Accessibility Tools

 In school settings, one way to learn about accessibility is in a classroom. In this specific we are talking about accessibility tools and how they can help a student. For starters, text-to-audiobooks. For someone like me who struggles with re-reading a sentence multiple times and having to start over when reading, an app like Speechify can simply create an audiobook out of anything. This is great for those who struggle with reading, even on computers, or just need to hear the text. 

Moving on we have note-taking apps. This is very simple. This is for students who specifically need to put a thought to the side. Or even need to jot down notes while reading or writing an assignment. Apps like this can be used on computers by opening the app and having it open just in case a thought comes by. Most computer brands like MacBooks already come with this installed. Notes, which can be found on your dock or in the launchpad. 

Time management applications, these apps can be used by not just children but for teachers, parents, etc. Apps like Flora are a focusing app. By planting a tree on the ap,p you can grow it by completing tasks you have planned. This requires not being on the phone to do them, and once a task is done,e you can mark it in the app and watch the plant grow. Other apps like Remember the Mik, are to help organizations. It helps you with setting reminders about a text or email. Or if you needed to call someone later. As I mentioned before, most computers or even phones come with these base-type apps installed. Much like Apple phones and laptops, which have a reminder app.

Visual Applications. Visual applications are normally designed to help the more visually impaired people of the world. I have used slight visual applications. Similar to test-taking in school, I had the background of my test change colors because the white background would bother my eyes. And using the size part to make the font bigger so it's easier to read.

Other smaller things such as using a planner. Most people like myself struggle with staying on task, so things like a planner help. Same with Online calculators. Especially a site like Desmos. They help you understand graphing way better. You can simply put a math problem in and Desmos can plant it on a graph for you. 

New Accesibility Tools

 

Hey everyone! Welcome back to my class blog! Today, I wanted to talk about some accessibility tools I've been using throughout the semester. I think any of the following tools would be really beneficial to use in a classroom.

 1. Screen Magnifier Tool - I use this tool when I can't find my reading glasses, or even when I need to help my mom see something on her phone. This tool has the ability to magnify text or image on your device. It can make words or images bigger, in order to help you see them. 

2. Speech to Text Tool - I personally use this tool on google docs when my hands get tired of typing. All you have to do is speak into the microphone icon, and the words will appear on the page. A feature I really like of text to speech is the ability to speak another language to the tool. It recognizes Spanish and other languages as well. A teacher could utilize this tool with visually impaired students in the classroom.

3. Glean Software - Glean is a study tool that can be used in a multitude of ways to increase accessibility. For example, glean has a tool that transcribes audio. For a student that may have a hard time focusing or note taking, this tool can transcribe the teacher's lecture for use at a later time. The student could take notes of the transcribed lecture. Taking it a step further, the student can also add labels and notes to the audio recordings.

4. Alternative Keyboard - To make your keyboard more accessible, you may choose to add shortcuts to the keyboard, or choose an on-screen keyboard. There are also options to add braille to your keyboard, or even change the layout of your keyboard. This tool may make it easier for some students to use their keyboard.

5. Google Meet - I prefer google meet to zoom and other meeting tools because of its accessibility. Personally, the audio on my computer frequently has issues, so I use live captions on google meet to ensure that I am getting all the info I need from the meeting. A student who is hearing impaired could definitely get good use out of this tool.

6. Color Filter - Color filters can be very useful for those who are visually impaired or those who are color blind. I know you can even use color filters on your phone now. There are options to change screen color to grayscale, red/green, even blue/yellow. 

7. Mouse Pointer - This is a tool I have always used myself! I use the tool on my computer and phone. I use mouse pointer because I would lose the mouse pointer on my screen all the time, since I am visually impaired. I made my mouse bigger, and I made it a bright blue color so. that I can distinguish it against my screen background. This is useful, again, for those visually impaired or color blind. 

.     I hope you all enjoy these tools as much as I do! 

Accessibility Tools

 This week I researched 7 different accessibility tools that can help in the classroom. Being a future educator I want to ensure I am aware of any kind of platforms that can be used to help provide the best possible outcomes for my students. There are going to be students who struggle more than others and who need different measures to accommodate them. 

Google Text-to-Speech is the first accessibility tool I researched. This tool will convert text to a natural-sounding voice. This would be a great tool for students that maybe have hard time comprehending instructions. 

C-Pen is also a text-to-speech tool. This tool specifically scans words on paper and reads them aloud. Not only does this pen help people that might suffer from learning disabilities, it also supports multiple languages and can help someone who is trying to learn a different language. 

Smart Pens are another great accessibility tool! Smart Pens often go hand in hand with tablets or smart notebooks. The pens will translate the information you are writing and transform them over to the device you choose to store your notes on. This can help with organization and also helps share with other people! 

