Accessibility
Google Apps and Chromebooks, along with the Chrome Web Browser, offer many accessibility features to help vision and/or hearing impaired students. Google Accessibility, Using Google Products, http://www.google.com/accessibility/products/, contains a wealth of information and resources, along with apps, that can help students, and teachers. Some of the main features:
- Chrome Browser – includes screen readers and magnifiers, full page zoom, high contrast color, and more. HOW: To default to larger type, go to Advanced Settings, and choose the appropriate size.
- Since November 2013, Chrome OS has support for USB-connected Braille displays
- Chrome OS and ChromeVox – Chrome OS (Chromebooks) include a built in screen reader, ChromeVox. It is also an extension for the Chrome Browser. http://www.chromevox.com/
- Google Docs and Sites – screen reader allows ease of use
- YouTube Captions – HOW: turn on by clicking on the CC icon on the lower right side of the video
- Magnifier Extension for Chrome – https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/magnifier-extension/mmknioomkplkkfgaobefmklldbanoaok?hl=en-US
- Voice Comments – allows you to leave voice comments, instead of just text, in Google Drive/Docs https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/voice-comments/hcdoaikeblbbiphjibkhliiedjhnbbke?utm_source=chrome-ntp-icon
- Speak It – Google Chrome extension that enables you to have the text on most webpages read to you. With Speak It installed just highlight the text on a the page you’re viewing then right-click to activate Speak It. Then click the play button to have the text read to you. The voice is very digitized, but it is clear. https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/speakit/pgeolalilifpodheeocdmbhehgnkkbak
- Read & Write for Google Docs – https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/readwrite-for-google/inoeonmfapjbbkmdafoankkfajkcphgd?hl=en-US Introduction to Read & Write for Google http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bPqbk7TJKLo&feature=youtu.be
- Select and Speak lets you select text from almost any website and make it talk
- Voice Recognition – Type with your voice. Dictation turns your Google Chrome into a speech recognition app
- Alternatives to Inspiration: http://educationaltechnologyguy.blogspot.com/2012/04/6-free-mindmapping-appsservices-for.html
