ArithmeType
ArithmeType Offers Inclusive Solutions for All Learners

At ArithmeType, our goal is to give users the power of typing math simply, which is pivotal for those who have difficulty with writing with a pencil and paper. The founder’s son struggled to complete math assignments because he was unable to write due to autism and dyspraxia which caused motor planning issues. He could type his other assignments but struggled to type math due to the complexity of the characters and layout of traditional keyboards; he also found math apps difficult to use with screen changes and cryptic menus. We solved these problems by creating a one-of-a-kind plug-and-play universal math keyboard for Chrome, Linux, Mac, and Windows, and a math keyboard app for iOS.

Our goal is to give users the power of typing math simply, which is pivotal for those who have difficulty with writing with a pencil and paper," states Dr. Shannon Canas, MD, Founder & CEO, ArithmeType

The hardware keyboard is compatible with a wide variety of platforms: documents, websites, extensions, add-ons, and NVDA and JAWS screen readers. This keyboard offers greater sensory input than a standard keyboard due to the bright, high-contrast colors, large font, and clicky mechanical keys to help reinforce the motor pathways of typing. Removable section covers allow math to be tailored to the student’s current level with the opportunity to grow! Now students with various disabilities such as autism, dysgraphia, dyspraxia, neurological disorders, or visual impairment can complete the same assignments as their peers in mainstream classes. We hear frequently from AT specialists how difficult it is for special needs students to type math. We hope that access to new technology that combines all the symbols a student needs through Advanced Algebra will help more students achieve math to their full potential no matter what obstacles they face.

And, recently released in February 2024 is a calculus attachment which is a complement to the math keyboard and is also compatible with Chrome, Linux, Mac, and Windows. Symbols cover topics through multivariable calculus. Now the sky’s the limit with typing complex math!

Students typing math on iOS have another option: the ArithmeType Math Keyboard App available on the App Store. It has a similar layout to the hardware keyboard and uses popups to make symbols easy to find and keep users on the home screen. This helps keep the flow of math typing going by avoiding confusing screen changes and hunting for keys in cryptic submenus. Symbols in the keyboard app cover subjects through calculus and work with any app or website that has the globe icon to change the onscreen keyboard. Turning on the auditory keyboard click and voice over can increase the sensory input from a flat screen. This keyboard is also compatible with VoiceOver, Switch Control, and eye gaze to enhance math typing for a variety of disabilities. Again, removable screen covers allow the math symbol options to be tailored to the student’s level. Group discounts are available through the School Store Manager App for iOS.

We have also made free math pages on our website that allow all students to use technology to help with the math formatting of arithmetic with multidigit numbers. Our pages currently cover addition, subtraction, and multiplication, with division planned in the near future. Typing in the numbers automatically lines them up and pushing the tab button moves the cursor to the appropriate area of the screen to enter answers, carry numbers, and borrow. Furthermore, graphing pages allow students to enter their equation and use arrow key and enter to plot the points on the graph in Graphing Mode. Clicking Display Plot will graph the function and the student can see if their plotted points were correct. The Toggle Points button will show the coordinates of the points the student plotted on the graph.

New webpage features include a blank page for free form math typing. The page has math language imbedded in it to make math typing easier and more spatially correct. For example, now typing a fraction is as simple as pushing the “/” key. A horizontal bar is generated under the numerator and the cursor is now waiting in the denominator. Similarly, the “^” key generates a superscript. The tab key allows the user to advance through these handy typing features. The Enter key will advance the cursor to the next line. If a student is looking at a paper worksheet and typing their answers on the blank page, this is a good option. And it is free for all to use.

Future paid options available to subscribers include saving and sharing work from the blank page, as well as homework uploads and the ability to type directly on the worksheet. Prototypes of these advanced features are already in production and these products are planned to roll out within the next few months. Where math was once a chore or impossible for many students with disabilities to complete, with ArithmeType products, it is now transformed into an empowering experience where students can thrive and are able show what they know.