Independence Science and ViewPlus Technologies leaders partner to create science access tools for students with blindness or low vision

Leaders at Independence Science and ViewPlus Technologies have announced a collaboration to develop new science access tools for people who experience blindness or low vision.

Mike Hingson, spokesperson for Independence Science, said ViewPlus Technologies will leverage Independence Science’s team of blind scientists to inform product development road maps.

“It is these collaborative efforts between access technology firms that leverage one strength with another to drive innovation to its furthest potential,” Hingson said. “We will develop products that blind people want.”

Dan Gardner, CEO of ViewPlus Technologies, said, “We look forward to making STEM more accessible for all through this collaboration and ushering in a day when everyone can participate equally in STEM subjects in an inclusive way.”

ViewPlus Technologies has developed cutting-edge embossing technology capable of producing multi-dot height, tactile graphic information and Braille on the same page. In addition, ViewPlus offers a range of products that supports the use of ink for standard text and graphics, providing a more equitable collaboration experience for both sighted and blind and low-vision individuals. By allowing the use of the same document, ViewPlus is empowering people to work together more effectively, regardless of their level of vision.

“We have a great deal of expertise in embossing tactile graphics and understanding the challenges that users face when high-quality graphical information is presented,” Gardner said. “We are highly aware of what goes into producing graphical materials that consumers can use effectively. The company’s efforts are further enhanced by the fact that John Gardner, our founder, is a blind physicist who has experienced firsthand the need for quality graphic information in STEM.”

For more than 14 years, Independence Science has designed products that make STEM laboratory equipment inclusive. One is the Talking LabQuest, which presents graphical information to users two ways: sonification, which provides information to users in an auditory way, and transmission of graphic information to the ViewPlus Braille embosser line of products.

“Combined, our companies have the most hands-on experience in understanding inclusive graphic information presentations,” Hingson said. “Working together, we are confident that the best possible products will be produced to provide real-time access to students who experience blindness or low vision and other students with print access challenges.”

Hingson said there is a natural synergy between the companies because of their leaders and experience.

“First, both company founders are blind scientists who know through lived experiences the importance of inclusive access to data visualization tools and techniques,” Hingson said. “Second, both companies understand what must go into a quality product. The combined experience of the two teams will provide the best coding and widest range of capabilities that will help our users break through the ongoing attitudinal ceiling they face as they attempt to study and work in STEM-related fields.”

Hingson said the companies expect to see a working prototype of a new STEM education product that beta testers can evaluate within a short time.

“Between both companies, we have a variety of potential users and contacts we can utilize to get the best possible feedback,” Hingson said. “As product development continues, the sales and marketing teams in both companies will work together to explore, educate and penetrate potential markets.”

Independence Science is headquartered in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, which is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation.