Accessibility Tools
Browsers
Extensions can be added to student browsers as long as the technology department has approved them for student use. To see a current list of approved extensions, go to the Tech Approval Purchase Request page in Classlink.
Microsoft 365
Immersive Reader
Immersive Reader is available in many apps like Nearpod, Flip, and Edge. It is also available in Word, Forms, OneNote, and PowerPoint.
Dictation
Most Microsoft 365 apps have dictation as an option found in the Insert ribbon menu. Students can speak instead of type. This function works best when headphones with a mic are used when in a typical classroom setting which helps reduce ambient noise.
Captions/Translation
PowerPoint (in Microsoft 365). Subtitles can be turned on when presenting in PowerPoint to support hearing impaired. There is also a live presentation option that allows the audience to join the presentation from their own device and have the subtitles in their native language. (Note translation is not always 100% accurate.)
Teachers can support students by creating materials that meet industry standards for accessibility by using the Check Accessibility tool found in Microsoft products like Word and PowerPoint. This icon is typically found in the Review menu. It analyzes the content of the file or slide and opens a pane to the right that provides feedback to address any potential access issues. With a few adjustments, teachers can ensure that all of the files they prepare to use with students are accessible.
Check Accessibility
Windows 11
Accessibility Settings in Windows 11
Vision Support
Text Size
Fonts (Under Personalization)
Visual Effects
Mouse Settings
Text Cursor
Magnifier
Color Filter
Contrast Themes
Narrator (Windows Key + Ctrl + Enter)
Audio Support
Mono Audio
Flash Screen Notifications
App Volume Control
Microphone options
Interaction Support
Dictation (Windows Key + H)
Speech
Keyboard
Mouse
Eye Control (requires additional equipment)
TouchPad (Located in Bluetooth & Devices)
Touch (Locate in Bluetooth & Devices)
OneNote
Sometimes text can't be read aloud because of how it was added to the web. Screenshots of text are not recognized as text but as pictures instead. Traditional tools will not read text that is part of an image. OneNote recently added a feature that allows users to take a screenshot of text and paste it into a page in a OneNote notebook. (all CMCSS computers have OneNote installed) Right click on the pasted image and select the option "Make Text Searchable."
Updated: 05/1/24 JC