Make information accessible with EasyConverter

For many teachers and employers, venturing into the realms of providing accessible information is a scary and unknown prospect. But it really doesn't need to be that way. Just follow these three simple steps:

Step 1: Use EasyConverter to import your documents into Microsoft Word

Image of EasyConverter iconThe most familiar platform for making a document accessible is Microsoft Word, which is why Dolphin EasyConverter imports a variety of documents straight into Microsoft Word for editing. With EasyConverter, you can scan in and reformat hard copy documents and PDFs, as well as opening HTML, TXT, unprotected ePUB and many other document formats.

Step 2: Make it accessible

You can make a document accessible by editing the Microsoft Word document within Dolphin EasyConverter. For the majority of your documents and learning materials, to create a basic accessible document, all you need to do is:

  • Add a heading level structure

Image of videos iconAdding a heading structure to your documents means they can be easily navigated by a student.
To show you how, Dolphin has created a handy video tutorial.

  • Add text descriptions to images

Students with visual impairments are not able to extract information from images and diagrams. Therefore, it is essential to add descriptions to all images, explaining what the image or diagram is portraying.

To add an alternative text description in Microsoft Word 2007, simple right click on an image and select "Size". Within this dialog, there is a tab called "Alt Text" where you can type in an alternative text description of the image.

These alt text descriptions are picked up when creating Braille, MP3 audio and Braille documents, and are also picked up by screen readers such as Dolphin SuperNova when reading the text in Microsoft Word.

For guidelines on how to best describe images and diagrams, see the STEM guidelines on the NCAM website (external link).

Step 3: Let your students read their way

You have now created a basic accessible document. However, the word "accessibility" means very different things to each and every reader. For instance, some readers like to read the document in Microsoft Word, using a screen reader such as Dolphin SuperNova, or Dyslexia support software such as Dolphin SaySo. However, other students prefer to have alternative format versions of this accessible document. With your accessible document in hand, you can use Dolphin EasyConverter to quickly and easily convert to:

  • Large Print
  • MP3 audio
  • DAISY talking book
  • Braille

For more information about how to use EasyConverter to create alternative formats, try the EasyConverter How to guides.