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Google Chromebooks Tools for Accessibility

SPECIAL NOTE: I am working with Blogger to correct a problem with adding links to the published blog. Currently, the links imbedded in the blog aren't showing up in the public version. Therefore, for now, I have added the list of addresses at the bottom of the page that you can copy and paste into your browser.  Once the problem is corrected, I will re-publish. I apologize for the inconvenience. 

https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/reach-all-learners-with-googles-accessibility-tools-suls049/


To piggy back off of last week's post, this week I'm going to talk about accessibility and adaptive technology resources. 

"Assistive Technology (AT) is any item, piece of equipment, software program or product system that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of people living with disabilities" (School of Medicine Columbia, University of South Carolina, n.d.). 

In last weeks post I mentioned how Chromebooks are built with accessibility in mind. Now, Chromebook operating systems are designed and powered by Google. Thus, Google for Education (n.d) lists how students with diverse needs can adjust their Chromebook to suit them with tools such as a built in screen reader, high contrast options, magnifiers, and text modifications. Chromebook even has braille support! Students experiencing audio impairment may adjust audio settings or opt for closed captioning. Various typing options are available, too, such as speak to text or touchscreens. For students experiencing disabilities that makes learning, communication and collaboration difficult, these Chromebook tools are very transformative in their learning experiences. 

There are Oodles upon Oodles of Google tools to explore! For a full list of accessibility products and features, please visit the following site:

Explore some of Google's accessibility features and products.


However, for the purpose of this blog post, I am going to narrow the focus to Google Docs. I like this software because it is free, it is widely used in the school system, and it has a lot to offer everyone (including those who are disabled). The video below is a Google Doc demo.



I explored two assistive technology reading and writing tools specifically: the speech-to-text feature and the screen reader option. The speech-to-text feature can help students with learning or physical disabilities who struggle to type or spell accurately. Users need access to a device's microphone and a supportive browser such as Chrome (Warren, 2021). In ensure the microphone is on, the settings can be accessed by navigating to a control panel or system preference menu on the device. When a Doc is up, a student can access the tool in as little as three clicks. Click on the Tools option on the menu bar, then click Voice typing, then tap the microphone and begin speaking. When the user is finished speaking, he or she simply clicks the microphone image again to end the recording. This is even a really neat tool for students who are not considered differently abled. 

Chromebooks have a built in screen reader called ChromeVox that can be switched on and off with the shortcut Ctrl + Alt + z. There are countless shortcuts for visually impaired users! I suggest exploring the Google support page for ChromeVox if you are interested in learning more in depth controls. Students can customize their listening preferences, record the screen readings (press Shift + Ctrl + ), or chat with other learners using the discuss group. It is truly amazing. I personally love it because my eyes are often very tired after a long day of screens. Also, many find reading the text with an added audio component helps reading comprehension. I certainly fall into this group too. I an a huge screen reader fan, and it's a tool that can truly benefit everyone. The video below gives some additional information on how to use the screen reader with Google Docs. 


I am very excited about learning how to use these resources in the classroom, and I hope to continue learning more as technology advances. It's important to remember that there are, inevitably, students who need extra assistance, but the need never shows up officially on an IEP or a 504 accommodation document. Every educator must be prepared to meet students were they are. Incorporating accessibility in the spirt if universal design "provides a better learning experience for all students and offers a way for students with disabilities to participate without special accommodations" (Spina, 2017).


SPECIAL NOTE: I am working with Blogger to correct a problem with adding links to the published blog. Currently, the links imbedded in the blog aren't showing up in the public version. Therefore, for now, I have added the list of addresses you can copy and paste into your browser. I apologize for the inconvenience at this time. 


For those interested in learning more about universal design (UD), I really like this resource from CAST:
https://www.cast.org/impact/universal-design-for-learning-udl#:~:text=Universal%20Design%20for%20Learning%20(UDL,insights%20into%20how%20humans%20learn.

https://udlguidelines.cast.org/?_gl=1*aj8atr*_ga*MTE5OTEzOTM5My4xNjc3MTg0Mjk3*_ga_C7LXP5M74W*MTY3NzE4NDI5Ny4xLjEuMTY3NzE4NDQ0MC4wLjAuMA.

Google Support Page: ChromeVox screen reader
https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/7031755?hl=en#zippy=

Full list of accessibility products and features from Google
https://www.google.com/accessibility/products-features/

Google Doc Video Demo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6V_h43-BIY

Google Doc Screen Reader
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9-d6_B9ts5w


References
Google for Education (n.d.) Devices designed for all learners. https://edu.google.com/intl/ALL_us/why-google/accessibility/chromebooks-accessibility/

School of Medicine Columbia. (n.d.) Services. University of South Carolina. https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/medicine/centers_and_institutes_new/center_for_disability_resources/assistive_technology/services/index.php

Spina, C. (2017). How universal design will make your library more inclusive. School Library Journal. 

Warren, E. (2021, May 25). Free speech to text on Google Docs helps dyslexic students. Good Sensory Learning. https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/dyslexia-speech-to-text-software


 


Comments

  1. Kelly JusticeFebruary 26, 2023 at 5:02 PM

    Technology has come such a long way in the past few years! Once upon a time, learners would either miss out on these adaptive technologies or the families would have to bear the burden of the cost of it so that their kid would have the same opportunities in the classroom as the other students. I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Google for creating these for their products that so many individuals benefit from each day in and out of the classroom!
    Thank you for posting several sources for more information about this adaptive technology device!

    ReplyDelete

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