Houston became an important stop in the Tactile Periodic Table's journey through a collaboration with Houston Community College. On April 22, 2026, the college hosted its STEM & ADA Health Awareness Symposium, bringing together more than 100 students, faculty, and community members to explore accessibility and inclusion in STEM.

The event featured a keynote presentation by Dr. Cary Supalo, whose experiences as a blind chemist inspired attendees to rethink how science can be made accessible to everyone. Students learned firsthand how tactile tools and accessible technologies can remove barriers and create new opportunities in chemistry education.

A highlight of the symposium was the Braille Periodic Table project led by chemistry faculty member Karen Fortune. General Chemistry students worked together to recreate the periodic table in Braille, allowing Dr. Supalo to read elements from their developing tactile display. The project demonstrated how collaboration, creativity, and accessibility can transform the way chemistry is taught and experienced.

The Houston collaboration reflects the mission of the Tactile Periodic Table Project: building partnerships that expand access to science education and inspire future generations of blind and low-vision scientists.