Fourth Blog Resources and Information on Accessible Technologies

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 Resources for Accessible Technologies

In an era where digital learning is critical to classroom engagement, inclusivity must remain the lead point to explore. There are many online tools available but one online tool stands tall for its adaptive technology potential, even though not conventionally labeled as assistive, Google Docs Voice Typing is the answer for today. Free within the Google Workspace suite, this platform supports visual impairment, voice-to-text functionality, learning differences, breaking down barriers for scholars with physical disabilities, or language processing tasks. While not formally labeled as an assistive device, disabilities, it supports a wide range of learning needs, particularly in inclusive K–12 educational environments.

Tool Link: Google Docs Voice Typing

Inclusive Education in Action

Google Docs Voice Typing enables scholars to express their ideas without the physical effort of typing or the cognitive strain of spelling, keyboard use, or grammar. Google Voice Typing allows end users to dictate their manuscripts instead of typing. This tool nurtures inclusive education by:

  • Support scholars with language-based learning disabilities and dyslexia
  • Empowers visually impaired scholars to benefit from auditory interaction
  • Assisting scholars with motor impairments who struggle with the use of traditional input devices
  • Encourage multilingual scholars to translate and express ideas verbally in their preferred language
  • Have limited fine motor skills
  • Experience dyslexia disabilities, etc.
  • English Language Learners (ELLs)
  • Advantages of auditory learning over kinesthetic tasks

While incorporating these tools into classrooms, cultivates an environment that values different sensory experiences, accessibility needs, and learning styles. Scholars can use a microphone and a Google account to verbally express their ideas, reduce frustration, and enable independence.

How to Locate, Access, and Use Voice Typing

1.    Open Google Docs on the Chrome browser.

2.    Go to Tools > Voice typing...

3.    Click the microphone icon to begin dictating.

4.    Use voice commands to add punctuation or formatting (e.g., “new paragraph,” “comma”).

 

Actions to Ensure Inclusive Education

Free up your fingers and hands so that you can write by speaking out loud!

Google Docs Voice Typing enables scholars to express their ideas without the physical effort of typing or the cognitive strain of spelling, grammar, or keyboard use. This tool fosters inclusive education by:

  • Supporting scholars with dyslexia or other language-based learning disabilities.
  • Empowering visually impaired learners who benefit from auditory interaction.
  • Assisting scholars with motor impairments who may struggle to use traditional input devices.
  • Encouraging multilingual scholars to express ideas verbally in their preferred language and translate them later.
  • Step-by-Step directions https://docs.google.com/document/d/17U6uq6NHKdiIlFP9nRnK3RJY8PGdIw--WEPF_U6LhFo/edit?tab=t.0

Incorporating such tools into classrooms cultivates environments that value different sensory experiences, learning styles, and accessibility needs. How to use Voice Typing effectively video - How to Use Voice Typing

Visual Designs, Lighting, & Accessibility Features

Compatibility with screen readers, Google Docs’ high-contrast themes, and use of closed captioning tools when paired with Screencastify or Google Meet, which provides an available platform for scholars needing visual impaired scholars and sensory accommodations. It supports: 

  • Backgrounds for better visibility and an adjustable font
  • Combination with Chrome extensions like Read &Write or Mercury Reader to decrease visual clutter
  • Dark mode or accessibility features for color blindness via third-party plugins
  • For screen recordings and captions, pairing with Screencastify allows educators or scholars to create accessible instructional content with auto-generated captions.


All in one Screencastify the helps to introduce analytics and interactive questions.

https://www.screencastify.com/blog/analytics-interactive-questions-new-in-screencastify

Resources for Educators and Librarians

  • Google for Education Accessibility Guide
  • Voice Typing Best Practices
  • Edutopia Article: Tech Tools for Inclusive Classrooms

Suggestions for Use in K–12 Classrooms

  • Student Journaling & Storytelling: To encourage scholars with fine motor challenges to speak their reflections and stories.
  • Collaborative Writing: Allow diverse learners to co-author projects using multimodal input, speaking, typing, or editing visually.
  • Assistive Note-Taking: During lectures for real-time speech-to-text support.
  • Support ELLs (English Language Learners): Encourage oral practice while reducing the cognitive load of grammar and spelling. 

Conclusion

Google Docs Voice Typing is a prime example of how accessible design need not be complicated or expensive. It provides scholars with autonomy, reduces barriers, and aligns beautifully with inclusive teaching practices. When educators are intentional about embedding tools like these, every learner gains a voice—literally and figuratively. By integrating tools like Google Docs Voice Typing into everyday classroom practices, educators create a more equitable, creative, and accessible learning environment for all scholars—regardless of ability.

Reference(s):

Duffy, J. (2022). Rest Your Finger, Try Google Docs Voice Typing. Retrieved from

        https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/rest-your-fingers-try-google-docs-voice-typing

Rice, J (2021). Say Hi to the New All-in-One Screencastify. Retrieved from

        https://www.screencastify.com/blog/analytics-interactive-questions-new-in-screencastify

Stratvert, K. (2023). How to Use Voice Typing in Microsoft Windows, Office 365 & Google

        Doc. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrrSAa_L3Mo

 

Comments

  1. Jenna BishopJuly 11, 2025 at 10:34 AM

    Thanks for sharing, Angelia. I agree, Google Docs Voice Typing is a great example of how accessible design can be simplistic and inexpensive. Integrating this tool into classroom instruction will be beneficial for many different types of learners. As a Pre-K teacher, my mind is spinning on how I can use this tool in my own classroom. I think that it could be so beneficial for students in the pre-writing stage! My students are typically great at telling stories but often do not yet have the ability to write them down. I think I can put this tool to great use!

    ReplyDelete
  2. In the Moody to ReadJuly 12, 2025 at 7:25 PM

    Hello, Thanks so much for your share. I enjoyed the video link on how to use it! That is always helpful for the user to understand fully. I love that it is a free tool built into Google Docs. It helps those who are faster at dictating than typing. I have even used it before when my thoughts are quicker than my fingers. I've noticed that if the audio quality is poor, it does not always pick it up. I was thinking about my littlest learner (4 years old) and how fun this might be for her to see how to spell certain words she is interested in learning.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Bongiorno BlogJuly 13, 2025 at 3:01 PM

    Hi Angelia! Thank you so much for sharing Google Docs Voice Typing with us! In the many years I have worked at a school that has the Google Workplace Suite, I have never known about Voice Typing and have never seen any students or teachers using it. That is a shame, especially as this tool can be helpful to so many people and in so many ways! I appreciate your easy instructions on how to locate, access, and use this tool. Thank you also for providing the link to Jill Duffy's article that offers detailed instructions on how to change the language for Voice Typing. I can't wait to share this information with my former colleagues who work at a school where 30% of the student population speaks Spanish. Your suggestions for the use of this tool in K-12 classrooms are very helpful, too! Before reading your post, I had never considered the many ways that talk-to-text could be used in an educational setting and serve as assistive technology. Thanks again!

    Best,
    Cameron Bongiorno

    ReplyDelete

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