Screen Readers are programs that allow the blind or visually impaired the ability to read text. Screen readers converts text and other elements into a Braille output allowing the users to interact with digital content. 

Voice Typing is a type of software that lets you speak into a microphone and transforms those words onto a digital document. This is a great accessibility tool for those who might suffer from physical disabilities and don't have the opportunity to physically type on a keyboard. 

Zoom and magnification tools on browsers are great for users who might have visibility issues. The tools give them the option to enlarge words pictures, and videos making it easier to see and view content. 

Open Dyslexic is a free program that can be downloaded onto a browser that converts text to create increased readability for readers with dyslexia. The program offers regular, bold, and italic styles and offering 2 typefaces of OpenDyslexic and OpenDyslexic-Alta. 

Accessible Tools

 What Are Accessibility Tools?

Accessibility tools are tools that provide extra aid for those who need it. Examples of this can be through speech, recordings, and even pictures. These tools allow for a better educational environment because they help to make sure everyone has an even chance of success within classrooms. Seven examples of accessibility tools are:

1. Screen Readers:

             Screen readers, otherwise known as closed captions, helps to provide visual words for those who are hard of hearing, deaf or who cannot focus and understanding simply by hearing words. Closed captions are available in many used websites that provide videos or presentations such as YouTube, Microsoft, or Google Slides.

2. Screen Magnifiers:

            Screen magnifiers help to create bigger words for people who have issues seeing things that are in smaller font or overly colorful/difficult font. Increasing the size of the font allows for the reader to view what needs to be seen at a rate in which won't hurt their eyes or cause stress which can create anger, headaches, or confusion. 

3. Sign Language Translators

            Aiding the deaf community and making sure they have equal aid is extremely important. many websites and apps create a visual sign language display of words that are being said within a video. This tool is helpful for websites that do not offer closed captions on videos, or captions that lag behind gestures. Sign language translators allow for gestures and words to be aligned with the video created.

4. Voice Command 

            

            Voice command helps to aid those who have difficulty writing or simple cannot write or type. Voice command is a tool that allows the speaker to talk the words needed as the computer writes it out for them. This program idea is similar to speech-to-text in ways that it writes what you need down, but this one also allows for the user to say a type of punctuation and have it add in that needed "." or "!". 

5. Eye Trackers

            Eye trackers are important due to the fact that many people who are born without limbs, have motor regulation issues, and or sensitivities to textures, cannot or will not touch keyboards. Eye trackers help to aid the person by letting their eyes guild the page needed. If they need to click on something, they hold their eyesight onto the area needed for roughly five to ten seconds. If they need to scroll, stare at the scroll bar for a few seconds and look down or up. Things like this are difficult to use at first, but help to create a more open picture on how technology can aid people

6. Screen Recorders

            Screen recorders can be used for helping a multitude of things, but overall screen recorders are useful for teaching lessons, showing examples of things, etc. This tool can help students to be able to look back on a lesson taught by the teacher and go step by step, replaying the moments that may have confused them. This especially for learners with disabilities, can help drastically improve their understanding when outside of the classroom setting. 

Overall, accessibility tools can be helpful and aid anyone who needs them. New tools are being in the works every day on different platforms. All with one goal: Helping to improve the world. 

Classroom Accessibility Tools

Classrooms contain a variety of diverse learners, with all different kinds of needs. As teachers, it is our job to make sure we are meeting the needs of each of our individual students, which can be hard! Here are seven useful accessibility tools for teachers and students to use in the classroom to help learning. 

1) Google Speech-to-Text: This tool allows students to record their speech and convert it to text. This tool can be especially useful for students with disabilities making writing or typing difficult for them. It's also a useful tool to help students who struggle with getting their thoughts written down or who have issues with spelling.

2) Present Slides with Captions: This tool by Google allows you to record yourself while presenting in Slides, providing a real-time caption on screen of what you are saying. This is especially useful if you have students in the classroom with hearing impairments or who just absorb information better through text than by listening. The captions can be adjusted and placed on different locations on the screen depending on what suits your classroom.

3) Screen Reader: Screen readers will read aloud texts on the screen. They especially important accessibility tools for those with visual impairments, allowing students to access class materials and school work without minimal struggle and without help from another person.

4) Snap&Read: This tool has the ability to a variety of things including translate texts into different languages. This can be a very good tool to help multilingual students who are learning English have an easier time interacting with their coursework. Instead of having to copy and paste texts into online translators, this tool can translate entire texts for them. The best part is this tool can also function as a screen reader making it especially useful for students who are multilingual and have visibility issues. 

5) Lexend: Lexend is a tool that consists of a series of different fonts that are designed to help make reading easier. The different fonts are designed to help people in different ways and can be a useful tool to have available to students in your classroom.

