To bring awareness to Invisible Disabilities Week (10/17-10/23), I wanted to share an exciting Canvas update to our Microsoft Immersive Reader integration. Accessibility tools like Immersive Reader can help remove systemic barriers and ensure that all learners can access and participate in meaningful learning opportunities.
What is Microsoft Immersive Reader?
Immersive Reader is a full screen reading experience to increase readability of content in Microsoft tools, and now in many areas of Canvas. While the Immersive Reader was initially designed to help users with dyslexia and dysgraphia, it has been beneficial to all users including English language learners and new readers. With development based on the most recent research to create more inclusive learning environments, the benefits of Immersive Reader are universal.
Immersive reader includes optimized font sizing and styling, line length and spacing, phonological syllables, colored overlays, and a text-to-speech read aloud tool with word highlighting.
Microsoft Immersive Reader has been available in Canvas since 2019, but in the recent 10/16 update the integration is now supported in additional areas including Assignments, Course Home Page, and Syllabus.
*Immersive Reader is also available in other Microsoft Products as well.
Want to know more about how technology can support all learners?
Check out Microsoft’s Wakelet for more inclusive learning resources.
Join the ATC’s Accessibility & Universal Design for Learning (UDL) for Canvas site.
What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)?