Access Angle Segment

TextAid by ReadSpeaker: Product Spotlight 

By: Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor

Having the ability to access content online can be difficult for many users if the material is too hard to see or the user is not able to read very well. Modern devices have better built-in text to speech features and technology, but these don’t always work across all material a user is trying to access online. I recently learned more about a product called TextAid by ReadSpeaker which was developed to address these challenges and help individuals increase access to text and documents online. I’d like to share a brief overview from ReadSpeaker and highlight some of this products helpful features.

TextAid is a web-based personal literacy support tool that makes it possible for the user to listen to texts and documents using text-to-speech technology in a standard web browser. This software is helpful for individuals with learning disabilities and particularly those with vision impairments or other visual challenges. TextAid works on just about any device, even an old  Mac/PC/Chromebook. The latest version of Google Chrome is recommended for best results. 

Here are 10 key features about the TextAid:

• Text to Speech – Read text out loud,  listen to the whole text or section of text, choose reading speed and add pause between words. Create a downloadable audio file.
• Personalized Text Appearance and Synchronized Highlighting Options – Choose from 5 colors for the text color, 5 background colors, 6 text sizes, 6 fonts, and three line spacing settings for page options. Words and sentences are highlighted as they are read. Seven background colors available for highlighting sentences and/or words.
• Text Editor – Author texts in the text editor which provides text formatting features from the toolbar such as heading levels, bold/italic/underline, text formatting, etc. includes writing assistance such as read back, spellcheck, and word prediction. A user can also use dictation to enter text.
• Save and Reload Texts – Text or HTML content in the text editor can be named, saved to the TextAid library and loaded again in the text editor at a later time. 
• Personal Library – Upload documents of various formats from the user’s device, Google Drive, or OneDrive, or from the user’s Book share account.
• Document Navigation and Annotations/Highlighter – User can choose a specific page or go to next or previous page, they can also make notes and add highlights in a document.
• Multiple Languages – User licenses available to support text to speech in over 20+ languages.  Content that has been typed or pasted can be translated in the text editor.
• Web Reading – Add a web reading tool to the browser’s bookmarks or favorites to listen to any page on the web. The text will be read out loud and highlighted in the same manner as in TextAid.
• Optical Character Recognition (OCR) – Using third party technology scanned images containing text can be converted to text, which can be read in the same way as other library documents in the text editor or the document viewer (PDF).
• Calculator – Embedded calculator for simple calculations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division) the digits, symbols, and calculations are read out loud. 

There are also several administrator features such as assigning user roles, licenses to users, grouping users, sharing documents, creating exams, and more.

Tools like ReadSpeaker TextAid help students improve comprehension, increase self-confidence and motivate readers. I have a visual impairment and primarily use text to speech technology. I enjoyed the opportunity to learn more about and try TextAid. Getting started took some time for me to learn the features that would support my reading and writing style the best, but once I learned where to find those tools, the features became easier to navigate. I especially like autosave feature when writing and the ability to have the tool read content from a variety of webpages was impressive. I look forward to continuing to learn more ways I can effectively incorporate this tool as part of accessing content online.

Visit the schoolhealth.com website to learn more information about the ReadSpeaker TextAid.

What are your thoughts about this topic? Have you used this product? What other topics are of interest for consideration for Access Angle? Contact me through email at gryan@scoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve used information from the School Health Access Angle segments.

Just shining a spotlight to bring public awareness toward the new more rigorous standards for accommodating passengers with disabilities in commercial air travel, especially for passengers who use wheelchairs or who have medical equipment. 

Effective on January 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a final rule to strengthen its regulation implementing the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and to address the serious problems that individuals with disabilities using wheelchairs and scooters face when traveling by air that impact their safety and dignity, including mishandled wheelchairs and scooters and improper transfers to and from aircraft seats, aisle chairs, and personal wheelchairs. Final Rule on Ensuring Safe Accommodations for Air Travelers with Disabilities Using Wheelchairs.

The purpose of this action is to increase access to safe and dignified air travel for individuals with disabilities. The aim is to address damaged and delayed personal wheelchairs and assistive devices and unsafe assistance provided by airlines staff that can lead to life disruptions such as loss of mobility independence, personal injury, lost opportunities and wages, and other significant harms. Some wheelchair users even avoid flying altogether because of these risks and their past negative experiences. The legislation focuses on enhancing the training of airline employees on handling equipment used by individuals with disabilities, ensuring that they receive the necessary knowledge and support to provide a more inclusive and accommodating travel experience. 

