlessly with screen reading programs on Windows, as well as their web-based versions. They are compatible with both traditional single-line Braille displays and the Monarch, supporting this step-by-step learning process, fostering independence, and strengthening the development of fundamental skills. In this way, Braille technology not only opens doors to knowledge but also ensures a strong foundation for students’ academic future.