6) Open Dyslexic: Open dyslexic is another font tool that specifically is designed to help those with dyslexia. It adds a heavier weight to the bottom of letters making it easier to read by easily indicating which part of a letter is the bottom.

7) Reading Progress: The Reading Progress tool by Microsoft is a great tool to use in Language Arts classrooms. It allows teachers to assign students a piece of text for them to read independently while recording themselves. The program then accesses their reading accuracy and can provide teachers with information on how students are reading and how they need to improve, all without students having to read aloud in front of other people.

Accessibility Tools

This week, I took some time to research several tools that can help students with different needs, and I wanted to share the ones I found most helpful. One tool that really stood out to me was Read by Texthelp. It offers features like text-to-speech and speech-to-text, which are particularly helpful for students who struggle with reading or writing. Additionally, it has a picture dictionary and translation options that make it easier for students with dyslexia or language barriers to understand content. Another tool I found useful is Microsoft Immersive Reader, which is available in many Microsoft apps. It reads text aloud while highlighting it, making it easier for students to follow along. It also allows users to adjust font sizes, spacing, and background colors, which can be incredibly beneficial for students with dyslexia or visual impairments. I also came across Ghotit Real Writer, which is designed for students with dyslexia and other learning challenges. It understands phonetic spelling and offers grammar and spelling correction that can be more accurate than traditional spell checkers. The text-to-speech function is a great bonus, as it helps students review their work and spot mistakes. For students with visual impairments, ZoomText is a great tool. It magnifies text and enhances screen elements, making it easier to read. It also has a built-in text-to-speech function, which makes it a valuable resource for students with low vision. Kurzweil 3000 is another tool I came across, and it’s designed to support students with learning disabilities. It offers features like text-to-speech, word prediction, and tools for organizing information, which can help students process and retain material better. I also looked into NaturalReader, which is another text-to-speech tool. It has natural-sounding voices and works with a variety of documents, including PDFs, Word files, and web pages. This tool can be especially helpful for students with ADHD, as it provides auditory support that can help them stay focused. Finally, Speechify is another text to speech tool I found that uses AI powered voices to read text from documents, emails, and webpages. The voices are clear and natural, which can help students concentrate better and improve their understanding of the material. These tools are all incredibly useful for supporting students with accessibility needs. Whether it’s helping with reading, writing, or visual challenges, these resources ensure that every student has the support they need to succeed. As future educators, it's important that we make use of these technologies to create an inclusive environment where all students can thrive.

Seven Accessibility Tools

Assistive technology is transforming the way we read, write, and engage with content. Whether you're a student, educator, or someone looking for accessibility support, there are many beneficial tools designed to make digital communication more inclusive. Let’s get into some examples of these incredible tools:

Google Docs - Voice Typing

Voice Typing in Google Docs is a hands-free writing tool that is perfect for anyone who finds typing challenging or simply wants to capture ideas quickly. This tool is very easy to use and is available right in a Google document. Just go to the “Tools” tab and select “Voice Typing.” A microphone will appear and users can just click on the icon when they are ready to use and click again to stop the voice typing.

Microsoft - Immersive Reader

Microsoft’s Immersive Reader is a built-in feature in Microsoft Edge and across many Microsoft 365 apps, designed to make reading easier for everyone. It offers adjustable text size, spacing, background colors, read-aloud features, and grammar tools. In the classroom, it’s a great resource for teachers to personalize support for students learning to read. Immersive Reader makes text more accessible, guided, and user-friendly for all kinds of learners.

Screen Readers

For individuals with visual impairments, screen readers are essential. These tools convert text on a screen into speech or Braille, allowing users to navigate websites, read documents, and interact with content independently. Some of the most widely used screen readers include JAWS, Dolphin ScreenReader, Microsoft Narrator, and NVDA for Windows. There are also tools like Orca, TalkBack (Android), and ZoomText for other platforms and needs. Screen readers help make sure everyone has equal access to digital spaces.

C-Pen Reader

The C-Pen Reader is a tool that helps to improve reading skills, aid comprehension, and promote independence for individuals with difficulty reading or who may be learning a new language. The C-Pen Reader is an easy, pocket-sized tool that scans words and reads them aloud, using text-to-speech technology. 

Google Slides - Speaker Notes and Live Captions

Google Slides presents a tool for speaker notes and caption features to help individuals expand their presentations while also benefiting others who are viewing the presentation. The speaker notes section helps presenters stay on track, while the live captions feature displays spoken words in real-time on the screen. This can be a game changer for those with hearing impairments, language learners, or anyone sitting in the back of the room. Speaker notes and live captions is all about making presentations more accessible and engaging.

Microsoft Windows - Color Filters

Although color filters are often associated with photography, they have another important role with accessibility. For individuals who are color-blind or have difficulty focusing on on-screen text, changing color contrast or applying filters can dramatically imp
rove one’s ability to read. Adjusting these settings can make text pop, reduce eye strain, and help maintain concentration. It’s a small tweak that can make a big impact.