The passage of this legislation is particularly important for individuals like me who have personally experienced a mishandled wheelchair by an airline. Several years ago, I was traveling from California to Florida for my company’s annual national sales meeting. Unfortunately, my power wheelchair, which has custom positioning supports, sustained damage when we arrived in Florida. The airline left my wheelchair exposed to a downpour of rain after it was unloaded from the plane. It was brought to me at the gate with the seat cushions completely soaked and water dripping from the chair. I was offered a plastic garbage bag to put on my cushion, so I wasn’t directly sitting on a wet seat, and also offered information of where to go in the airport if I wanted to file a customer service concern. At the customer service office, I raised my chair into the elevated standing feature to discuss the matter with the agent on the other side of the counter. At that moment, the full impact of the water damage set into the electric components of my chair, and it completely stopped working. There I was stuck in the standing position in my broken soaking wet chair, in a customer service office at an airport across the country from my home and needing to develop an impromptu emergency plan. I was so excited to go on this work trip to meet with my colleagues, but at that moment I felt the enormity of the situation which was disappointing and upsetting both emotionally and physically. My family member was able to safely get me out of my chair. The airline had a basic metal wheelchair I could borrow while at the airport. The next several hours we searched online listings of wheelchair medical supply vendors to inquire about renting a loaner and if anyone could bring it to the airport on a rainy Sunday evening. Ultimately, no loaners were available that night. Since we had been at the airport for many hours with no other way to leave the airport, the airlines agreed to let me borrow their manual transport wheelchair after a stern conversation. I left my broken wheelchair at the airport which was later deemed totaled. The customer service staff was empathetic but not highly trained for this situation and not able to directly offer the support I needed. A big shout out to the airline insurance group though - they were very accommodating and instrumental supporting with a loaner power chair and arranging for a replacement covering the cost which was well over 100k to buy a new one. 

It takes a considerable amount of time to receive specialty wheelchairs. Using loaner chairs in the interim resulted in long term health implications for me. Not to mention, I am fearful to fly with my powerchair and have limited my air travel as a result. This story is by far the worst for me of mishandled equipment, and just one story of millions of travelers with disabilities who have faced similar or worse situations while traveling related to their equipment or personal dignity. This subject could be another blog entirely!

This new legislation brings hope for many people with disabilities traveling as it is designed to safeguard specialty medical equipment and its handling, reduce the concern of being injured during transfers, provide better assistance and prompt enplaning, deplaning and travelling to connecting terminals. 

“An estimated 5.5 million Americans use a wheelchair, and many encounter barriers when it comes to air travel. DOT data shows that for every 100 wheelchairs or scooters transported on domestic flights at least one is damaged, delayed, or lost.” – U.S. Department of Transportation

Which topics were your favorite? What other topics are of interest for consideration for Access Angle? Contact me through email at gryan@scoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve used information from the School Health Access Angle segments.

By: Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor

Access Angle is intended to be of assistance to individuals with disabilities, their families, caregivers, and colleagues. Throughout the year we highlight a variety of topics from product reviews to bringing awareness. Resharing four highlights from 2024. Enjoy!

1. Let us begin with the first article, which delves into the historical evolution of audiobooks. Fun fact: Did you know some of the first recordings were intended to provide reading material for veterans injured during World War I and other visually impaired adults? Learn more about the history and use of audiobooks. Access Angle: The Importance of Audiobooks and Accessibility, May 2024.
2. Learning how to make presentations and materials accessible takes time and practice. When you take the extra step to incorporate these considerations, it expands access and increases the possibility for participants with a variety of learning needs to benefit from the content presented. Learn a few tips through the following article. Access Angle: Top 5 Strategies for Increasing Accessibility in Presentations, June 2024.
3. Dental hygiene is important for everyone, but individuals with disabilities often have challenges that can make maintaining good oral health more difficult. Explore a few ideas for making dental care easier. Access Angle: Dental Hygiene, December 2024.
4. Lastly, Access Angle: Disability Inclusion and Belonging– The Importance of Spreading Awareness, November 2024. Each of us committing to spread awareness can positively impact individuals, communities, workplaces, and society at large. This article touches on why this matters and a few ways to promote awareness.

Which topics were your favorite? What other topics are of interest for consideration for Access Angle in 2025? Contact me through email at gryan@scoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve used information from the School Health Access Angle segments.

Wishing you a productive and fulfilling new year, 2025!

Dental hygiene is important for everyone, but individuals with disabilities often have challenges that can make maintaining good oral health more difficult. Challenges can arise from physical, cognitive, or sensory aversions and may limit the ability to complete routine dental care. Finding a dental provider that understands the individual needs and provides necessary supports is the most critical component. 

