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Google for Education – Explore Built-in Accessibility Tools 

Google for Education

Introduction to Google for Education accessibility tools

With Google for Education accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s an essential component of everything they create. Google for Education offers built-in accessibility tools that can help all students learn and access information in their own unique way. These features are designed to create inclusive learning environments, allowing students and educators to customize their learning tools with confidence.

Tailoring education to each student’s unique path

Easy-to-use, built-in accessibility tools.

Make education equal for all with Google for Education

Vision Accessibility in Google Workspace for Education

Visual content plays a significant role in today’s digital learning landscape, so it is crucial to provide the right tools to support students with vision impairments. Without these tools, students with vision impairments can really struggle. Accessible technology bridges the gap for students, ensuring they can participate fully in educational activities.

  • Screen reading software programs convert text into synthesized speech, allowing students to “read” digital content. 

  • Enabling high-contrast modes enhances readability for those with low vision. 

  • Descriptive alt text for images ensures that screen readers convey image content effectively. 

  • Braille Support transforms digital text into Braille. Empowering students to ‘read’ their screens through touch. It is important to note that a separate Braille display device is required to utilise this feature. 

  • For those with low vision or those who want a larger mouse cursor, you can adjust the mouse cursor size even larger or smaller to your exact needs with a slider in settings.   

Get started at your own pace

Google for Education accessibility training playlist

Promoting personalised learning experiences with Google for Education

Hearing Accessibility in Google Workspace for Education

When students struggle with even mild hearing loss, it can dramatically impact social interactions and overall school success. Here are some ways Google are working to combat those barriers.

  • Mono Audio plays the same audio through all speakers, accommodating differing hearing levels in each ear. 

  • Live Caption generates real-time and accurate captions directly in your Chrome browser. 

  • Closed captions in Google Slides automatically transcribe spoken text during live presentations.  

  • Pair tiles in Google Meet allows users to pair tiles in a call. For example, a participant and their sign language interpreter can use pair tiles to show who’s speaking or interpreting 

Google Workspace user guide to accessibility

Learn more about accessibility features in Google Workspace

Celebrating diverse mobility needs with Google for Education

Mobility Accessibility in Google Workspace for Education

Google for Education recognises the importance of accessibility for students with diverse mobility needs. Let’s explore mobility-related features in Google Workspace for Education and Chromebooks:

  • Dictate content in Google Docs, the browser search bar, or Google Slides speaker notes. 

  • Customise your touchpad by enabling automatic clicks, tap-to-drag, or tap-to-click functionality.

  • Use keyboard shortcuts one key at a time or in a sequence by turning on sticky keys. 

Explore Tools for Diverse Learners Training

When it comes to learning, there is certainly no one-size-fits-all solution

Supporting learning and cognitive differences with Google for Education

Cognitive Accessibility in Google Workspace for Education

Google Workspace for Education provides tools to support students with learning and cognitive differences.

  • Built-in Grammar and spell check help maintain focus by automating error correction.  

  • Explore empowers students to find and access a wide variety of educational resources, suggestions, tools, and information instantly. 

  • Select-to-Speak allows students to highlight text and have it read aloud, which can help with comprehension and retention. 

  • Turn off the blinking text cursor on Chromebook for students with photosensitive seizure triggers and cognitive differences.  

  • High colour contrast makes text and images easier to read and comprehend.  Choose dark mode to make the background dark with light text, instead of the reverse. This will reduce eye strain and minimize other distractions for students. 

  • Enable transcripts in your meetings so that participants can review the meeting dialogue in written form at a later time. 

  • Remove video distractions by turning off the video feed from other participants. Focus your meeting view to just the presenter or hide participants with video feeds you find distracting. Other participants aren’t notified or experience any changes on their feeds.  

Accessibility Flashcards

Explore additional accessibility features

We are committed to accessible learning and teaching 

Our Final Thoughts

Google for Education’s commitment to accessibility extends beyond features. It’s about fostering an inclusive educational ecosystem where every student can thrive. Google tools empower students to tailor their learning experiences. Whether it’s adjusting font sizes, using screen readers, or customising keyboard shortcuts, students can adapt tools to their preferences. Teachers can create accessible content by providing alternative text for images, using clear formatting, and organizing materials effectively. They can also customize assignments to accommodate diverse needs.

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Grace Gleeson

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