MWISD Tech Tip Tuesday
February 11, 2020
Accessibility Features on a Chromebook Part 1- #73
"Everyone should be able to access and enjoy the web. We're committed to making that a reality."- The Google Accessibility Team
Accessibility Features
Google has made a lot of improvements with their accessibility features for Chromebooks. They are continuously receiving feedback, testing these tools, and creating new ones. Usually when you think of accessibility features, you think of special education only; however, I’ve found these tools to be useful for students and adults of all ages, disability or not.
Check out the information below about these built-in features, videos I created and added, and links below to the Accessibility Google Help Center.
How to Enable and Disable Accessibility Features on a Chromebook
How to Enable
Accessibility features are turned off by default on a Chromebook. Therefore, you want to turn them on so that they can be easily accessed through the system menu (bottom right corner of the Chromebook where the time, notification, and wifi is located at).
Click on the system menu at the bottom right corner.
Click on the gear icon to access the search feature.
In the ‘search settings’, type in “accessibility.”
You should see the “Always show accessibility options in the system menu,” toggle that on.
Now, when you click on the system menu (bottom-right corner), you’ll have easy access to the accessibility features.
How to Disable
Now, you can easily enable and disable the accessibility features by clicking on the system menu.
Click on the system menu (bottom-right corner where the time is located).
Click on the Accessibility Feature.
Click on the feature you want. Features that are enabled are marked with a green check mark.
Click here to see a short video on these steps.
Two Different Ways to View Accessibility Features on a Chromebook
There are two different ways you can view accessibility features.
One way to view is by going to the top right corner of your Chrome browser, click on the three dots, click on settings, and in the ‘search settings’ type in accessibility. You can manage your accessibility features from here.
The second way is by clicking on the system menu, gear icon, and in the ‘search settings’ type in accessibility. You can then choose to manage accessibility features from here.
Text-to-Speech Features
ChromeVox (Screen Reader)- is a built-in screen reader that enables people with visual impairments to browse through the Chrome Operating System while receiving verbal prompts. If you have this enabled, it is very excellent at what it does. I repeat, it is excellent at what it does. Click here to see a 13-minute video on how to use ChromeVox. If you are not visually impaired, I would recommend turning this setting off.
Select-to-Speak- I LOVE this feature! The difference between ChromeVox and Select-to-Speak is that ChromeVox is automatically activated, but Select-to-Speak allows the user to use when needed. Once you enable this feature, the Select-to-Speak icon will appear on the Chromebook Shelf (black bar at the bottom of the Chromebook with your apps on it). To access it, you click the Select-to-Speak icon and then select and drag the words you want it to read to you. Select-to-Speak works on most websites including: Google Docs, Google Forms, Google Slides, etc.
Dictation- Have you ever used the voice typing on your cell phone? Well, this is pretty much the same thing. Once you enable dictation through the system menu, the dictation icon (microphone) will appear on the Chromebook Shelf (black bar at the bottom of the Chromebook with your apps on it). To access this feature, click on the icon then speak into the Chromebook. This function works anywhere that has a text field, e.g., Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Forms, etc.
Display Features
High Contrast Mode- The feature is for the visually impaired, but if a user is sensitive to the white light, this might be helpful. To activate, click on the system menu, accessibility, and choose “high contrast mode.” It changes the color-scheme for easy viewing.
Fullscreen Magnifier- This feature is used to enlarge your entire screen. When you enable this feature, your whole screen, including tabs, will increase. You’re able to choose the magnification level by selecting the down arrow next to the ‘Fullscreen zoom level’. You can also press and hold ctrl + alt while scrolling with your two fingers on the touchpad to zoom in and out. Another way to access this feature is to use Ctrl + search + m.
Docked Magnifier- Docked Magnifier allows the top third of your screen to be magnified which shows the bottom ⅔ of your screen. Just like the Fullscreen magnifier, you can adjust the magnification level by selecting the down arrow.
TCEA
Throughout the week, a TCEA team-member, Robert Bennett, was posting questions to receive feedback from all educators. He then took the information and put it in a PDF format. Check out the questions he asked and what other educators said.
Thank you to our MWISD Board, Admin, and teachers who made it possible to attend. Thank you for the growth mindset and understanding that with technology, engagement, creativity, and global connections can be made!
Region 11 Professional Development
- March 24, 2020- Blended Learning Academy
- March 25, 2020- If You're Appy and You Know It...
- March 31, 2020- Blended Learning Academy
- May 27, 2020- Blended Learning Academy
- June 24, 2020- Project-Based Learning for Administrators
- June 8, 2020- Twitter Toolkit
MWISD Instructional Technology Specialist
As the Instructional Technology Specialist, I will strive to serve the academic and digital needs of our students and provide equitable opportunities to prepare students for our ever-changing global community.
I will strive to assist teachers in appropriately incorporating and implementing technology in their classroom by being available for one-on-one meetings, PLCs, staff meetings, and providing professional development that meets our teacher's technology needs.
Email: jmartin@mwisd.net
Website: https://sites.google.com/mwisd.net/edtech/instructional-technology?authuser=0
Location: 906 Southwest 5th Avenue, Mineral Wells, TX, USA
Phone: 940 325 6404
Twitter: @janaleemartin
Resources
- Sowash, J. (2019, December 18). Chromebook Accessibility Features for the Classroom - tips for teachers. Retrieved February 11, 2020, from https://www.chrmbook.com/chromebook-accessibility/
- Turn on Chromebook accessibility features - Chromebook Help. (n.d.). Retrieved February 11, 2020, from https://support.google.com/chromebook/answer/177893?hl=en