The Inclusive Abacus Education Briefing, held on 28 January 2026 at Abertay University, Dundee, showcased seven years of inclusive teaching practices. The event highlighted accessible, learner-centered approaches for visually impaired students and shared ongoing initiatives across education, health, and employment, emphasising creativity and active engagement.
Founder Pei-Ling Tsao, together with Sue Parsons, ESOL Lecturer at Dundee and Angus College, shared their seven-year journey of translating heritage abacus learning into inclusive education practices. Yeh, Shiuh-Pei, Instructor, Center of Education and Rehabilitation for the Visually Impaired, National University of Tainan, highlights, "Abacus learning is highly suitable for visually impaired students. Its tactile operation supports their learning patterns and enables progressive mental calculation training, reinforcing both computational skills and conceptual understanding." Liao, Hui-Wan, Convener, National Mathematical Group, Taiwan Chamber of Commerce, notes, "Bead manipulation turns abstract numbers into concrete processes, engaging hands, eyes, and brain. Sustained training strengthens calculation ability and cognitive skills."
Building on these insights, the project explores how abacus learning can enhance education, health, and employment opportunities for visually impaired communities. Within a Scottish context, it advances a multisensory framework that fosters creativity, learner agency, confidence, and collaborative learning across partner networks.
British Abacus Association (BAA) / Centre for Inclusive Abacus Education (CIAE)