Here are four dental related ideas that might make dental care easier:

• Routine and consistency: Establishing a clear, consistent routine for brushing and flossing can be very helpful.
• Visual aids: Using visual aids like charts, pictures, or step-by-step instructions can help reinforce habits
• Adaptive tools: Specially designed toothbrushes, like those with larger handles, brushes with a grip on the handle, electric toothbrushes, long-handled flossers and interdental brushes can help clean between teeth for those who have difficulty reaching certain areas.
• Desensitization: gradually introducing dental care tools or methods may help reduce anxiety and improve tolerance.

In my opinion this approach of Dr. Roth and his team is a great example of encouraging a positive dental experience. Overall, dental hygiene for people with disabilities requires an individualized approach that considers their unique needs.

Did you know School Health offers oral health products, such as toothbrushes and accessories, storage and sanitizing, toothpaste and floss, mouthwash and fluoride, mouth care, and pain relief. Visit School Health to learn more.

Let us know: Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to read more of these types of articles? Do you have a topic you would like to see highlighted? Contact me through email Gabe Ryan at gryan@scoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve used information from the School Health Access Angle segments.

Inclusion and belonging of individuals with disabilities goes beyond physical accessibility or legal mandates. It is about building a culture of respect, understanding, and opportunity for everyone, regardless of their abilities. Each of us committing to spread awareness can positively impact individuals, communities, workplaces, and society at large.

Understanding Disability Inclusion and Belonging:

Disability inclusion refers to the intentional and systematic effort to integrate people with disabilities into education, employment, health care, and community participation. It includes removal of barriers that prevent individuals from fully engaging and contributing. It means recognizing the diversity of experiences and needs and creating an environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive. Belonging is the feeling of being accepted, understood, and welcomed as an equal participant. A person may have access to a building or an event, but if they don’t feel comfortable or valued, their experience of inclusion is incomplete. Belonging means individuals with disabilities are not just "included" as a policy or compliance issue, they are seen and heard, and their contributions matter within the community or organization.

Three reasons why sharing awareness of disability inclusion matters:

1. Breaks down stigma and stereotypes
2. Encourages empathy and understanding
3. Promotes social change and encourages opportunity

Three ways to promote awareness of disability inclusion:

1, Education and Advocacy

Educational programs in schools, workplaces, and community centers can play a role in spreading awareness about disability inclusion. Training staff to recognize their biases, teaching students about disability history, incorporating inclusive environments and varied learning strategies that support a variety of needs, and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities

2. Include Voices of those with Disabilities

Find ways to include people with disabilities and their families to share their own stories and experiences. They are the experts in their lives and the most powerful advocates for disability inclusion. Whether through blogs, podcasts, social media, or public speaking, this voice is an important step in promoting understanding.

3. Collaborate with Disability Related Organizations

Nonprofit organizations and advocacy groups dedicated to disability rights are allies on the path of inclusion. Partnering with these organizations for events, campaigns, and initiatives can help spread knowledge, provide resources, and build connections across communities.

We all play an important part in this effort! Through my role in School Health, I have had the opportunity to co-present and participate at exhibitor tables and share a variety of experiences and perspectives through the Access Angle blog. In addition, I’ve been invited to speak at various conferences, meetings, and have participated in committees and groups with adults and students.

I was recently invited to speak at a countywide Inclusion Academy through Supporting Inclusive Practices and the Sacramento County Office of Education, focused on Intentional Design of System-Wide Inclusive Cultures, Policies, and Practices. Over 80 participants, from over 14 school districts, spent the day together learning more about how to collectively increase inclusive experiences for students in their organizations. I was invited as a guest speaker to share my experience of inclusion through the educational system and accessing supports and services as someone who grew up in Sacramento County. I provided examples of my time in the infant program through high school graduation, as well as in the community. I really enjoy sharing my experience and helping others to gain a different perspective of what is possible and creating awareness about challenges I’ve encountered. Encouraging others to do their best and reminding people we all play an important role in this effort is worth repeating. I honestly think that some of the best connections and examples of expanding awareness and acceptance have been made just by going and doing regular things out in my community. People are not always sure what to say when I roll up in my wheelchair, but breaking the ice with a “hello” reminds people we are more alike than different, as they say.

Inclusion is not just about creating space; it’s about creating a culture of respect, empathy, and belonging that empowers individuals with and without disabilities. Through continuous efforts to bring awareness to disability inclusion and belonging, inclusion will become the social norm, commonplace, and second nature.