Google Meet - Transcripts

Transcripts in Google Meet allows participants to review and edit meeting dialogue in written form. This is beneficial for referencing key points, creating meeting minutes, and keeping everyone on the same page. Transcripts also helps people of another language to receive the meeting dialogue in the language they know best. For example, the meeting transcripts are available in English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish. 

 

Google: an accessibility driven Company

In the United States K-12 education system, the google system is widely used. Google has a myriad of tools that can be used in the classroom, and due to their increased usage in the United States, I do believe that Google has ensured that their tools have proper accessibility upgrades to make sure that the students who use their tools are all accommodated for. 

Google Chromebook accessibility upgrades:

A Chromebook was distributed to every student in my high school beginning in 2020 (Covid influenced this decision by the district). I am sure that other districts across the country followed a similar path. With students having access to the Chromebook it then becomes a priority to create an environment where ALL students can thrive. The Chromebook has several key accessibility upgrades that can aid those with visual impairments. The big three of those upgrades would be the In Screen Reader, the braille device-Chromebook compatibility, and the On Screen Keyboard. The In Screen Reader is a tool that reads the screen to the computer user, making the user able to still comprehend what is on the screen, even if they struggle seeing. Compatibility with Braille devices allows blind users to read their screens through their device, making the internet a new realm that formerly was blocked off. For those with poor vision, the On Screen Keyboard can be used to place a keyboard on the screen, which is much larger and also is able to be used by touch(if available on the computer). 

Google Docs follows suit:

Google Docs has similar accessibility capabilities as the Chromebook in general, and that should be expected! It is all google after all. Google Docs has the same In Screen Reader as the Chromebook, however, in Docs, the Reader can be used to edit documents! The braille accessibility is still available within Google Docs which will aid those with vision problems. Where Docs differs from the broader Chromebook is that you can type through your voice. This can aid those who, again, struggle with vision. The ability to speak instead of type can make writing much easier if it is difficult to see the keys on a keyboard. 

Gmail and the importance of Email: 

An email and access to it is important at all levels of life, whether as a student or adult. However, some people do need aid, and Google has provided some with its tools built into Gmail. The trend continues! Gmail also has access to the In Screen Reader. This of course allows for the visually impaired to get some help with what is on their screen. As for an overall accessibility upgrade, Gmail can be accessed, through IMAP(Internet message access protocol), across multiple email clients. In other words, your gmail can be utilized through other email applications like outlook. 

Google Slides, copying Docs? It's all Google so yeah!

Google slides is another heavily used Google application. As mentioned above, the schools of The United States love google, so slides is used heavily for projects and lecture slides. For students with visual impairments to do work in Slides, it is important that their vision gap is met with proper accessibility upgrades. Google Slides also has the built in In Screen Reader, which, same as for the previous tools, can be used to read the screen to the user, enabling them to hear, should they struggle reading. Slides also has access to Braille device compatibility. A tool that separates Slides from Docs however, is their caption system. While presenting a slideshow, the user can turn on captions, allowing those who may have trouble hearing the ability to read the captions of the presentation, bridging the auditory gap. 

Google Sheets, the hardest Google tool to learn:

Sheets is hard to learn in its entirety, but that is just because it has the most baseline features. What that means however, is that it can be increasingly difficult for students with accessibility needs. Following the preceding programs, Google sheets has Braille device support and the In Screen Reader built into it. This includes the In Screen Readers ability to have live commentary. This live commentary would be useful when collaborating on a document with others. The In Screen Reader can announce the entrance and departure of document collaborators along with whether or not the user is working(typing, deleting, inserting) near one of their collaborators. Once more, Google is making sure their most used tools have accessibility features for those with visual impairments, ensuring that they do not feel left out and are quite literally not left out. 

Google Chrome, searching for accessibility: 

While using the google search engine, students with accessibility issues have been given the opportunity to search for accessibility features via Chrome extensions. This tool, the Chrome extension tool, allows students to search for accessibility features that can tailor to their needs. Chrome also has the capacity to turn on image descriptions, where the device will describe images that are on the screen. The most intriguing tool is the Chrome Actions tool. This tool can streamline, well, actions. This can help speed up processes and allow students to work faster, which can aid students. An example of this would be asking Chrome to "create a google doc" or "translate this page." This tool is interesting and I am curious as to why Google created it, because there must have been a specific reason. Regardless, this tool can help students with accessibility needs through its ability to speed up processes and center all of Googles tools into the search bar, streamlining all of its processes. 

 Accessibility Tools 

By Mackenzie Regan

    Classrooms are made up of a variety of learners, all who have their own individualistic needs to succeed. As educators, it is our job to make sure we create a safe, inclusive, comfortable, and most importantly, learnable. There are plenty of tools at our technological advantage that can help us create this space for our children. Let's talk about some!

