Accessing Content Through Reading supports

Reading accessibility features help students access text, improve comprehension, and reduce fatigue. These tools support learners with dyslexia, visual processing challenges, attention difficulties, or other reading barriers.

Text-to-Speech (TTS): Text-to-Speech reads typed or selected text aloud, giving students auditory access to written content. By hearing the words while following along in the text, students can improve comprehension, reinforce decoding skills, and reduce reading fatigue. TTS is helpful in lessons, e-books, online articles, and digital worksheets.

Screen Readers: Screen readers provide complete access to on-screen text, menus, and interface elements by reading them aloud. Many also include descriptions of images and graphics, and they can be paired with braille displays. Screen readers allow students with reading or visual challenges to independently navigate apps, websites, and digital learning materials.

Live Captions/Closed Captions: Live captions convert spoken words from live or pre-recorded audio into text displayed on the screen, while closed captions provide the same function for videos. Captions reinforce reading by combining visual text with audio, supporting comprehension and attention during lessons, presentations, or multimedia content.

Font/Text Customization: Font and text customization allows students to adjust font size, spacing, color, or select dyslexia-friendly fonts. By reducing visual stress and improving readability, this feature helps students with dyslexia or visual processing difficulties engage more comfortably with text, both on screens and in digital assignments.

Magnification/Zoom: Magnification or zoom features enlarge text and images on the screen. This helps students who struggle to see small text, reduces eye strain, and supports focused attention on key reading materials. Magnification is useful for digital worksheets, e-books, and interactive content.

Dictionaries/Word Lookup Tools: Built-in dictionaries or word lookup tools allow students to quickly access definitions for unfamiliar words. This feature promotes independent reading, builds vocabulary, and improves comprehension without interrupting the flow of reading. When combined with text-to-speech, it also helps students learn correct pronunciations.

Immersive Reader/Accessibility Reader: Immersive/Accessibility Reader is a tool that provides a full reading environment designed to improve focus and comprehension. It combines features such as text-to-speech, line focus, adjustable text spacing, background color options, and grammar support. Immersive Reader helps students read more efficiently, reduce distractions, and engage with text at their own pace, making it especially useful for learners with dyslexia, attention difficulties, or other reading challenges.

Mobility Case Study Activity

Step 1. Determine if you will be working with a team or individually.

Step 2. Open the slide deck linked below after you read through the steps. You may want to make a copy (or download if you are a Microsoft school) and save in your own Drive.

• You will find three case study scenarios. Read through the scenarios.
• Complete the Try It Out for each case study.
  • You may want to explore other tools listed within the Tools for Reading Supports listed on this page.
• Complete the Reflection for each case study.

Step 3. Complete the final reflection on the last slide.

• It is beneficial for reflect with colleagues.

21T4S Acc Toolbox - Reading Supports Case Study Scenarios