Soon, blind and visually impaired people will have the opportunity to learn science just like anyone else. Quantum Simulations, has developed tutoring and assessment software based on artificial intelligence (A.I.). This has been the result of a six-month, 100,000 research project, funded by the National Eye Institute, a division of the U.S. National Institutes of Health.

The software allows students to work on any problems they choose, ask questions and receive personal guidance, hints and feedback, which is specific to their own work and subject knowledge. The tutors are Internet-based and equipped with a unique dialogue-driven tool that converses with students. The software is well suited for use with synthesised-speech screen access technologies.

Quantum hopes to incorporate accessibility into the complete line of Quantum Tutors within two years. Dr. Benny Johnson, President and C.E.O at Quantum said, “The methodology will have a broad impact on the potential to develop accessible software in other content areas beyond math and science.”

Quantum’s A.I. chemistry tutoring program has been certified by the National Federation of the Blind's, Non-Visual Accessibility Web Application Certification Program. “Quantum simulations has not simply achieved accessibility, they have systematically built it into the core of their tutoring technology. In this way, they have created a powerful learning tool for all students,” commented Dr. Marc Maurer, President of the National Federation of the Blind (N.F.B.)

N.F.B is the largest and most influential membership organisation of blind people in the United States.