1. Text to Speech & Speech to Text: This accessibility feature allows students to turn text into speech so they can hear it auditory, or 

2. Closed Captions: This accessibility feature is useful in apps like Google Meet and Zoom. When meeting with students or classes, these apps offer closed captioning, for those with auditory or processing impairments. It assists them by allowing them to read what is being said in the meetings!

3. Screen Reader: This accessibility feature can be useful to the blind, visually impaired, or those with learning and focusing disabilities. It displays text through braille or speech synthesizers, allowing easier reading for those who need it.

4. Alternative Keyboards: There are many different ways a keyboard can be made accessible. Through bigger font, braille keyboards, talking keyboards, on-screen keyboards, etc. These can create easier accessibility for a wide variety of people.  

5. Translators: There are a variety of translation tools and applications at our disposal. There are some that even allow direct translation through direct messaging. There are also sign language translators that translate written or spoken words into sign language. 

6. Content tools: These tools allow for people with learning disabilities to modify things like colors, text size and spacing, and more for easier reading, viewing, and even comprehension ability.

7. Hands-free mouse: This allows people with physical disabilities to use different ways to utilize their mouse, such as face tracking. A specific example of this is Face Mouse. This application even allows for people to connect commands to types of keys, such as opening your mouth to press the enter key.

7 Accessibility Tools

 

 Google Docs – Voice Typing & Accessibility Features

Google Docs offers several built-in accessibility features to make it easier for students to engage with text. One of the standout features is Voice Typing. This tool allows students to dictate their thoughts, which are then transcribed directly into the document. For students with motor disabilities or those who struggle with writing, this feature can be a game-changer.

In addition, Google Docs offers screen reader support and braille display compatibility, ensuring that visually impaired students can navigate and interact with documents efficiently.

2. Google Slides – Visual and Audio Support

Google Slides is another powerful tool within Google Workspace that integrates various accessibility features. For students with visual impairments, the ability to use screen readers to read slide text aloud is essential. Additionally, teachers can use closed captions in presentations to provide real-time subtitles for students with hearing impairments.

Furthermore, Google Slides allows teachers to design accessible slideshows with features like high contrast and larger fonts, ensuring that the content is visible and easy to read.

3. Google Meet – Accessible Communication and Collaboration

For virtual learning environments, Google Meet offers essential accessibility tools that help students engage and participate in online classes. One of the key features is live captions, which automatically transcribe spoken words into text. This is particularly beneficial for students with hearing impairments or those who need extra support in understanding spoken language.

Additionally, Google Meet integrates with screen readers, making it easier for visually impaired students to navigate and participate in video calls.

4. Google Sheets – Accessibility for Data Management

Google Sheets isn’t just for managing data—it’s also a fantastic tool for accessibility. With features like screen reader support, students with visual impairments can interact with spreadsheets without difficulty. Voice typing can be used to enter data into cells, and teachers can utilize customized color schemes to help students with color blindness.

5. Google Keep – Simplified Note-taking

Google Keep is an excellent tool for students who need to take quick notes or create checklists. With its speech-to-text feature, students can record their thoughts verbally, and Google Keep will transcribe the text. This is especially helpful for students with dyslexia or students who find it difficult to write quickly. Keep also supports screen readers, ensuring that visually impaired students can access their notes with ease.

6. Google Drive – Cloud-based Accessibility

With Google Drive, students have access to all their documents, presentations, and spreadsheets from any device, anywhere. Google Drive integrates with various assistive technologies, including screen readers, braille displays, and voice commands, to make it easier for students with disabilities to manage and share their files. The ability to collaborate on documents in real-time further ensures that students can work together on projects regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities.

7. Google Forms – Accessible Surveys and Quizzes

Google Forms is a powerful tool for creating surveys, quizzes, and feedback forms. It is highly customizable and can be made accessible to students with disabilities. For example, teachers can include alternative text for images, making them readable by screen readers. Additionally, Google Forms can be used with speech-to-text for answering questions, which can benefit students who find typing difficult.

 Seven Accessibility Tools in Microsoft 

Built in Dictation Functionality

This tool found in Microsoft allows for students to use speech to text to verbalize their ideas when writing. This can be helpful for students who have a hard time spelling or typing! This can be useful for elementary ed and secondary ed!

Magnify Reader 

This tool can be used to help zoom in on text and make it bigger. It can be useful to students who have disabilities regarding their vision. This tool also allows for the user to drag their cursor over words and the computer will read the text to the user. This can be useful for students who are still working on their foundational reading skills!

