Why Google Classroom Accessibility Matters
Google Classroom serves as the digital hub for learning in our district. Ensuring accessibility means all students, regardless of disabilities, can participate fully in their education. Proper setup and best practices help create an inclusive learning environment that benefits everyone, including students with visual, hearing, motor, and cognitive disabilities.
Built-in Google Accessibility Features
📱 Screen Reader Support
Google Classroom works with screen readers like JAWS, NVDA, and VoiceOver for blind and visually impaired users.
⌨️ Keyboard Navigation
Full keyboard accessibility with Tab navigation, shortcuts, and focus indicators throughout the interface.
🔍 High Contrast Mode
Built-in high contrast themes and support for browser accessibility extensions and system settings.
📝 Live Captions
Automatic captions in Google Meet integration and support for uploaded video content with captions.
🗣️ Voice Typing
Built-in speech-to-text functionality in Google Docs for students with motor impairments or writing difficulties.
🔤 Text-to-Speech
Read&Write extension integration and browser-based text-to-speech for content consumption.
Use clear, descriptive titles that help students with screen readers understand the purpose and content of classes and assignments immediately.
Good Example
Chapter 5: Plant Reproduction - Reading Assignment
Due: March 15 | Read pages 78-95 and complete worksheet
Clear subject, grade level, and specific assignment details
Avoid This
Reading
Due soon | Do the thing
Vague titles provide no context for screen reader users
Provide step-by-step instructions with numbered lists, clear headings, and specific details about expectations and submission requirements.
Good Example
Assignment: Research Project
Instructions:
1. Choose a topic from the approved list
2. Research using 3 credible sources
3. Create a 5-slide presentation
4. Submit as PDF by Friday 5pm
Grading Criteria: Content (40%), Design (30%), Sources (30%)
Clear structure with headings and numbered steps
Avoid This
Research something interesting and make a presentation about it. Make it look good and use some sources. Turn it in when you're done.
Vague instructions without clear structure or requirements
Use accessible file formats, provide alternative text for images, and ensure PDFs are properly tagged and readable by screen readers.
Good Example
📄 Chapter_5_Notes.docx (Accessible)
Google Doc with proper headings and alt text
🎥 Lesson_Video.mp4 (Captioned)
Video with captions and transcript available
Accessible formats with clear descriptions
Avoid This
📄 scan001.pdf
Scanned image of handwritten notes
🎥 vid.mp4
Video without captions or description
Inaccessible scanned PDFs and uncaptioned videos
When setting up group work and collaborative documents, ensure all students can participate equally regardless of their assistive technology needs.
Good Example
Group Project Setup:
• Shared Google Doc with commenting enabled
• Each student assigned specific sections
• Voice typing enabled for all participants
• Screen reader compatible templates provided
Inclusive collaboration with multiple access methods
Avoid This
Group Work:
Work together on the whiteboard app. Draw diagrams and annotate with the stylus. Present using the interactive display.
Relies solely on visual and motor interactions
Offer various submission methods to accommodate different disabilities and ensure all students can demonstrate their learning effectively.
Good Example
Submission Options:
• Written report (Google Doc)
• Audio recording (Voice note)
• Video presentation (Flipgrid)
• Illustrated poster (Drawing tool)
Choose the format that works best for you
Multiple formats accommodate different abilities
Avoid This
Submission Requirement:
Must be handwritten on paper and photographed. No typed submissions accepted. Must include hand-drawn diagrams.
Single format excludes students with motor impairments
Use consistent navigation patterns, organize materials logically, and create predictable layouts that help students with cognitive disabilities find information easily.
Good Example
Weekly Structure:
📅 Monday: Lesson Materials
📝 Tuesday: Practice Assignments
💬 Wednesday: Discussion Posts
📊 Thursday: Quiz/Assessment
🔄 Friday: Review & Feedback
Predictable weekly pattern with visual cues
Avoid This
Random mix of assignments, readings, videos, and quizzes posted without organization or consistent timing.
Chaotic organization creates confusion and barriers
Recommended Accessibility Extensions
Read&Write for Google Chrome
Text-to-speech, word prediction, dictionary, and translation tools integrated directly into Google Classroom and Docs.
Voice In - Speech to Text
Advanced speech recognition that works in Google Classroom for dictating assignments and forum posts.
Mercury Reader
Simplifies web pages to reduce distractions and improve readability for students with attention difficulties.
High Contrast
Enhances color contrast throughout Google Classroom for users with visual impairments or color blindness.
Google Dictionary
Double-click any word to see definitions, helping students with learning disabilities understand content.
Immersive Reader
Microsoft tool that improves reading comprehension with text-to-speech, visual preferences, and grammar tools.
Student Accessibility Settings to Enable
- Notifications: Set up email and mobile notifications for assignment due dates and announcements to help students with executive function challenges stay organized.
- Google Workspace Accessibility: Enable voice typing, screen reader support, and high contrast mode in Google account settings.
- Browser Settings: Configure zoom levels (up to 500%), text size preferences, and color adjustments in Chrome accessibility settings.
- Keyboard Navigation: Enable full keyboard navigation and customize keyboard shortcuts in Chrome for students with motor impairments.
- Focus Mode: Turn on focus mode in Chrome to reduce distractions for students with ADHD or attention difficulties.
- Live Captions: Enable automatic captions in Chrome for any audio or video content within Google Classroom.
Essential Google Classroom Keyboard Shortcuts
Navigate to Classes
g then c
Navigate to Calendar
g then a
Navigate to To-do
g then t
Navigate to Archived Classes
g then r
Navigate to Settings
g then s
Open Help Menu
Ctrl + /
Search Classes
/ (forward slash)
Focus on Class Stream
g then h
Additional Google Classroom Accessibility Tips
- Create audio announcements using Google's voice recorder for students with reading difficulties
- Use Google Forms with accessibility features like section headers and required field labels
- Provide assignment rubrics as accessible Google Docs with clear headings and criteria
- Enable offline access for students with unreliable internet connections
- Use Google Translate integration for multilingual learners and ELL students
- Create consistent due date patterns to help students with executive function challenges
- Utilize Google Classroom's parent/guardian email summaries for additional support
- Test all shared content with a screen reader before posting to identify barriers
- Provide alternative formats proactively rather than waiting for student requests
- Train students on available accessibility features during the first week of class