Let us know: Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to read more of these types of articles? Do you have a topic you would like to see highlighted? Contact me through email at gryan@scoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve used information from the SchoolHealth Access Angle segments.

Access Angle: Return to School: Tips for Supporting Students with Disabilities

By: Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor 

As the summer winds down and a new school year begins, students with disabilities often face unique challenges as they transition back to school. The break and change in routine can sometimes be difficult to reintegrate back into the classroom and school environment. Here are a few ideas and strategies, educators, parents, and caregivers can consider to help make this transition more smooth and set students up for success.

1. Routine and Structure

Consistency is key for many students with disabilities. Try to maintain some level of routine and structure during the time the student is on break and not in the classroom. Reintroducing these upcoming expected school routines before school starts can help ease the transition. This might include revisiting school day schedules, bedtime, and daily routines.

2. Prepare for Changes

Prepare the student if there are going to be any changes in the school environment, such as a new campus, classroom, teacher, route to school, expectations in the order of events, etc. If possible, arrange a visit to the new environment, meet the staff ahead of time, or provide information about what to expect in a manor the student understands. Consider supplies and materials and what adaptations to those materials might be needed (i.e., larger grip items or access to special items for both home and school). This can greatly reduce anxiety and increase comfort.

3. Communicate Regularly

Establish communication between home and school. Regular updates from teachers about classroom activities and any potential issues can help parents and caregivers prepare and support their children more effectively. Parents communicating information from home to the school staff about the students provides valuable insight for the service providers as they move through the school day. Encourage students to share their feelings and concerns as well.

4. Encourage Learning and Independence

Foster independence by helping students practice and develop self-management skills. This might involve creating checklists, using timers, or developing organizational strategies. Encourage students to take ownership of their routines and responsibilities, which can help build confidence.

5. Revisit IEPs and 504 Plans

Before the school year starts, take the time to review and update Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 Plans. Ensure that any changes in the student's needs or circumstances are reflected in these documents. Collaborate with the student’s educational team to make necessary adjustments to goals, accommodations, and supports.

6. Be Patient and Flexible

Every student’s transition will be unique, so it’s important to be patient and flexible. Adjustments and accommodations may be necessary as the school year progresses. Continuing to check in with all those who support the student as well as directly with the student, is so important throughout the year. Making changes along the way leads to better student success.

With a bit of preparation and communication, students with disabilities and those who support them will be off to a great start this school year! I’d love to hear what your best tips are. Please reach out to let us know!

Let us know: Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to read more of these type of articles? Do you have a topic you would like to see highlighted? Contact me through email, Gabe Ryan gryan@scoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve use information from the School Health Access Angle segments.

Access Angle: Top 5 Strategies for Increasing Accessibility in Presentations

By: Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor

How do I increase accessibility in presentations you ask?

Keeping some considerations in mind when developing your next presentation will enable even more participants to access the content you are sharing. Several computer programs have made it really easy to create presentations with lightning speed. It’s easy to get wrapped up in the colors, graphics, and animations. In an effort to ensure the widest access to participants with differing learning styles, consider these top 5 strategies.

1. Closed Captions for Multimedia Content: When including videos or audio clips in presentations, turn on the closed caption option. This option can also be turned on when hosting an online meeting.  Individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, that are able to read, would potentially be able to access the material should an interpreter not be present. Closed captions also benefit those who may be viewing the presentation if they are in a noisy environment, not able to use their sound, or prefer to read along.
2. Fonts and Colors: Certain fonts are easier to read for individuals with visual impairments or dyslexia. Examples of fonts that you might try are Arial, Calibri, or Verdana. Color of text and background are also important. The computer lets us choose all the colors under the rainbow, however not everyone can see certain color combinations. For this reason, choose color combinations that are high contrast between the font and the background. Avoid conveying information using color alone, include descriptions or labels where possible.
3. Alt Text for Images and Graphics: Include descriptive alternative text (alt text) for all elements that are visual such as pictures, graphics, charts, etc. This helps to provide context for someone not able to clearly see the image or graphic. Alt text should briefly describe the image or graphic.
4. Minimize Large Blocks of Content: Structuring content with headings and bulleted lists improves organization and allows participants to see key points easier. Participants that use a screen reader can best access content when it includes the formal structure of headings and subheadings or numbered and bulleted lists. Limiting clutter of several animated or unnecessarily overlapping graphics helps to keep the focus on your content. Breaking the information down into smaller segments of content or splitting the information up across several slides makes for a better participant experience.
5. Learn, Practice, Ask: There are several software programs that include an accessibility tab, for example Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, both include accessibility checkers that provide suggestions on improving the accessibility of your page or presentation. A quick search online will land you on documents and YouTube videos with tutorials on how to format materials. There are even companies that, for a small fee, offer to edit your materials to ensure they meet the standard compliance requirements. Ask your participants for feedback on your materials to see if in fact they are accessible to the population you were trying to reach.

