New Accessibility Features, Recognition for LabVenture

Making LabVenture Accessible

Last year, we launched an all-new LabVenture experience, including updated content and state-of-the-art technology. After a little more than a year and 14,000 students served, our education team is excited to roll out key upgrades to improve the program’s accessibility.

The scale and complexity of the LabVenture experience required deep thinking about the needs of students with visual, hearing, or motor impairments. With the assistance of our original design partner, Upswell, we’re implementing new features for these users, including a virtual universal keypad, a screen reader, and audio delivery improvements.

"The accessibility implementation supports the premise of equity at the heart of LabVenture," said Upswell Partner Armando Manalo. "Our goal is to facilitate scientific collaboration among all users, including those with visual and hearing impairments."

One example of these accessibility improvements is the sonification of data — using custom soundscapes to indicate change over time, just as we would use a traditional graph to do so visually. After several rounds of prototype testing and staff training, the team launched the new accessibility features in January 2020.

Showcasing LabVenture on the National Stage

Last March, our all-new LabVenture program was honored as a finalist for the SXSW EDU Learn by Design competition in Austin, TX. The SXSW EDU® Conference & Festival fosters innovation in learning by hosting a community of optimistic, forward-thinking, purpose-driven stakeholders.

GMRI Chief Education Officer Leigh Peake traveled to the conference to showcase LabVenture alongside project partner Upswell.

“It was so rewarding to have LabVenture in the national spotlight at a conference that celebrates the best of the best in learning design,” said Peake. “To share the stage with other amazing learning projects was truly inspiring.”