Accessibility Information

Bates Technical College is committed to student success, and accessibility in online learning is critical to support all students in their learning journey. To aid in online learning, Bates has several tools and services available to students to improve their educational experience.

ReadSpeaker webReader for Canvas

ReadSpeaker Logo

How does it work?

Activate webReader by clicking the Listen button.

Screenshot of listen button

webReader also allows you to:

  • Select the text you want read and personalize your reading speed.
  • Hover over a paragraph of text to have it read out automatically.
  • View a clutter-free version of the web page with text in your preferred font, size, and color.
  • Download an audio version of your content for offline listening.
  • Select a word and find its definition in the dictionary.

Want to personalize it?

To change your text setting and your reading speed, open the toolbar and click on the Setting (gears) icon.

Screenshot of the toolbar

Instructions on how to use each feature are provided in the Help Tool, which is found in the toolbar on the far right.

SensusAccess is a self-service, alternate media solution for educational institutions. SensusAccess allows students, faculty, staff and alumni to automatically convert documents into a range of alternate media including audio books (MP3 and DAISY), e-books (EPUB, EPUB3 and Mobi) and digital Braille. The service can also be used to convert inaccessible documents such as image-only PDF files, JPG pictures and Microsoft PowerPoint presentations into more accessible and less tricky formats. We call that Inclusion Technology.

You can make use of SensusAccess services for free using your Bates email using the following directions:

  • Go to: https://www.sensusaccess.com/convert-a-file
  • Step 1: Upload whatever media you are trying to convert.
  • Step 2: Select Output Format. You can chose MP3 audio, Braille, E-book, or Accessibility converstion.
  • Step 3: Select Options.  If converting to audio, you will receive audio options. In converting to Braille, you will receive Braille options, etc.
  • Step 4: Enter your BATES STUDENT EMAIL and submit request. You will be sent your chosen format to your Bates email. If you use your personal email, you may be asked to pay a fee before receiving your file.

Alternative Screen Reader Programs

Microsoft 365 Accessibility Tools –  Your free copy of Microsoft 365 comes with a range of built in accessibility tools, from a built-in screen reader, the ability to dictate your document, Immersive Reader, and more.

Windows 10 Screen Reader – If your computer uses Windows 10, it has a built-in screen reader called Narrator. Click here for easy instructions on how to enable Narrator for Windows 10.

Accessibility features for Mac  – If you use a Mac computer, you have the ability to use the built-in accessibility tools such as the VoiceOver screen reader and text to speech options.

Central Access Reader (CAR) – CAR is free, open source, text-to- speech application provided by Central Washington University and is designed specifically for students with print-related disabilities. CAR reads Word Docs and pasted text using the voice installed on your computer. Click here to download this program.

You can access the Bates Technical College Disability Support Services via the following ways: