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Project INSPIRE 2: Access and Equity in STEM Learning for Individuals who Read Braille
Seven free courses for professionals and three activities for middle and high school braille readers
By Tina Herzberg and Penny Rosenblum
Welcome to Project INSPIRE 2: Access and Equity in STEM Learning for Individuals who Read Braille! Project INSPIRE 2 is a 5-year grant funded by the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (H235E240003). Please read the Project INSPIRE 2 Abstract to learn about our plans for 2024-2029. We also invite you to read the belief statements that guide our work.
This project continues the work we completed in 2019-2024 under Project INSPIRE: Increasing the STEM Potential of Individuals who Read Braille. Learn about the publications and conference presentations completed by the Project INSPIRE team. The original Project INSPIRE team created seven professional development courses and three student programs.
Our Seven Courses for Those Supporting Braille Learners
During Project INSPIRE our team developed seven free, self-paced courses for TVIs, paraprofessionals, braillists, transcribers, and others who support braille learners. During 2025 we will be updating the courses and then will move into creating additional courses. Follow us on Facebook or sign up to get notifications of upcoming courses and other events.
The following courses are available:
- Course 1: Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts and Strategies for Supporting the Pre-K-1st Grade Student in Building Math Skills
- Course 2: An Introduction to Nemeth Code Symbols Used in Grades 2 to 5 and Strategies for Supporting Elementary Students in Building Math Skills
- Course 3: Grades 2-5: Nemeth Code Symbols for Fractions and Spatial Problems, Instructional Tools, Materials, and Technology
- Course 4: Geometry and Tactile Graphics for Students in Grades 3 to 8
- Course 5: Nemeth Code Symbols Used in the Middle Grades and Strategies for Supporting Math Learning
- Course 6: Nemeth Code Symbols Used in High School and Strategies for Supporting Math Learning
- Course 7: Introduction to UEB Math/Science for Pre-Kindergarten – 1st Grade Students
Programs for Students
As part of Project INSPIRE’s commitment to increase STEM braille literacy we designed three programs for upper elementary, middle, and high school students. We invite educators and families to use our materials. Follow us on Facebook or sign up to get notifications of upcoming student programs, courses for professionals, and other activities.
Nemeth in a Box Materials
Nemeth in a Box for Middle School Students contains seven lessons that teachers of students with visual impairments or others (e.g., paraprofessionals, family members) can use to review and/or introduce Nemeth Code symbols at the middle school level and review math concepts in a fun way.
Mission INSPIRE
Mission INSPIRE is a set of science and engineering activities designed for students ages 11-15 years. Teachers of students with visual impairments or others (e.g., science teachers, science fair organizers, family members) can use the Mission INSPIRE materials to provide students an opportunity to participate in hands-on science learning through an inquiry-based experience.
Mathlete Competition
The Mathlete Competition is designed for students in grades 6-12. Mathletes compete in four rounds of competition during which they demonstrate their ability to read, write, and proofread braille math. Competition materials are available both in Nemeth Code within UEB Contexts and UEB Math/Science. In spring 2025 Project INSPIRE 2 will hold a Mathlete Competition.
Using the Desmos Calculator with Sara Larkin
(February 29, 2024)
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