Accessibility Blog
Website accessibility is a legal requirement for all school websites. This website illustrates the growing number of legal complaints against inaccessible websites and the legal citation for each complaint. One strategy cited in the article, in the last paragraph of the post, is to have the school district undergo an accessibility audit. Once completed, the district will need to train it's IT staff and content creators about accessibility on websites.
Another post lists specific issues with educational sites and making them ADA compliant. One of which is
For the last two weeks I have utilized two accessibility applications provided by MacBook Pro. I have used the enhanced cursor size and the text-to-speech features. The cursor size was doubled its original size. This feature aids students whose IEP/504 includes visual impairment. Over the course of two weeks I have found it easier to navigate my desktop and selecting specific files on Google Docs & Pages. A major inconvenience, however, is typing with this enhanced cursor. Highlighting specific texts becomes difficult as the size may select the sentence directly above or below the intended sentence. Also, while typing, the cursor reverts to its original size, eliminating the benefits the cursor may have while typing.
My text-to speech experience has been incredibly positive. For the previous two weeks, I have utilized the Victoria speech setting at normal pace. I selected Victoria because this voice recognized more unusual words, such as centurion, compared to the other voice settings. Highlighting the specific text and pressing Option-Esc initiates text-to-speech, but other key selections are available. I have continually used text-to-speech to proofread my writing to ensure correct grammar and spelling. I would definitely use text-to-speech in my classroom while having my students check their papers or assignments before submission.
Another post lists specific issues with educational sites and making them ADA compliant. One of which is
For the last two weeks I have utilized two accessibility applications provided by MacBook Pro. I have used the enhanced cursor size and the text-to-speech features. The cursor size was doubled its original size. This feature aids students whose IEP/504 includes visual impairment. Over the course of two weeks I have found it easier to navigate my desktop and selecting specific files on Google Docs & Pages. A major inconvenience, however, is typing with this enhanced cursor. Highlighting specific texts becomes difficult as the size may select the sentence directly above or below the intended sentence. Also, while typing, the cursor reverts to its original size, eliminating the benefits the cursor may have while typing.
My text-to speech experience has been incredibly positive. For the previous two weeks, I have utilized the Victoria speech setting at normal pace. I selected Victoria because this voice recognized more unusual words, such as centurion, compared to the other voice settings. Highlighting the specific text and pressing Option-Esc initiates text-to-speech, but other key selections are available. I have continually used text-to-speech to proofread my writing to ensure correct grammar and spelling. I would definitely use text-to-speech in my classroom while having my students check their papers or assignments before submission.
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