2021 Tech Tips - Accessibility Tools - Browser Apps and Tools - Educational Technology Tools

Sep 4, 2026

2021 Tech Tips compiles practical technology guidance published through UH West Oʻahu’s Weekly Newsletter. The content focuses on accessibility and readability support for diverse users, including how to check PDFs for screen-reader compatibility using Adobe tools, and how to enable text-to-speech and dictation on Windows 10 and macOS. It also provides browser and web-helpful tips such as Firefox Reader View for distraction-free reading, Chrome Read Aloud for audio learning, and privacy-friendly bookmark controls, plus educational technology ideas for creating interactive and annotated learning materials.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryPresentations

FormatPDF

Pages16

Reading Time6 min

AccessFree to download

2021 Tech Tips

Accessibility Tools

Browser Apps and Tools

Educational Technology Tools

2021 Tech Tips Tech tips published in UH West Oʻahu's Weekly Newsletter, Makahaiwaʻa, are compiled by topic. Accessibility Tools Browser Apps and Tools Educational Technology Tools Google Apps and Updates Hybrid and Online Laulima Microsoft 365 Windows 10 Accessibility Tools Check PDFs for accessibility with Adobe Adobe Reader DC and Adobe Acrobat Pro have built-in accessibility features for reading PDFs, whether a user requires a screen reader, magnifier or text-to-speech (TTS) tool. Making PDFs accessible benefits every reader. For example, using proper document structure (title, heading, normal text) enables a screen-reader to read a PDF, and allows a mobile device to reflow, or correctly display text on a cell phone or tablet. Are your PDFs accessible? Use Adobe Acrobat Pro to check TTS readability. Open a PDF using either Adobe application mentioned above. On the View menu, choose Read Out Loud > Activate Read Out Loud. For more, see Adobe Accessibility Features. Is Your Website Accessible? ITS offers assistance to the UH community in ensuring that web-based content is compliant with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2 .0) . UH campuses, departments, faculty and staff can perform website accessibility scans with SortSite, licensed compliance checking software. Scan websites or web pages, and receive a compliance report with any found issues. For details, click Accessibility at UH. Your Computer Operating System Has a Dictation Tool Need a break from keyboarding? Windows 10 users have a dictation feature to convert spoken words into text using built-in speech recognition. To start dictating a Google doc, select a text field and press the Windows logo key + H to open the dictation toolbar. In Word, you’ll find the Dictate icon on the Home ribbon. As you speak, the device listensand converts speech to text. Punctuation can be verbally inserted as you dictate. For details, see Use dictation to talk instead of type on your PC. On a Mac, choose Apple menu > System Preferences, click Keyboard, then click Dictation. Click On. If a prompt appears, click Enable Dictation. Dictate messages and documents on Mac. Browser Apps and Tools Firefox Reader View for Clutter-Free Webpages Firefox browser users, Reader View is a feature that clears clutter like ads and background images from webpages to reduce distraction and improve readability. Text size, contrast, and layout are optimized for easy reading. Users can have articles read aloud, and customize their preferences. Reader View is also available on Firefox for Android and iOS devices. For details, click this Firefox support page. Hide Computer Bookmarks When screencasting or presenting content from an open browser in Google Chrome or Firefox, you can hide the bookmarks bar. Press Ctrl+Shift+B (in Windows) or Command+Shift+B (in macOS) to hide bookmarks. This reduces visual clutter and protects your privacy. Press the same keys again to bring back your bookmarks. Add this tip, and other handy key combinations, to your desktop Stickies for quick access. Read Aloud Converts Text to Audio Text-to-speech (TTS) readers have greatly improved over the years as automated voices have become more lifelike. Google Chrome’s Read Aloud extension is a free tool for users who prefer to listen to content instead of reading. TTS also benefits those with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. Read Aloud works on websites, online textbooks, Google Docs, PDFs and more. Once added, the Read Aloud icon appears on the Chrome browser menu. Pin for quick access. Shortcut keys can be used to play/pause, stop, rewind, and forward. Text highlighting is also an option to support readers. Find Read Aloud in the Chrome Web Store. Shhh! Mute Sound in Ch rome Browsers When using Chrome, click the lock icon at the left of the URL bar. Sites like YouTube have a Sound option with a dropdown. Automatic sound is the default and can result in disruptive

FAQs

How can readers check whether a PDF is accessible with Adobe tools?

Use Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe Reader DC built-in accessibility features. Open the PDF, then follow the accessibility feature guidance to verify screen-reader and readability needs.

How do Windows 10 users use dictation to convert speech to text?

Select a text field, then press the Windows logo key + H to open the dictation toolbar. Speak to convert speech to text, and insert punctuation verbally during dictation.

What browser features help improve readability and listening options?

Firefox Reader View clears clutter like ads and background images to reduce distraction, while Chrome Read Aloud converts text to audio on supported sites and documents.

Sep 4, 2026

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