MathCAT Initiative

MathCAT Initiative

Background

MathCAT (Math Capable Assistive Technology) is a groundbreaking open-source library that transforms mathematical content into accessible formats through high-quality speech and braille output, while providing intuitive navigation within mathematical expressions. As an essential infrastructure component for accessible STEM education and publishing, MathCAT serves users worldwide.

The board of the DAISY Consortium has approved a 12-month pilot project to coordinate MathCAT development and evaluate long-term stewardship opportunities. This initiative addresses a critical need in the accessible mathematics ecosystem while strengthening relationships across the assistive technology community.

Accessible Mathematics – your views matter

DAISY is gathering essential insights from producers, technologists, educators and end-users on producing and reading accessible mathematical content to inform future work.

Please take a few minutes to complete the DAISY Survey on Producing and Reading Accessible Mathematics Content 2026.

Introductory Video

Why MathCAT Matters

Mathematical accessibility depends on reliable tools that can accurately convert MathML expressions into formats that work for diverse users and technologies. The impact MathCAT has is immense:

“MathCAT did not simply help me read mathematics. It gave me greater independence in learning mathematics and helped give me the confidence to continue with mathematics and science, prepare for engineering entrance examinations, and ultimately pursue engineering.” Ashwin Rajesh, blind student, India

Tools, Languages and Braille Codes Supported

MathCAT has become that essential tool for both producers and end-users, and is now integrated into, or supported by:

  • Reading tools: including Dolphin EasyReader App, EDRLabs Thorium Reader, Kurzweil 3000
  • Screenreaders: including JAWS, NVDA, Dolphin ScreenReader and Dolphin SuperNova, Orca
  • Productivity tools: including MS Word and MS PowerPoint
  • Production and converter tools: including APH BrailleBlaster, DAISY Pipeline, Sao Mai Braille Converter, and Textalk Webarch. Agencies such as MTM in Sweden and the National Library of Norway integrate tools like these into their workflows, to produce books containing mathematical content in accessible text-to-speech and braille formats.

The library supports multiple languages and braille codes, with ongoing community contributions expanding its reach and capabilities:

  • Languages in progress (speech): Catalan, Icelandic, Italian, Japanese
  • Supported braille codes: ASCII, CMU, French, LaTeX, Nemeth, Russian, Swedish, UEB, Vietnamese
  • Braille codes in progress: Finnish, Polish

The Challenge

Despite MathCAT’s critical role, the software development and maintenance currently depends primarily on one individual developer. This creates significant risk for organizations that have integrated MathCAT into production systems and commercial products. As adoption grows, the need for sustainable governance and coordinated development becomes increasingly urgent.

Our Approach

The DAISY Consortium has established a one-year exploratory project to:

  • Coordinate development – Work closely with Neil Soiffer and participating organizations to plan and prioritize enhancements
  • Build community – Create structured opportunities for organizations to contribute developer time, testing, localization, and financial resources
  • Evaluate viability – Assess technical, community, and financial sustainability for potential long-term stewardship
  • Maintain openness – Ensure all contributions remain open-source and community-governed

Project Timeline

Duration: 12 months (November 2025 – October 2026)

Evaluation: Comprehensive report and recommendations to the DAISY Board in November 2026

Resourcing: contributions from organizations relying on MathCAT are supporting this project.

We are grateful to MTM (Sweden) and the National Library of Norway for providing initial funding to launch this important 12-month initiative. Their leadership demonstrates the value organizations place on sustainable accessible mathematics infrastructure.

Join Us

We would be delighted to discuss opportunities with other DAISY members and friends who would also like to support this initiative. Organizations interested in participating can contribute through:

  • Developer time for code contributions
  • Testing and quality assurance
  • Localization for additional languages and math braille codes
  • Financial support

Organizations interested in participating in this initiative or learning more about opportunities to support MathCAT development are encouraged to contact us. If you wish to contribute to code, localizations, or documentation then you are welcome to join DAISY’s MathCAT working group mailing list.

Together, we can ensure that accessible mathematics remains robust, sustainable, and available to everyone who needs it.

Learn More About MathCAT

Try the MathCAT demo for yourself, and visit the MathCAT project website to explore:

  • Technical documentation and API information
  • Live demonstration of MathCAT capabilities
  • Current supported languages and braille codes
  • Developer resources and contribution guidelines

You can also explore the MathCAT GitHub repository for source code and development activity.