Can I do it?

Yes! Have you had students request access to screen reading applications so they can listen to their course materials? There are many reasons students might need to listen to content, such as accommodating for a vision impairment or learning disability. There are a variety options, including Canvas features, free applications, and browser extensions, that students can access for free!

This tip aligns with section 4 of the BTC Course Design Tool. Specifically, these features help provide students with “a variety of mediums and formats (Universal Design for learning - UDL)” and “accessible material and technology with equivalent alternatives.”

How do I do it?

Canvas Applications

Immersive Reader

Open a Canvas Assignment, Page, or the Syllabus.
Click the Immersive Reader button.
Use the tools and options to enhance the reading experience.
- Listen to page text: Click the Play button to hear the page read aloud.
- Adjust audio speed: Click the Voice Settings button to adjust audio settings.

Canvas Guide: How do I use the Microsoft Immersive Reader?

Ally Alternative Formats

Click Alternative formats (next to the file name).
Select the desired format from the Download alternative formats pop-up window.
- Audio: An electronic audio file of the document.
- Immersive Reader: Opens the document in the Immersive Reader tool.
Click the Download button.

Ally Help Guide: Alternative Formats

Options Outside of Canvas

Free Screen Readers

NVDA: NVDA is a free and open-source screen reader designed for use with Windows computers.
Apple Voiceover: Voiceover is a free screen reader designed by Apple that can be used with iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers.
ChromeVox: ChromeVox is a free screen reader that is built into all Chromebook devices.

Browser Extensions

Web-powered text-to-speech extensions can be added to most Internet browsers for free. Following is a list of links to free extensions for commonly used browsers.