The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video shares some helpful strategies when considering how to provide quality online experiences for everyone. Strategies discussed include but are not limited to developing a plan, learning from people with disabilities about what works for them, and evaluating materials manually and using an accessibility checker to determine if alterations are necessary.
Author Archives: chris.bugaj
Predicting Words ln Line Using Read&Write for Google Chrome
The Word Prediction feature of the Google Chrome extension Read&Write for Google Chrome provides a list of potential words someone might use next in a sentence. By default, the feature is set to predict ahead where a list of words appear without the user needing to begin the next word. This feature can be deactivated in the Word Prediction settings. When deactivated, a user will only be provided with a list of words once they’ve started to type. With the Predict Ahead feature inactive, a user needs to generate their own words and choose a word from the options provided based on what they have started to type. Select the Read&Write for Google Chrome (purple puzzle piece) icon to open the toolbar. Select the crystal ball icon to activate word prediction. Use the three dots to the far right to access the settings, navigate to the Word Prediction settings, and deselect Predict Ahead. When the user begins to type, that user can select from the generated list of words. A user could also use the key command of CTRL + the corresponding numeral of the word in the list. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the Word Prediction feature in Read&Write for Google Chrome. At the time of this blog post’s publication, Read&Write for Google Chrome is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
Limitations of Using Color Alone To Convey Information Video
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video shares the limitations of using color alone to convey information and provides suggestions about how content can be created to provide multiple ways to share the same information.
The Importance of Alternative Text Video
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video shares why alternative text is important for those who cannot see photographs and graphic images.
Speech Recognition to Create Equations in EquatIO
The Speech Input feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO converts speech into equations and other mathematical and scientific symbols into digital and accessible characters. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the Speech Input tool. Then, press the red circle button and speak the math equation or symbol. The digital character will be generated on the right in the Math area which can then be inserted into a file, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the Speech Input function in EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
Logical Reading Order Video
The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights provides a video series on a variety of topics related to digital access in education, including how people with disabilities use technology along with identifying and remediating barriers to access. This short video shares what can go wrong when web pages don’t follow a logical reading order for people who rely on keyboard navigation and screen readers.
Handwriting Recognition to Create Equations Using EquatIO
The handwriting recognition feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO converts handwritten equations and other mathematical and scientific symbols into digital and accessible characters. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the Handwriting Recognition tool. Then, using a finger, stylus, or any other conductive tool, write the math equation or symbol in the Handwriting area. The digital character will be generated on the right in the Math area which can then be inserted into a file, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the Handwriting Recognition function in EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.
Creating Materials Using Augmentative/Alternative Communication Emulation Software
The PASS software download from PRC-Saltillo allows users to run the various augmentative/alternative communication (AAC) language configurations (i.e. Unity, UNIDAD, CoreScanner, LAMP Words for Life, WordPower, Essence) on a Windows computer. The software has features which allow users to create support materials to help teach language such as Smart Charts (displays of the path to get to a specific word) to help locate vocabulary and the creation of manual boards that match the overlay in a person’s communication device. The software is approved to be installed on Windows computers supported by Loudoun County Public Schools. The following video describes how to create examples of instructional materials:
Kindergartners Learn About Language Using Augmentative/Alternative Communication
May is Better Hearing and Speech Month! In preparation for the month, learners in Kindergarten at Round Hill Elementary School engaged in an experience where they explored augmentative/alternative communication. Led by speech language pathologist Amy Cote and supported by an ensemble of other educators including the early childhood special educators, the Kindergartners explored the Language Acquisition Through Motor Planning: Words for Life application. The students learned how the app was organized, explored how to find words, and discussed what it meant to be a supportive communication partner to their peers who are using the application to help them learn language. If you’re interested in leading a similar event, reach out to the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology who works at your school! 
Text to Speech in Content from Britannica School
Britannica School, a tool available in Loudoun County Public Schools, provides resources with a built-in text to speech function which highlights the sentence being read aloud. The highlighting invites learners to follow along with their eyes to track the content. Text to speech is accessed by pressing the play icon located in different locations based on which level (elementary, middle, or high) is being used. Britannica School is available through LCPS Go.
