Format Detective Slides Format Detective
Is your text ready to talk?
The Accessibility Race
Paper Worksheet
Can a computer read this out loud right now?
Locked PDF
Looks digital, but is it "selectable"?
Live Website
Real text that can be highlighted and read.
Which one helps you finish fastest?
What is "Accessible Text"?
Digital (Not Scanned)
The computer sees actual letters, not just a "picture" of a page.
Selectable
You can click and drag your cursor over the words.
Clean Layout
No weird columns, ads, or images blocking the text flow.
The Golden Rule:
"If you can highlight it, you can hear it."
The "Quick Check" Test
Detective Tip
01
Try the "I-Beam" Cursor
Hover over the text. Does your arrow turn into a little "I"?
02
Double Click a Word
Does the word highlight in blue/gray? If yes, it's machine-readable!
03
Shortcut Test (Ctrl+F)
Can you search for a word on the page? If not, TTS might struggle.
Your Turn!
Use your Compatibility Checklist to investigate the resources at your station.
Time to find out which materials are TTS-Ready and which ones need an upgrade.
Compatibility Checklist Worksheet Tech Compatibility Checklist
Detective Mission: Grade the Classroom Resources
NAME:
DATE:
Mission Briefing
Test each resource at your station using your computer. Follow the steps below and mark the results. A Score of 3 means the text is perfect for Text-to-Speech (TTS)!
01
Resource Name: ________________________
Format: Website / PDF / App
SELECTABLE?
Can you highlight individual words with your mouse?
Yes
No
SEARCHABLE?
Can you press Ctrl+F and find a word?
Yes
No
CLEAN?
Is the text in one clear block without ads or images in the way?
Yes
No
Conclusion: This resource is __________________________________________
FINAL SCORE:
/3
02
Resource Name: ________________________
Format: Website / PDF / App
Selectable? (Check Boxes)
Searchable? (Check Boxes)
Clean? (Check Boxes)
03
Resource Name: ________________________
Format: Website / PDF / App
Selectable? (Check Boxes)
Searchable? (Check Boxes)
Clean? (Check Boxes)
Detective Findings
1. Which resource was the hardest to read? Why?
2. If a resource has a score of 0, what should you do? (Hint: Think about asking for a digital copy!)
Format Detective Teacher Guide Teacher Facilitation Guide
Lesson 1: Format Detective
8th Grade Special Education
Lesson Objective
Students will be able to distinguish between accessible (machine-readable) and inaccessible (image-based) digital text formats and determine when to request a higher-quality digital version of classroom materials.
Key Vocabulary
Machine-Readable Selectable Text OCR (Optical Character Recognition) Digital Cleanliness
Prep Needed
• Station 1: Paper Worksheet
• Station 2: Scanned PDF (Image)
• Station 3: Digital News Article
• Station 4: Google Doc/Word File
1
The Hook (10 mins)
"The Impossible Highlight Challenge"
Give half the class a paper worksheet and the other half a digital Google Doc of the same content. Ask them to find the 5th occurrence of the word "the". Students with the digital version can use Ctrl+F. Discuss why one was faster.
2
Direct Instruction (15 mins)
Use the Format Detective Slides to explain:
The "I-Beam" cursor test: If the cursor stays a pointer, the computer sees a picture.
The Highlight test: If you can't blue-out a single word, TTS tools won't "see" it to read it.
Searchability: Searchable text = Readable text.
3
The Mission (25 mins)
Students move through 4 stations using their Compatibility Checklist Worksheet. For each station, they must "grade" the resource and decide if it is TTS-Ready.
Teacher Note: Circulate and help students identify "fake" digital text (scanned PDFs that look clear but aren't selectable).
4
Wrap Up: The "Now What?" (10 mins)
Gather the class. Ask: "If you get a score of 0, does that mean you can't use TTS?" Introduce the idea of self-advocacy: "If it's not ready, you need to request the 'source file' or a digital version from the teacher." This bridges into Lesson 2.
Speak Up Slides Speak Up for Access
The power of professional self-advocacy.
The "Paper Wall" Moment
"Your teacher hands out a 4-page paper packet. They say, 'Read this and answer the questions by the end of class.' Your computer is on your desk, but the text isn't in it."
What do you do?
A) Sit there and do nothing?
B) Struggle to read it manually?
C) Politely request the digital version?
The Goal:
Get the materials you need to show what you know.
The Professional Request
01
State the Problem
"I noticed this handout is a paper copy/scanned PDF..."
02
Name the Tool
"...and I need a digital version so I can use my Text-to-Speech tool."
03
The Ask
"Could you email me the original file or post it to Canvas?"
Tone Check: High vs. Low Voice
The "Demand"
"I can't do this, it's not digital. You're supposed to give me a PDF."
Outcome: Teacher feels attacked or frustrated.
The "Professional"
"Hi Mr. Smith, could you send me the digital link for this so I can use my read-aloud tool?"
Outcome: Teacher sees a responsible student asking for support.
Draft It & Practice It
You are going to draft your own "Advocacy Emails" and practice requesting materials in person.
Your voice is your most important accessibility tool.
Advocacy Templates Worksheet The Advocacy Inbox
PROFESSIONAL COMMUNICATION TEMPLATES
STUDENT:
PERIOD:
Template 1: Requesting a Digital Copy
Use this template when a teacher hands out a paper worksheet or posts an unreadable scanned PDF.
