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
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.
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.
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 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 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.
Microsoft Edge Browser
Edge browser is recommended for students who benefit from text-to-speech functionality.
Microsoft Office
Microsoft OneNote & OneDrive
Microsoft Windows
Google Workspace
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.
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.