Using Accessibility Tools in Your Courses

Every SVC student can use tools that read course materials aloud, change how text looks, turn speech into writing, and caption videos. They're built into Canvas, Microsoft 365, Google, and Panopto, and you don't need an accommodation or anyone's permission to use them.

Maybe you're studying on a commute, reading in a second language, or just tired of staring at a wall of text. One of these tools can likely help. Start with the quick guide below, then jump to the section you need.

Prefer to watch? The SVC Library's Universal Design tutorials include short video guides for many of these tools, and you'll find direct links in each section below.

Quick guide: which tool fits what you need

Download course files in a different format (Panorama)

Panorama can turn most course files, such as PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoints, into formats that fit how you learn. It's available to all students in Canvas.

How to use it

1. Open your Canvas course and find a file in Modules, Pages, or Files.
2. Select the small blue accessibility icon next to the file. It looks like a blue stick figure inside a purple circle. You'll only see it when alternative formats are available.
3. Choose a format from the Alternative Formats menu, then select Generate. Some formats take a minute to create.
4. When it's ready, select View or Download.

Formats you can choose from

• Audio podcast (MP3): Listen to the document on your computer or phone.
• Immersive Reader: A distraction-free view with adjustable text, read-aloud audio, and word highlighting.
• Gradient Reader: Adds a color gradient across each line of text to help your eyes track from line to line.
• ePub: An e-book format that resizes to fit your phone, tablet, or e-reader.
• Text file: Plain text with the formatting removed.
• Language translation: Translates the document into one of 100+ languages.
• Braille formats: Electronic braille files for use with a braille reader.

Not every format is available for every file.

Good to know: Panorama creates these formats automatically, so they can look different from the original. Images, charts, and equations may be left out or may not read well. If something is missing or sounds wrong, contact your instructor.

Change how Canvas pages look and sound (Immersive Reader)

Immersive Reader strips a Canvas page down to its text and gives you controls to read it your way.

How to use it

1. Open a Canvas page, an assignment, the syllabus, or your course home page.
2. Select the Immersive Reader button near the top right of the page.
3. Use the toolbar to set things up your way:
   • Play: Reads the page aloud, highlighting each word.
   • Voice settings: Change the voice and reading speed.
   • Text preferences: Change text size, spacing, font, and background color.
   • Grammar options: Highlight parts of speech or break words into syllables.
   • Reading preferences: Focus on a few lines at a time or translate the page.
4. Select Exit to return to Canvas.

Where it doesn't work: Discussions, quizzes, uploaded files such as PDFs and Word documents, and content embedded from other websites. For files, use the Immersive Reader format in Panorama instead.

Watch: Canvas Immersive Reader video

Have text read aloud

These tools read text out loud and highlight each word as they go. You don't need to install anything.

• Microsoft Edge (web pages and PDFs): Press Ctrl+Shift+U (Command+Shift+U on a Mac), or right-click and select Read aloud. Press the same keys again to pause or stop. Use the toolbar to change the voice and speed. The Natural voices sound the most human.
• Microsoft Word: Open the Review tab and select Read Aloud. It starts reading where your cursor is. This is also a good way to proofread your own writing by ear.
• Your phone or computer: Most devices have a built-in screen reader, such as Narrator on Windows, Spoken Content on Mac, Speak Screen on iPhone, and TalkBack on Android. Search for "accessibility" in your device's Settings to find it.

Watch: Read a PDF Aloud (1:55) or Dictate and Read Aloud in Microsoft Word (4:48)

Write by speaking (dictation)

Speaking is a fast way to get a first draft down, and it helps when typing is slow or tiring. Say what you want to write, then go back and edit.

• Microsoft Word: Select Home, then Dictate, and start talking. This needs an internet connection and a Microsoft 365 account. The button is grayed out in read-only documents.
• Google Docs: Open your document in Chrome, Edge, or Safari, then select Tools, then Voice typing. You can also press Ctrl+Shift+S (Command+Shift+S on a Mac). Select the microphone and allow microphone access if your browser asks.
• Windows (any text box): Click where you want to type and press the Windows key + H.
• Mac (any app): Turn on Dictation in System Settings under Keyboard, then use the shortcut shown there.
• Phone or tablet: Tap the microphone on your keyboard.

Tips

• Say punctuation out loud, such as "period," "comma," or "new paragraph."
• When you're done, use Read Aloud to hear your draft and catch words that were misheard.
• If nothing appears on screen, check that the right microphone is selected in your device's sound settings.

Watch: Dictate in Google Docs (1:58) or Dictate and Read Aloud in Microsoft Word (4:48)

Captions, transcripts, and speed for videos (Panopto)

Panopto videos have automatic captions you can turn on, restyle, and search. You can also slow a video down or speed it up.

Turn on captions

1. Play the video and select the CC button on the player.
2. To change how captions look, open the caption settings and adjust the size, color, and position.

Captions are generated automatically, so they can miss names and technical terms. If you spot errors, let your instructor know.

Read the transcript and search the video

1. Open the video in the full Panopto viewer. Look for the option that opens it in a new window.
2. Select the Captions tab to read along as the video plays.
3. Search for a word or phrase to jump straight to that moment in the video.

The Captions tab only appears when a video has captions.

Change the playback speed

Select the speed button on the player and choose anything from 0.5x (half speed) to 2x (double speed). Slow down for dense material or speed up when you're reviewing.

Watch: Change the Speed & Turn on Captions for Videos (3:37) or Use Captions and Transcripts in Videos (3:45)

Getting help

• Can't find a button or icon, or a tool isn't working: Contact eLearning for Canvas, Panorama, and Panopto help. Email us at eLearning@skagit.edu.
• Microsoft 365 or college account problems: Contact the IT Help Desk at It.HelpDesk@skagit.edu 
• A problem with a specific course item (a file that won't convert or a video without captions): Tell your instructor.
• Formal accommodations: Contact Disability Access Services at 360-416-7654. The tools in this guide are available to everyone, but they don't replace approved accommodations.