Recordings for the Blind Symposium Review I just returned from the RFB, Math and Science Working Symposium. I have not received the final minutes from the two days of intensive work by thirty seven individuals from government, publishing, vendors and academic institutions from Europe, USA and Canada. The conference was held by Recordings for the Blind in Princeton, New Jersey on May 12 and 13. T.V. Raman presented his speech synthesis system for higher mathematics. Dr. Raman uses a LaTEX file to produce a audio representation of math equations. The software works on a DEC workstation. This description does not really do justice to the sophistication of Dr. Raman's system. He incorporates a change in tone to denote superscript, subscripts and the various "level" of statements in a equation. The result is a system where segments of equations are coded by a very simple, but powerful system of auditory cues. A equation is read through stereo speakers and the direction of sound follows from the left to the right side of the equation as it is being read. The software also allows an individual to select segments of the equation they wish to listen to and review. It is a very powerful presentation tool for any individual working in higher mathematics, but it is the first legitimate speech system for higher mathematics. The presentation by Dr. Raman was the springboard for the work of the symposium. How can the AsTeR system, (Audio System for Technical Readings, named after Dr. Raman's guide dog), be implemented into a system which will permit access to this vital subject area? We divided up into three work groups, Porting, User Interface and Data Structures. Each of these groups met separately to devise a system for implementation. What was remarkable was an unspoken realization that the ultimate goal of the symposium was more than just the implementation of AsTeR, but a method of providing various accommodations needed by many different individuals with disabilities across multiple platforms. As a result of the two days of discussion, a Plenary Session Summary was created that is nothing less than a Declaration of Accessibility for Math and Science Information. Not only were a series objectives and goals formally stated, but the group divided into various work groups to begin implementation of our stated goals. Richard Jones 602/965-1234 ICRRJ@ASUVM.INRE.ASU.EDU