These accessibility guidelines provide general assistance and practical strategies for students with diverse accessibility requirements. They offer an overview of assistive technologies, learning strategies, and resources designed to optimize the learning experience for students with visual, auditory, mobility, cognitive, or other accessibility needs.

It is important to understand that these guidelines are not comprehensive. Individual student needs vary significantly, and while these resources offer a valuable starting point, students are strongly encouraged to contact accessibility services for personalized support and accommodations to meet their specific requirements.

Getting Started with Basic Accessibility

Computer & Device Settings

• Enable Accessibility features on a Mac

• Windows Keyboard shortcuts for Accessibility on Windows

Magnification Tools

These tools are particularly beneficial for individuals with visual impairments, as they facilitate easier access to content. They offer customizable zoom levels and focus areas tailored to meet individual needs, ensuring a more inclusive experience.

• Zoom in on what is on screen on Mac computers

• Use magnifier to make things easier to read on Windows

Application-Specific Guides

Canvas

Canvas prioritizes accessibility with compatibility for screen readers, keyboard navigation, and image alternative text. It offers customizable settings for users with visual impairments to adjust font size and color contrast. Additionally, video captions enhance the user experience.

• Making files accessible with UDOIT

• Canvas Accessibility Standards

• Immersive Reader for Canvas

Zoom

Zoom provides live transcriptions and automated captions for real-time dialogue. It supports screen readers like JAWS and VoiceOver, and offers keyboard shortcuts for navigation. Users can customize font sizes for chat and captions and adjust video layouts by rearranging participant windows. Features like multi-pinning and multi-spotlighting keep key speakers visible, while AI-generated summaries and language translations enhance the experience.

• Zoom Keyboard shortcuts

• Zoom accessibility guides

• Zoom Machine-generated Captions

• Zoom AI Companion (Note: Ask your instructor if this feature is enabled)

• Zoom language translations - (Limited licenses avalaible - send ITS a support ticket if needed)

Panopto

Panopto provides automatic captioning, screen reader compatibility, and keyboard navigation. Users can adjust playback speeds for personalized learning. Users can also search for keywords within videos.

• Panopto accessibility guides

• Panopto keyboard shortcuts

• Panopto captions -(For ADA-compliant human captioning, contact NCSSM Accessibility Resources.

• Panopto video search tool - allows students to quickly find and revisit specific topics without having to watch an entire lecture again.

• Panopto Playback speed - Supports students who may need more time to process information, while screen reader compatibility ensures better usability for visually impaired learners

Microsoft Software

Microsoft Immersive Reader

Microsoft Immersive Reader enhances accessibility with tools for various learning needs, including text-to-speech, customizable text sizes, adjustable fonts, line focus, translation options, and picture dictionaries. It improves reading comprehension and concentration, promoting an inclusive learning environment for all users.

• Immersive Reader for Canvas

• Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge browser

Microsoft Edge Browser

Edge browser is recommended for students who benefit from text-to-speech functionality.

• Accessibility features in Microsoft Edge

• Keyboard shortcuts in Microsoft Edge

Microsoft Office

• Accessibility tools for Office

• Keyboard shortcuts in Office

• Use a screen reader with Office apps

• Set up your device to work with accessibility in Microsoft 365

• Use color and contrast for accessibility in Microsoft 365

Microsoft OneNote & OneDrive

• Accessibility tools for OneNote

• Accessibility tools for OneDrive

Microsoft Windows

• Accessibility support for Windows

• Windows keyboard shortcuts for accessibility

• Keyboard shortcuts in Windows

• Keyboard shortcuts in apps

• Change color contrast in Windows

• Accessibility information for IT Professionals

Google Workspace

• Google Workspace User Guide to Accessibility

Assistive Technology and Support Tools

Screen Readers

True screen readers like Narrator and VoiceOver are far more beneficial for blind students than tools like Speechify. They offer complete system integration, allowing seamless navigation and interaction with devices. These screen readers provide real-time feedback, describe content layouts, support keyboard commands, and are compatible with braille displays, addressing comprehensive accessibility needs. In contrast, Speechify focuses mainly on text-to-speech functionality.

• Guide to Screen Readers

Text-to-Speech Tools

• Microsoft Immersive Reader (also covered above)

• Speechify - Contact Accessibility Services if you require a full license.

Speech-to-Text Tools

• Google Docs Voice Typing - use your voice to type in Google Docs

• Microsoft Word Dictation - Speech to text typing for Microsoft Word

• Speechnotes - Web-based speech to text tool

Artificial Intelligence Note-Taking

• Otter AI (Limited licenses available—contact Accessibility Services)

• Zoom AI Companion (found under the Zoom section)

Mindfulness Apps

Mindfulness apps enhance accessibility in schools with tools like guided audio, customizable visuals, and adaptive features for diverse student needs. They promote mental well-being, helping students manage stress, improve focus, and build emotional resilience, thus fostering a more inclusive and supportive learning environment.

• Headspace for K-12 Students (Free accounts)

Additional Notes & Reminders

Consult Accessibility Services

These guides serve as a starting point. For tailored assistance, please reach out to NCSSM Accessibility Services.