A groundbreaking new visualization tool is transforming how learners with disabilities—particularly blind and low-vision (BLV) students—can engage with online science courses. We are pleased to announce an innovative partnership between Wiley and Alchemie,  which will allow BLV students unprecedented access to visual STEM learning materials through the integration of Alchemie’s tools in Wiley’s Knewton Alta Principles of General Chemistry course.  

Hands-on exploratory learning is critical for chemistry students. Alchemie molecular visualization tools integrated within Knewton Alta deliver immediate feedback to students as they explore content, gaining the deeper connections needed for long-lasting learning.   This development is a significant leap forward in accessible STEM education, allowing these students to complete assignments independently, without needing outside help. 

Alchemie’s interactive learning tools were designed with a mission: to help students succeed in STEM courses by providing hands-on, exploratory learning experiences. However, the benefits of these tools were largely inaccessible to learners with disabilities—until now. Chemistry, as a highly visual subject, presents particular challenges for BLV students, who often fall behind due to the lack of suitable visualization tools in typical online chemistry courses. This has historically forced many to hire expensive tutors, spend extra time and effort, or even consider dropping out of the course altogether, impacting their academic and career paths. 

The need for an accessible solution became clear when Alchemie’s CEO and Founder, Julia Winter, demonstrated a tool for teaching organic chemistry at a national science education conference. After the presentation, a blind PhD chemist approached her and said, “I can’t use this at all.” This moment ignited a passion in Winter to develop an accessible molecular visualization tool, despite being told it couldn't be done. Winter and her team didn’t give up. They collaborated with students with disabilities and educators from across the country to create a tool that would allow BLV students to visualize and understand molecular structures. After much dedication and hard work, they succeeded. 

“For blind and low-vision students, this system is about being included; it’s about independence,” Winter explained. 

The Wiley-Alchemie Partnership 

In May, we announced a partnership with Alchemie, aiming to expand the accessibility of chemistry courses—core requirements for many majors. “Our ultimate goal is to make chemistry courseware more inclusive,” said Lyssa Vanderbeek, Wiley's Group Vice President for Courseware. “The more we learned about Alchemie’s system, the more we wanted to incorporate it into our offerings.” 

Alchemie’s tools, now exclusively integrated into Wiley’s Knewton Alta Principles of General Chemistry course, provide critical features for accessibility, including: 

• Keyboard-only navigation for those unable to use a mouse 
• Screen reader compatibility for BLV students 
• Color contrast and magnification support for low-vision learners 
• Auto-generated alternative text for visual elements 

The tools also cater to students with hearing, mobility, and cognitive disabilities, ensuring a broader reach for inclusivity. 

Impact on the Future of STEM Learning 

This partnership marks a significant milestone in making STEM education accessible for all learners. We are working with Alchemie on expanding these tools to other courses and improving their features based on user feedback and research. The goal is to continue evolving these learning tools to meet the needs of students with diverse abilities. 

We ensures our course materials comply with the highest accessibility standards, including the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), Revised Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, and EN 301 549. This commitment underscores Wiley’s dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment for all students. To find out more visit Knewton Alta Chemistry or watch the demo below.