Assistive Technology in Education


Free Chrome Plugin Pinpoints Non-Accessible Web Content

A new plugin for Google Chrome helps users identify web content that isn't accessible. The uTester Developer Plugin from User1st specifically highlights content that doesn't comply with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1.

Teacher demonstrating skill

Everyday Speech Social-Emotional Platform Adds Video Modeling

Everyday Speech is integrating new features into its social-emotional learning (SEL) offering for educators to personalize the teaching experience for each student using evidence-based strategies and tools.

Blackboard Ally

Blackboard Adds Ally Accessibility Tool to D2L Brightspace

Blackboard's Ally accessibility tool is now available for D2L's Brightspace learning management system.

Melissa Malzkuhn, creative director for Gallaudet University

Grand Challenge Funds Sign Language Tech

A global prize competition called Sign On For Literacy has awarded five innovators seed funding to develop technology-based solutions that increase access to sign language and improve literacy outcomes among deaf children in "low resource" settings.

OLC Research Center

Accessibility in Digital Learning Increasingly Complex

The Online Learning Consortium has introduced a series of original reports to keep people in education up-to-date on the latest developments in the field of digital learning. The first report covers accessibility and addresses both K-12 and higher education. The series is being produced by O.L.C.'s Research Center for Digital Learning & Leadership.

hands typing on laptop computer

Blackboard Introduces Web Accessibility Checker

Blackboard today introduced Blackboard Ally for Web, a solution for assessing and improving the accessibility of institutions' websites. The tool expands on Blackboard's Ally product (launched last year), which focuses on the accessibility of course materials in learning management systems.

Large District Websites Have

Large District Websites Have 'Extensive Accessibility Issues'

The Bureau of Internet Accessibility (BoIA) recently shared the results of automated tests it ran to check the accessibility of a handful of school websites and found that those tested had "extensive" issues related to accessibility.

Of an estimated 32 million children around the world who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind, four in five lack access to education, and just 2 percent get instruction in sign language. Because early exposure to sign language builds a stronger language foundation, those without it are affected in education, employment and social interaction.

$500,000 Grand Challenge Wants Tech Innovations in Deaf Literacy

Of an estimated 32 million children around the world who are deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind, four in five lack access to education, and just 2 percent get instruction in sign language. Because early exposure to sign language builds a stronger language foundation, those without it are affected in education, employment and social interaction.

Microsoft Intros Immersive Reader in Word for iPad, Other Accessibility Updates

Microsoft has introduced new updates to improve accessibility and inclusivity across a range of education tools.

Campus Suite Academy Debuts Accessibility and ADA Compliance Site for Schools

Campus Suite Academy has launched a new website with resources designed to help school and district administrators ensure their digital communications are in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).