Learning how to make presentations and materials accessible takes time and practice. When you take the extra step to incorporate these considerations, it expands access and increases the possibility for participants with a variety of learning needs to benefit from the content presented.

“Accessibility allows us to tap into everyone’s potential.” ― Debra Ruh

Let us know: Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to read more of these types of articles? Do you have a topic you would like to see highlighted? Contact me, Gabe Ryan, through email: gryan@scoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve used the information from the School Health Access Angle segments.

Access Angle: The Importance of Audiobooks and Accessibility 

By: Gabriel Ryan, School Health Blog Writer and Contributor

Audiobooks revolutionize the way we interact with literature. They can be valuable for individuals with learning disabilities, visual impairments, or that have difficulty reading or physically holding printed material.

What are Audiobooks?

Audiobooks, sometimes described as a “talking book,” are audio files or recordings of books and other pieces of literature that are read out loud. A reading of the complete text, word-for-word, is called “unabridged,” while an edited version that is shorter is called “abridged.” The recordings are available on records, cassette tapes, CDs, and most popular in digital formats at the present time. Depending on the format, they can be listened to on CD players, Walkmans, computers, tablets, smart phones, home and car entertainment systems, etc.

Spoken word recordings were invented in the late 1800s by Thomas Alva Edison, but the early 1900s is when audiobooks emerged as a result of the creation of a recording studio that supported this purpose. “In 1931, the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) and Library of Congress Books for the Adult Blind Project established the ‘Talking Books Program’ (Books for the Blind), which was intended to provide reading material for veterans injured during World War I and other visually impaired adults,” according to Matthew Rubery, ed. (2011). "Introduction". Audiobooks, Literature, and Sound Studies. Routledge. pp. 1–21. 

You read that right!…Inclusivity and access for people with disabilities was one of the main reasons audiobooks were further established back in the 1900s!

The developments of audiobooks opened the door for Shakespeare’s plays, popular novels, and even the Bible and the Constitution to become available in this audio format many years ago. Audiobooks gained more popularity in the late 1990s and early 2000s when further technology, such as digital media players, became available. By 2017, as technology continued to evolve and expand, consumers were listening more to a digital source rather than physical CDs or audio cassette tapes. Shared by Writer’s Digest in 2022, “…audiobooks are the fastest-growing format in book publishing,” and are, “…predicted to become a $19 billion dollar industry by 2027”.

Originally, audiobooks were read by one narrator and this person was not necessarily the author of the book. It has become popular in more recent times, that Authors narrate their own books or that an entire cast be a part of the recording, instead of just one voice. This has drawn even more people into enjoying and connecting with the material in digital format. Audiobooks provide opportunity and access for people to read more content than ever before since they can read books and “how to” manuals while commuting or multi-tasking.

In education, the use of audio material is invaluable. As an individual with both visual and physical impairments, I was able to take advantage of audio access of printed material back in the late 1990s through early 2000s. I was assigned a cassette player and the books for book reports and class assignments were sent home with me as multiple cassettes. Schools could request to borrow these materials from organizations that support individuals with blindness and visual impairment. At the time, my textbooks were chopped up and scanned into a large digital scanner. There was a program on my assigned laptop that could read the material and highlight the words as they were being spoken. This was certainly a great deal of work for those scanning each page. However, a bit later, the digital copy of the textbooks was available within the teachers’ materials, and we could then use those, instead of having to request the deconstruction of the textbooks. I personally am grateful these materials and access has further developed. I can look up just about anything now on my tablet or smart speaker and listen and learn. I’ve been able to participate in book clubs and discussions about books and related material without having to special order or carry around a cassette or CD player. There are several audiobook platforms that have subscriptions or offer free materials. I am excited to see what the next chapter will unfold in this technology!

Now, with the tap of a screen or the click of a button, a wealth of knowledge and information becomes accessible to all.

Let us know: Did you find this article interesting? Would you like to read more of these types of articles? Do you have a topic you would like to see highlighted? Contact me through email– Gabe Ryan gryan@schoolhealth.com. I’d love to know how you’ve used information from the School Health Access Angle segments.