Student Course Tools

​​DMACC has tools available within Canvas that help make materials accessible to all users.

ReadSpeaker

ReadSpeaker allows text in Canvas to be read aloud.

  1. The ReadSpeaker icon appears in the lower-left corner of your browser in Canvas.
  2. ​Click on the ReadSpeaker icon and select the "Play" or "Listen" button to get started.
Screenshot showing the ReadSpeaker icon in the lower right corner of the window 

For more information about the ReadSpeaker player, visit the ReadSpeaker Player Features Guide (PDF).

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Ally Alternative Formats

Ally is an ADA compliance tool (owned by Anthology Blackboard) that is available in Canvas for faculty and students. When files are properly tagged, the Ally tool generates alternative, accessible versions and makes these available to all users within minutes. Note, if the material has not been tagged properly, Ally may not produce alternative formats and/or different formats may not be available and fully accessible​.

  1. Click the Ally "Alternative formats" button or link that appears next to the file.
  2. From the options provided, choose the format(s) that will help you. Some of the options are listed below.
    • Tagged PDF: Structural PDF for improved use with assistive technology
    • HTML: For viewing in the browser and on mobile devices
    • ePub: For reading as an e-book on an iPad and other e-book readers
    • Electronic braille: BRF version for consumption on electronic braille displays
    • Audio: MP3 version for listening
    • BeeLine Reader: Enhanced version for easier and faster on-screen reading

Visit the Ally Alternative Formats guide for more information.

Additionally, if you have a document you are working on or have accessed outside of a course and would like to convert it to an accessible format, you can try using the Ally File Transformer. Ally information and other DMACC resources can be found in Canvas by going to "Help" in the global navigation menu and selecting "DMACC Student Resources and Support" (or by going into the Student Resources and Support course > "Modules" > "Academic Resources"). Keep in mind that the file must be tagged properly to produce an accessible format.