If you use, teach, transcribe, or create accessible math, the DAISY Consortium wants to hear from you. Its 2026 survey asks about your experiences with mathematical content and will help inform future work, including the MathCAT Initiative.
Why accessible math matters to your financial life
When you compare interest rates, work through a budgeting exercise, or learn how compound interest grows, you need access to the numbers and the relationships between them. An equation that looks clear on a screen may be difficult to follow if its symbols or structure are not available in speech or braille.
For blind and low vision learners, accessible math is part of having a fair chance to understand financial concepts, check calculations, and make informed decisions. You should be able to focus on what the math means, not spend your energy trying to access it.
Why we’re sharing this research opportunity
Penny Forward usually shares research opportunities only when participants are compensated. Your time, knowledge, and lived experience have value.
The invitation and survey introduction do not mention compensation. We’re making an exception because access to math is essential to financial education, and this research could help identify barriers that deserve attention. Whether you choose to participate is entirely up to you.
Penny Forward is not involved in this research. We’re sharing DAISY’s invitation because of its connection to our mission.
What is MathCAT?
MathCAT stands for Math Capable Assistive Technology. It is a free, open-source software library that other tools can use to turn mathematical notation into speech and braille and let you navigate through an expression, rather than hearing it only as one long string.
It works within supporting screen readers, reading applications, and content-production tools; it is not a standalone app you must use to take the survey. The features available depend on the tool you use.
Share what works—and what gets in your way
DAISY welcomes input from people who read or produce accessible math, educators, transcribers, and technology developers. You do not need to be a programmer to have something useful to share.
Before starting, think about a recent experience: could you follow a fraction, move between parts of an equation, or get the braille output you needed? Specific examples can help explain both the barriers and the approaches worth keeping.
The links below open in a new tab.
Explore MathCAT or stay involved
- Explore DAISY’s MathCAT Initiative and introductory video, including ways to contribute development, testing, translation, braille expertise, or financial support.
- Request to join the MathCAT working-group mailing list. This is a separate signup from the research survey.
- Read MathCAT’s project history and technical documentation.
If someone in your network works with accessible math, consider sharing this invitation with them. Their experience may help shape tools that make learning—and understanding money—more accessible.
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