In partnership with the Disability Resource Center and Online Education, ITS is excited to announce two new tools to use in Canvas to provide better accessibility for students, staff, and faculty. With so much of our time spent working and studying remotely, it’s important to have accessible materials.
- SensusAccess is an online file conversion system that converts documents into more accessible formats (such as searchable PDFs, audio MP3 files, Daisy, Braille, or e-text) for individuals with visual, physical, or information processing disabilities who experience barriers with print materials.
- Microsoft Immersive Reader allows anyone with dyslexia, low vision, visual processing disorders or ADHD to customize how they read text. It is available when using Microsoft Edge browser, Microsoft products, browser extensions, mobile apps and in Canvas pages. The end user can customize the font-size, background color, font-spacing, present text using line focus, adjust font spacing, and read aloud without a screen reader. This tool incorporates current reading research and inclusive design principles. It will be a helpful tool for the students.
How to use these tools
SensusAccess:- Convert files using the SensusAccess converter tool
- Convert files using SensusAccess in Canvas - The SensusAccess-Canvas integration allows faculty and students to convert documents in their course files.
- Using Microsoft Immersive Reader within Canvas - Text-based tutorial
- Using Microsoft Immersive Reader within Canvas - Video tutorial
Training
Please join us to learn how these accessibility tools work in Canvas:
- Thursday, April 1, Noon - 12:30 PM - add to calendar, Registration link
- Thursday, April 8, Noon - 12:30 PM - add to calendar, Registration link
To Request Disability-Related Accommodations
The SensusAccess and Microsoft Immersive Reader services do not replace accommodations provided for students by the Disability Resource Center or for employees through the Disability Coordinator, Kelly Roberts (831-566-3023), or for faculty may request assistance from the Accessibility Corps in remediating course materials.
More Information
Visit the UCSC SensusAccess service and Microsoft Immersive Reader web pages for more details.
If you have questions, you may contact the ITS Support Center via online https://itrequest.ucsc.edu, email help@ucsc.edu or phone at 831-459-4357.