Color Filters 

This tool is available for students who may be color blind. They can change the setting to help assist them in distinguishing between visuals. The options are as follow: Inverted, gray scale, grayscale inverted, red-green (red weak, red-green (green weak), and blue-yellow. There are many different options for students pending on which lights their eyes can process and those they can not. 

Text Scaling

This tool can make text appear bigger or smaller depending on the user's needs. This does not distort the visual layout and may be useful for those who struggle reading smaller text or for those who need the text to be smaller! Whatever it may be Microsoft can make it happen!

Mouse Pointer

Microsoft offers a tool that allows for the mouse cursor to appear, larger smaller, inverted or a different color depending on the user's needs. This can make it easier for the user to follow along during instruction and navigation!

Narrator

It is a tool that is a screen reader. It can read and describe what is being seen on the screen aloud. This app supports more than 50 different languages and can be used for those who are learning in a different language and students who have vision differences. 

Immersive Reader

This tool allows for detraction free reading experience. Students can adjust the text to make it easier to see as well as having text read aloud to them. This supports students who are learning parts of speech and can translate words for students who have learning disabilities or language differences. 

Seven Helpful Accessibility Tools

Accessibility tools are total amazing for students who need a little extra support whether that’s with reading, writing, communicating, or just navigating technology. After exploring some helpful resources, I have found seven tools that really stand out compared to the others.

Read&Write

This is a powerful tool for supporting students with learning differences like dyslexia or ADHD. It works as a toolbar and offers features like text-to-speech, word prediction, and a dictionary. What makes it so effective is how it helps students engage with text in ways that suit their individual needs, so no matter who uses it there is something that can be gained.

Voice Typing

Voice Typing allows the words that you speak to be automatically written down on the page. It is perfect for students who have difficulty typing or expressing themselves through writing. Instead of worrying about spelling or punctuation, they can focus on getting their thoughts out onto the page. It’s also great for when students are doing brainstorming activities so time can be saved by avoiding the need for writing everything down manually.

Microsoft Immersive Reader

Microsoft Immersive Reader creates a space free of distractions for reading and lets students customize the experience. They can change the background color, adjust text size, break text into syllables, or even have it read aloud. This tool is especially helpful for students who struggle with paying attention when reading. 

Snap&Read

This might be one of the most versatile tools out there. It can read any text on a webpage aloud, translate it into different languages, simplify it, or even help create an outline of the content. It’s a lifesaver for students who are overwhelmed by heavy reading assignments or for those who benefit from simpler language and visual supports. 

ChromeVox

ChromeVox is great for students who are blind or visually impaired. It is a screen reader that reads everything on the screen aloud, making it easier to navigate documents, web pages, and assignments without relying on sight. It gives students the independence to use their device fully and participate in class just like everyone else. 

Beeline Reader

Beeline Reader changes the color of text across lines to guide the reader’s eyes more smoothly. This color gradient helps students stay focused and improves reading speed, especially for those with attention or tracking issues. 

Ava

Ava is a live captioning app that provides captions during conversations. This is especially helpful for students who are deaf or hard of hearing. Whether it’s an in person class discussion or an online lecture, Ava transcribes speech instantly so students can follow along and participate with the rest of the class. 

These tools all help education become more accessible. Everyone learns differently, and with the right support, every student can feel empowered to succeed.

Hyperdocs

 education is rapidly evolving, HyperDocs have emerged as a game-changing tool that empowers teachers and deeply engages students. As a future educator looking to blend technology, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences, HyperDocs might just become your new favorite strategy. it's an interactive, thoughtfully designed learning experience. Created most often in Google Docs, Slides, or other cloud-based platforms, HyperDocs guide students through a lesson or unit with multimedia, hyperlinks, and scaffolded activities that encourage exploration, collaboration, and reflection. 

HyperDocs allow students to move at their own pace, explore resources, and demonstrate learning in ways that suit their strengths and interests. There are 7 steps to hyperdocs the first being engage, Start with a question, image, short video, or interactive prompt to draw students in. This gets students excited and makes learning feel relevant and exciting. The second step is explore, let students discover and search using websites, videos, articles, you provide. Next step is explain, this is where the teacher can teach or play a video of you as the teacher, lecturing.. Apply, have students play a game or do something interactive. Share, have students share their understandings. Reflect, ask students about how they felt during these activities. Last step is extend, provide enrichment for students who would like to dig deeper. I really think hyper docs is great and i will definitely be using as i get older.

Accessibility Tools

      Accessibility tools, either physical or virtual, are perfect for accommodations in the classroom. What are accessibility tools? These tools are resources that allow and help students to receive more assistance in their work. We’ll take a look at different accessibility tools and showcase their features.

ZoomText is the first feature I want to share about. It’s an extension on Microsoft Windows that allows students who have low vision to see the text better. By providing this feature, it creates a more inclusive lesson.

