# CAREER: Grid-Based Code Representations to Support Structured, Accessible Programming Environments and Education

> **NSF 01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA) · $693,895

## Abstract

Computer programming has evolved from low-level machine languages to modern high-level languages such as Python. Tools for coding programs in these high-level languages often use visual elements such as parentheses, spacing, and highlighting to help people understand and create the hierarchical structures that underlie most modern programming languages. Programming environments also use visual cues, such as highlighting changes in the program’s data as it runs, to help programmers find and fix errors. For blind and low-vision (BLV) individuals who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, much of this information is lost when visual representations of code and program behavior are converted into a linear stream of synthesized speech. This project’s goal is to create new ways to represent programs that allow BLV individuals to fully participate in programming while using their existing accessibility tools and practices. The project team will make the new insights, tools, and educational materials widely available, which will increase BLV individuals’ ability to participate in the many jobs and other activities where programming is an important skill. 

The project is structured around two main research aims, each of which develops a key new representation of programs and behavior. The first aim, Grid-Coding, transforms source code into an explicit two-dimensional grid in which rows represent code lines, columns represent scope, and padding becomes meaningful structure. This representation supports non-traditional navigation strategies, including right-to-left, bottom-up, and level-based traversal, so that learners can inspect hierarchy through multiple pathways, recognize recurring code shapes, identify code smells such as deep nesting or overly long methods, and turn padding cells into active learning surfaces for hints, annotations, and locally hosted AI assistance. The second aim, Grid-Time Volume, transforms debugging from a transient visual event 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2543660
- **Awardee organization:** Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NPM2J7MSCF61
- **PI:** Syed M Billah
- **Primary program:** 01002930DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION, GRADUATE INVOLVEMENT
- **Estimated total:** $693,895
- **Funds obligated:** $424,193
- **Transaction type:** Continuing Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2026 → 05/31/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2543660

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2543660, CAREER: Grid-Based Code Representations to Support Structured, Accessible Programming Environments and Education. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-10 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2543660. Licensed CC0.

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