Last week we looked at some of the accessibility features that are supported within the G-suite, Google’s free, online, suite of productivity apps. In last week’s e-bulletin we looked briefly at Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Docs, and Google Drive. This week we will continue to explore the G-suite, and we’ll look at Google Sheets, Slides, Drawings Forms, Sites, Hangouts, and Classroom.

Google Sheets

Google Sheets is a free spreadsheet app that still has most of the features that you’d find in Microsoft Excel. Signing in to Google Sheets also gives users instant access to Google Calendar, Notes, and Tasks.

Accessibility Features:
Screen Reader Support
Keyboard Shortcuts

Google Slides

This app is a great free alternative to PowerPoint. You’ll still get most of the features you’re used to with PowerPoint, but like the rest of the G-suite, it’s completely free, making it a great choice for students.

Accessibility Features:
Screen Reader Support
Keyboard Shortcuts
Braille Support

Google Forms

Google Forms allows users to create simple yet effective forms, and it even supports photo and video integration. So, if you want to create awesome, easy-to-follow surveys for free, Google Forms is a great option.

Accessibility Features:
Screen Reader Support
Keyboard Shortcuts

Google Drawings

This online drawing app allows users to draw, as well as create diagrams, tables, charts, and shapes. Users can use shapes and lines, draw free-hand, upload and mark-up photos, and even add text. The app is designed for collaboration. It’s easy to share your work, and you can even add comments to the project. Signing in to Google Drawings also gives users instant access to Google Calendar, Notes, and Tasks.

Accessibility Features:
Screen Reader Support
Braille Support

Google Sites

This app allows users to create and share simple websites for free. You’ll be a bit limited for options, but it includes some great looking themes and colours, making a great choice for beginners.

Accessibility Features:
Screen Reader Support
Keyboard Shortcuts

Google Hangouts

Google Hangouts is a free video conferencing service that allows you to connect to multiple users at once via video or chat. It’s a widely used platform known for its reliability and ease-of-use, and it’s used by both students and professionals across the world. Hangouts will even sync across devices, allowing you to stay in conversation wherever you are.

Accessibility Features:
Screen Reader Support
Keyboard Shortcuts

Google Classroom

This app allows teachers, students and parents to connect via virtual classroom. Teachers can create and mark assignments, and students can keep track of, complete, and submit assignments via internet. Parents or guardians can also choose to receive an email summary of their child’s progress, so they can easily stay on top of their children’s work.

Accessibility Features:
Screen Reader Support

While the apps mentioned in this (and last weeks) e-bulletin are available for free, they are also available as part of a business package that includes business email, free cloud storage, secure team messaging, and 24/7 support. To check out the current prices for the pro version of G-Suite, click here.

Tags: apps, assistive technology, AT HelpDesk