Kurzweil is another software that allows students the ability to develop literacy skills. The software has a built in feature for reading, writing, and studying for students who may be struggling.  

SchoolAI is an application that can be downloaded to help students who are struggling in any subject. This application offers tutors who are able to break down content for students who are in need. They also are able to chat with AI generated characters that can teach them their lessons, making it more fun for the students. 

Dragon Naturally Speaking is a voice-driven software designed to allow students formatting, creating, and editing documents by just speaking. This program can help students with their productivity by getting them to focus on their work. 

JAWS is the last software application I’ll mention, which is a screen reader. This software can assist users with little to no vision, by allowing the screen to be seen by mouse navigation. 

    The list for software goes on, however, I’d like to highlight two different equipment that can also be used for accessibility. 

A C-Pen Reader is a portable device that reads any printed text in English, Spanish or French. 

Smartpens are items that work like a pen, but use Bluetooth features to record and capture audio which is then sent to the smartphone. These audio recordings are great because they can be revisited, especially if a student struggles with memorization of lessons, or just needing to revisit content in general. 

    While all these tools are useful in the classroom, they are also useful outside of one. With accessibility tools, there comes more efficiency in learning and working overall, which is the main goal to using these tools. 

Accessibility tools for the classroom

 

Accessibility tools are important when trying to create inclusive learning environments, ensuring that all students with either learning challenges or disabilities have the same opportunity as everyone else is essential for education. Here are a few of the tools I like or just have found:

 

1.)   Grammarly: writing assistant that helps all students with grammar, spelling, and clarity suggestions.

2.)   Google Assistant Voice Typing: allows hands free typing through voice commands, making it easier for those who have issues with typing or expressing their thoughts through typing.

3.)   Microsoft Translator: provides translations for students who do not speak the same language and for students who are deaf or hard at hearing to communicate effectively. 

4.)   Microsoft Immersive Reader: Enhances reading skills by offering custom text formatting, text-to-speech, and translations for those who need it.

5.)   Snap&Read: adjusts complex wording into simpler wording, helps truly all students when stuck and confused.

6.)   Zoom Text Magnifier/Reader: magnifies the screen text and provides up close text.

7.)   Natural Reader: Another text-to-speech tool that read aloud websites, documents, and more.

By using these simple tools, teachers can make their classrooms more inclusive allowing all students to reach their full potentials in education. For more tools you can visit here: https://support.google.com/a/answer/1631886?hl=en

Hyperdocs

In the world of education, hyperdocs are starting to gain a lot of popularity among teachers. Hyperdocs help teachers break the norm of "teacher in the front, worksheet on desk". Hyperdocs are digital tools to aid teachers with teaching topics that need more than just pen and paper to understand. This tools help by making an educator's job easier and making learning more enjoyable and engaging for students.

There are many different types of Hyperdocs. Educators will use any of these tools to adjust to the class needs. Among the most popular ones are slideshows and documents. Slideshows are by far the most used ones by educators today, it helps students by giving them a visual representation of the lesson being discussed. There are also some that require more student engagement like padlet, where educators will give students prompts with questions for them to answer. When I was in high school I had a favorite one, it was kahoot. Kahoot is a interactive platform that allows teachers to test the student's knowledge. This tool allows for a host to create a set of questions for the students to answer and compete between them, improving their score by responding on time and correct.

 

Accessibility Tools!

 Rachel Baumgart 

4/3/25

Different types of Accessibility tools 

In today’s digital age, accessibility tools play a crucial role in making technology and information available to everyone, including individuals with disabilities. These tools help remove barriers, ensuring that websites, software, and digital content can be used effectively by all users. Here are seven types of accessibility tools that are enhancing digital inclusion:

1. Screen Readers

Screen readers are software programs that convert digital text into synthesized speech, enabling visually impaired users to navigate websites, read documents, and interact with applications. Popular screen readers include JAWS (Job Access With Speech) and NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access).

2. Speech Recognition Software

Speech recognition tools allow users to control their devices using voice commands. This is particularly helpful for individuals with mobility impairments who may have difficulty using a keyboard or mouse. Dragon NaturallySpeaking and Windows Speech Recognition are well-known examples.

3. Screen Magnifiers

Screen magnifiers help users with low vision by enlarging text and images on the screen. These tools often provide options for adjusting contrast, color settings, and cursor enhancements. Examples include ZoomText and Windows Magnifier.

4. Closed Captioning and Transcription Tools

For individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, closed captioning and transcription tools provide text versions of audio content in real time. Services like Otter.ai, Rev, and YouTube’s automatic captioning feature make video and audio content more accessible.

5. Alternative Input Devices

These tools provide alternative ways to interact with digital devices, benefiting individuals with physical disabilities. Examples include adaptive keyboards, eye-tracking systems, and sip-and-puff devices, which allow users to control their computers through breath-based commands.

