3 ways we’re helping make classrooms more accessible

A more accessible world starts in a classroom where students have the products and resources they need to do their best work. October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month, and we marked the occasion in several ways.

Building tools to make learning more accessible

We continue to develop and enhance our own Google for Education tools. Google Workspace for Education and Chromebooks come with built-in accessibility features like screen reader support, voice typing in Google Docs and Face Control, which lets you control your screen with facial gestures and head movements.

We’ll continue building tools that aim to improve learning for everyone, while partnering and supporting organizations that are also committed to advancing access to education and technology for students with disabilities.

Supporting organizations to advance education for all

We’re announcing our support for two nonprofit organizations with more than $1.2 million from Google.org to advance AI education for students with disabilities at a global, national and local level. CSEveryone received a nearly $1M grant for a multi-faceted solution to address the lack of inclusive computer science (CS) and AI education for K-12 students with disabilities. Building on successful efforts in Broward County and Chicago, they will expand their work via partnerships and by offering nationally accessible credentials. And at a local level, we supported Tech Kids Unlimited with nearly $250k to digitize their free online teacher portal featuring tech and career-readiness courses for neurodiverse learners in the NYC area.

We're also working with thought leaders globally to create events that discuss neuroinclusion and the ways we can better support learners in the classroom, including co-hosting last month’s Global Forum on Neuroinclusion with our partner Everway in New York. This event brought leaders together to spotlight and discuss how AI tools are transforming neuroinclusivity.

Developing tools for better understanding

A key step in supporting students with learning differences is by gaining more exposure to their unique learning journeys, which can help you develop a better understanding of what they go through. Our teams have had a longstanding relationship with Understood.org to gain more insight into how we can continue to improve our tools for neurodivergent students. They recently created a resource called “Through My Eyes,” an immersive digital experience that helps educators and parents gain more insight into the experiences of children with ADHD, dyslexia and dyscalculia. Through real-life simulations and heartfelt stories, it helps shift perspectives, offering a firsthand look at the everyday challenges that often go unseen.

We’re excited to continue to work with the disability community, including organizations, students, teachers and parents, to support more accessible classrooms globally. For more information on our education tools, explore our accessibility features today.