About
Independence Science was founded in 2009 by blind chemist Dr. Cary Supalo. Dr. Supalo witnessed, first-hand, the difficulties of the STEM field as a blind student and created independence science to promote STEM equity and inclusion for the blind and low vision community. Click here for more information about Dr. Supalo.
We are a STEM consulting and access technology company. We specialize in the development of text-to-speech enabled scientific data collection interfaces to empower print-disabled students to have more hands-on quantifiable learning experiences individually or as part of laboratory teams in science laboratory learning environments. Click here for more information about our consulting services.
Hands on science labratory learning for the blind has been made possible through our strong collaboration with Vernier Science Education who, since 1981, has promoted computer assisted scientific data collection in the science laboratory classroom. This transformative partnership is helping to change the landscape of science access for blind students. Independence Science actively seeks research and development collaborations with entities interested in opening the doors of opportunities for the blind in Science, math, engineering and technology.
We maintain a team of disabled scientists who provide multiple viewpoints in key aspects of our product development efforts. To learn more about our team, click here.
Since 2009, Independence Science has supported community outreach that promotes the inclusion of blind students in hands-on science learning experiences. Our flagship outreach event is the ISLAND conference on STEM and disability or Inclusion in Science Learning a New Direction Conference on STEM and disability. Click here for more information or to register for the annual ISLAND conference.
In The News
2022 March | Star City News | West Lafayette Company Receives Grant to Create Inclusive Lab Tech
2021 January [Braille Monitor] Remote Science Learning Advancements for the Blind by Ashley Neybert
2020 August | Purdue University Research Foundation News | Blind 9/11 Survivor Joins Independence Science to Help Blind Students Access Science Amid Pandemic
2016 December | Purdue University Research Foundation News | Independence Science announces new device for visually impaired students
2014 February | IndyStar | Blind Purdue Grad Works to Make Science More Accessible
2010 September Penn State Alumnus at White House
2010 February Scientific contributions
2010 February Event to Highlight Disabilities
2009 October |Purdue| New Consulting Company Press Release
2009 October |Purdue | Company makes science more accessible