This document discusses various technologies that can help promote accessibility and inclusion for learners with disabilities. It provides information on specialized software like screen readers, text-to-speech programs, and word prediction tools that are available for both Windows and Mac computers. It also discusses mobile apps and features of Apple devices that support accessibility. Examples of free software applications are provided. Tips are given for creating accessible documents, presentations, and checking documents for accessibility issues. The goal is to demonstrate how technology can help overcome barriers and engage adult learners with disabilities.

1. Kathy Hicks
August 3, 2013

2. 
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What are ICTs?
How can teachers and
trainers make better use of
technology
Specialized software for
learners
Leveraging tablets and
mobile devices

3. Information and communication
technologies (ICT) are a diverse set of
technological tools and resources used to
communicate, and to create, disseminate,
store, and manage information.*
*Blurton, C. (1999) New Directions of ICT-Use in Education.

5. Windows 7 includes the “Ease of Access Center”
which makes it easy to customize a PC with the
following accessibility features:
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Use the computer without a display
Make the computer easier to see
Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard
Make the mouse or keyboard easier to use
Use text or visual alternatives for sounds
Make it easier to focus on tasks
To access these features, tap the Windows Logo key + u.

6. Every Mac computer comes standard with
assistive technologies including features like:
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VoiceOver(screen reader)
Zoom (built in magnifier)
Dictation
Invert Colors (higher contrast)
Cursor size
Screen flash (visual beep)
Text to speech
See handout on Mac keyboard shortcuts for Accessibility preferences

7. Tips for creating accessible documents:
 Use heading styles
 Add alt text for images and links
 Use captions for images in print or digital
documents
 Fonts (Arial or Verdana)
 Use good colour contrast
 Do not use tables for design layout
 Do not use text boxes
See Quick Reference Card on creating accessible documents in Word.

8. Tips for creating accessible presentations:
 Add alternative text to all images and objects
 Specify column header information in tables
 Ensure all slide have unique titles
 Use simple table structure
 Avoid blank cells for formatting
 Include closed captioning for videos

11. JAWS (Job Access for Windows
and Speech)
 A screen reading program that
helps low vision or blind users
complete computer-based
tasks.
 Instead of navigating with a
mouse, JAWS uses keystroke
combinations.

12. 
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A scanning/reading program
that converts print to electronic
which can then be read to a
user.
Includes a study skills toolbar
with options for highlighting,
note taking, voice notes or
bookmarks.

13. A word processor controlled by voice commands. The
user speaks into a headset, and the words appear on the
screen.
 Perform tasks faster than typing
 Used to create documents, launch applications, enter
data, send email, fill in forms or browse the web.
 Speech recognition accuracy as high as 99 percent
Useful for learners with the following conditions:
 Low vision or blindness
 Carpel tunnel syndrome or other musculoskeletal
disorders
 Repetitive stress
 Traumatic brain injury

14. An enhanced magnifier that enlarges
and enhances everything on the
computer screen. Features include:
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Camera: Use any high-definition web
cam to view and magnify objects onto a
screen
Enhanced web finder: search webpages
for specific word or phrases.
Flexible magnification and zoom
features

15. A text to speech and word prediction
software used along with standard word
processing tools.
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Works with all commonly used programs like MS
Office, Blackboard and any website.
Provides prompts or cues to help choose words
and self-detect errors
Word prediction works even for misspelled
words.
Create special vocabularies (common or
personal words and names)

16. Apple mobile devices come
equipped with several
accessibility features
including:
 VoiceOver ( first
gesture-based reader)
 Adjustable speaking
rates
 Support for braille
displays
 Zoom
 Invert colours

17. 
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Evernote (Free) – Take notes, capture photos or
blackboards notes, record lectures, reminders
Dragon Dictation (Free)- text to speech
Penultimate (Free) – take handwritten notes or
draw pictures
DropBox (Free) – cloud storage
Flashcardlet (Free) – make your own study
materials

18. Information and Communication Technologies have
the potential to provide opportunities to engage
adults with learning disabilities. Today’s technology
offers a range of everyday tools, specialized
software, mobile devices and apps to help learners.
These tools can be powerful in helping learners to
overcome barriers and promote inclusiveness.

19. Exercise:
Follow the steps on this handout to check for
accessibility issues on one of your documents.
Post your results on the forum.

20. Adobe (21030. Adobe Reference Cards. Retrieved from:
http://blogs.adobe.com/accessibility/files/accessibility/assets/WordToPDFReferenceCard_v1.pdf
AFB Consulting (2013). Adobe Acrobat Pro Accessibility Guide: Creating Accessbile PDF from Microsoft Word. Retrieved from:
http://wwwimages.adobe.com/www.adobe.com/content/dam/Adobe/en/accessibility/products/acrobat/pdfs/A9-accessible-pdf-from-word.pdf
Apple (2013). Accessibility Support. Retrieved from: http://www.apple.com/support/accessibility/getstarted/
Apple (2013). OS Mountain Lion: Shortcuts for Accessibility. Retrieved from: http://support.apple.com/kb/PH10566
Blurton, C. (1999) New Directions of ICT-Use in Education. Retrieved from http://www.unesco.org/education/lwf/dl/edict.pdf
Center for Accessibly Technology (2011). Accessible Technology Coalition. Retrieved from http://atcoalition.org/
Microsoft (2013). Microsoft Accessibility. Retrieved from: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windows7/
Microsoft (2013). Creating Accessible Word Documents. Retrieved from: http://office.microsoft.com/en-ca/word-help/quick-reference-cardRZ102644124.aspx?section=8&CTT=114
Nguyen, M., Fichten, C., King, L., Barile, M., Mimouni, Z., Havel, A., & ... Asuncion, J. (2013). Junior / Community College Students with Learning Disabilities
and Their Use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). Retrieved from
http://www.eric.ed.gov/contentdelivery/servlet/ERICServlet?accno=ED541388
Quillsoft (2013). WordQ TipSheet. Retrieved from: http://worksource.uwctds.washington.edu/Quick%20Reference%20Guides/WordQ_TipSheet.pdf
Silver-Pacuilla, H. (2006). Assistive Technology and Adult Literacy: Access and Benefits. Retrieved from
http://www.ncsall.net/fileadmin/resources/ann_rev/silver-pacuilla-04.pdf
Teaching and Learning Centre, UOIT (2011). Microsoft Office 2010 Accessibility Tutorial: General Tips – Accessibility Checker and Alt Text [Video file}.
Retrieved from: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXQU4zOV-Zk