6. Color Contrast and Dyslexia-Friendly Tools

Users with color blindness or dyslexia benefit from tools that adjust text and background colors for improved readability. Browser extensions like ColorZilla and readability tools such as OpenDyslexic font make text easier to distinguish and comprehend.

7. Web Accessibility Evaluation Tools

These tools help developers and designers ensure that websites meet accessibility standards such as WCAG (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines). Tools like WAVE (Web Accessibility Evaluation Tool) and Axe assess web pages and provide suggestions for improvements.

7 Assistive Technology Tools That Support Students with Disabilities

 "Assistive technology (AT) is available for students with disabilities who require hardware, software, or specialized equipment to enhance their functional abilities in the classroom" (Stockton University , Accessibility Toolbox).  For students with disabilities, these tools enhance learning, improve focus and 

supports academic success. After reading about the Accessibility Toolbox on Stockton's website, I would like to highlight seven useful tools that can help assist students who have disabilities. One, Read&Write. This is an online program that supports students who have difficulties reading and/or writing. 

 It includes features such as text-to-speech,  a picture dictionary, and speech-to-text. Why is this important? It is not only a tool for students who have disabilities but also very useful for English Language Learners. 

Secondly, the program Glean. Glean is a note taking app that allows students to record audio and annotate them later on. You can also flag important parts, organize notes and play the audio back while you are studying. This program is perfect for students who struggle with note taking and studying, 

Third is Dragon Naturally Speaking, this program is great for turning text to speech. The students take oral notes. This is perfect for students who have mobility difficulties, learning disabilities or just comes up with ideas verbally. 

Next is a C-pen reader which is a handheld device that reads printed text out loud which makes it incredibly helpful for students with dyslexia. It has the ability to scan documents, books and worksheets along with translates the text as it is speaking. 

JAWS also known as Job Access With Speech is a screen reader designed for readers who suffer from vison loss. It will read the text on the screen and enables navigation without a mouse. Using this program, students are able to access websites, word documents and PDFs independently. This boots autonomy for students who are blind. 

Rocketbook Beacons turns a traditional whiteboard into a smartboard. These tools allows students scan and save their content. 

Lastly is the Smartpen, this will allow the student to record everything their professor says as they are taking down notes and then play it back in sync with the written notes. These are amazing for students with ADHD, Auditory Processing Disorder or for anyone that prefers listening back to the lecture as they are taking notes. 

These are all amazing tools that can benefit any type of student and can be provided with Stockton's Learning Access Program.

Accessibility Tools

Ensuring accessibility in education is crucial for creating an inclusive learning environment where all students can succeed. Fortunately, many tools are available to help teachers accommodate diverse learning needs. Whether supporting students with disabilities or simply making content more user-friendly, accessibility tools can enhance engagement and comprehension for everyone in the classroom. Below are seven of the most useful accessibility tools for teaching.

1. Microsoft Immersive Reader – This tool is designed to support students with reading difficulties such as dyslexia. It provides features like text-to-speech, line focus, and adjustable text spacing to improve readability. It also offers translation capabilities, making it a valuable resource for multilingual classrooms.

2. Google Live Transcribe – For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, this real-time transcription tool converts spoken words into text. It allows students to follow along with lectures and discussions more easily, ensuring they don’t miss important information. The app supports multiple languages and provides an inclusive learning experience.

3. Voice Typing in Google Docs – Writing can be a challenge for students with motor difficulties or learning disabilities. This feature enables students to dictate their thoughts instead of typing, fostering independence and confidence in their writing skills. It is an excellent tool for brainstorming, note-taking, and drafting assignments.

4. Beeline Reader – This tool improves reading efficiency by using color gradients to guide the eyes smoothly across lines of text. It is particularly helpful for students with dyslexia, ADHD, or visual processing challenges, as it reduces strain and enhances focus while reading digital content.

5. Captioning in Zoom and Google Meet – Live captioning features in video conferencing platforms help students with hearing impairments follow along with virtual lessons. They also benefit English language learners and students who process information better when reading rather than listening.

6. EquatIO – Math can be difficult for students with disabilities that affect handwriting or visual processing. EquatIO allows students to create mathematical expressions using speech-to-text or a digital equation editor. This makes math more accessible for students who struggle with traditional pen-and-paper methods.

7. ColorVeil – Some students experience visual stress or difficulty reading due to bright backgrounds. ColorVeil applies a customizable color overlay to a computer screen, reducing strain and making digital content more readable for students with conditions like Irlen Syndrome.

By integrating these accessibility tools into the classroom, teachers can ensure that all students have the support they need to thrive. Providing multiple ways to access and engage with content fosters an inclusive learning environment where diverse learners feel valued and empowered. Whether enhancing readability, facilitating communication, or supporting independent learning, these tools help make education more equitable for everyone.