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Re: en-dash, dash and minus

for

From: Jonathan Cohn
Date: Jul 27, 2018 9:09AM

I am fairly certain that most screen readers are likely to read the dash as a dash. On the other hand, when using mathematical expressions with fractions or more complex, you should look at using MathML, though I believe there are issues in some AT when a MATHMl expression is used as a label for a radio button and/or checkbox.

Jonathan

> On Jul 27, 2018, at 8:18 AM, Isabel Holdsworth < <EMAIL REMOVED> > wrote:
>
> Hi all,
>
> Yet another niggly accessibility issue I could do with your thoughts on.
>
> I'm working on some eAssessment software that allows teachers to
> upload maths questions and their pupils to answer them online.
>
> Some of the teachers are using the en-dash (–) character instead of
> the minus (−) sign, because it's wider and easier to see. But we feel
> that en-dash doesn't convey the subtraction operation to screenreader
> users.
>
> Since there's no easy way to enter a minus sign using the keyboard,
> we're trying to come up with a compromise that makes the content more
> accessible.
>
> I think the dash (-) character is a good alternative, and it's widely
> available and IMO widely understood to denote subtraction.
>
> What do you guys think?
>
> We really want to offer the best experience we can to kids sitting
> tests using our software, so I'd appreciate your thoughts.
>
> Thanks as always, Lynn
> > > >