TO: [Teacher's Last Name]@school.edu
SUBJECT: Digital Copy Request - [Subject Name] - [Your Name]
Dear [Teacher's Name],
I am working on the [Assignment Name] from today's class. I noticed the version I have is a [paper copy/scanned PDF].
To use my Text-to-Speech tools effectively, I need a digital version that allows me to highlight and select text. Could you please send me the original link or the digital file for this assignment?
This will help me complete the work independently. Thank you for your help!
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Challenge: Write Your Own!
Scenario: Your History teacher, Mr. Jones, gave you a paper map with a long reading passage. You need to ask for the Google Doc version. Write your email body below.
The "Before Class" Script
"Hi [Teacher], I was checking the homework for tonight and noticed it's a paper packet. Can I get the digital version sent to my email so I can use my screen reader at home?"
The "During Class" Script
"Excuse me [Teacher], I'm having trouble using my TTS tools with this PDF because it's a scanned image. Do you have the original digital file I could use instead?"
*Remember: Teachers want you to succeed. Asking for accessibility is being a responsible student.*
Advocacy Roleplay Cards Self-Advocacy Roleplay Cards
PRACTICE YOUR VOICE • LESSON 2
SCENARIO A
Difficulty: Easy
"The Busy Morning"
THE SITUATION:
Your Science teacher hands out a paper lab report. You know you'll need Text-to-Speech to read the instructions during the lab.
THE TEACHER'S VIBE:
Teacher is rushing to set up beakers and looks distracted.
GOAL:
Ask for the digital link politely before the lab starts.
SCENARIO B
Difficulty: Medium
"The Scanned Mystery"
THE SITUATION:
The teacher posted a PDF on Canvas. When you open it, your TTS says "No text found" because it's a blurry photo scan.
THE TEACHER'S VIBE:
Teacher is sitting at their desk grading. They think they've already provided a "digital" version.
GOAL:
Explain why that specific PDF doesn't work and ask for the original file.
SCENARIO C
Difficulty: Hard
"The Teacher Who Forgot"
THE SITUATION:
You've asked for digital copies three times this week. Today, the teacher hands you paper again and says, "Just try to read it this once."
THE TEACHER'S VIBE:
Teacher is stressed and feels like they are doing enough already.
GOAL:
Remain calm and firm. Explain that the digital version is an important accommodation for your learning.
Create Your Own
Think of a time you were frustrated by a paper handout. How could you handle it today?
Web Wizardry Slides Advanced Web Navigation
Web Wizardry
Mastering the art of clutter-free, audio-ready research.
The Web is Noisy
Ever try to use Text-to-Speech on a news site? It reads EVERYTHING:
Pop-up Ads
Sidebars
Video Trailers
Nav Links
How do we find the actual facts?
AD
The "Wizard" Tool: Reader Mode
What it does:
It strips away everything EXCEPT the main article. It turns a messy website into a clean digital book.
Why use it with TTS?
TTS tools read from top to bottom. Without Reader Mode, they read ads first. With it, they read the important stuff immediately.
Common Tools:
✨ Immersive Reader (Edge)
✨ Reader Mode (Chrome)
✨ Reading View (Safari)
3 Steps to Expert Research
1
Clean the Page
Activate "Reader View" to kill the noise.
2
Find the Zone
Use Ctrl+F to jump to the keyword you need.
3
Listen & Log
Start TTS at that spot and write down your findings.
Research Mission: NASA Exploration
You are going to find 3 specific facts on a very "busy" space website. Use your Web Wizardry tools to beat the clock!
Start Mission
Research Mission Worksheet Research Mission: Deep Space
Objective: Use Web Wizardry to gather intel.
MISSION NAME:
WIZARD ID:
Step 1: Reader View
Step 2: Ctrl + F
Step 3: Play TTS
TARGET SITE: NASA.GOV - "THE ARTEMIS PROGRAM"
The NASA website has many menus, photos, and links. Use your tools to find the following data points without getting lost in the noise.
01
What is the main goal of the Artemis program?
(Keyword to Search: "Goal" or "Objective")
Record the answer here...
02
Who will be the first people to step foot on the Moon's South Pole?
(Keyword to Search: "South Pole")
Record the answer here...
03
What rocket is NASA using for these missions?
(Keyword to Search: "Rocket" or "System")
Record the answer here...
Wizard's Review
Did using Reader View make the mission easier? Why or why not?
Test Day Triumph Slides Testing Protocol
Test Day Triumph
Own the exam. Master the tech.
Why Use TTS for Testing?
Lower Stress
Don't panic about long instructions. Let the computer read them while you listen and plan.
Repeat & Replay
Missed a detail in the question? Hit replay as many times as you need. No one is judging!
Focus Fuel
Headphones block out classroom noise (tapping pencils, whispers) so you can focus on the test.
The "Discreet" Testing Pro
Volume Check
Set your volume BEFORE you start. Make sure only you can hear it.
Section Selection
Highlight only the question first. Then highlight the answer choices one by one.
Expert Tip:
Close your eyes and just listen to the question once before looking at the choices. It helps your brain process the info!
The TTS Power-Move
?
Use TTS to "Proof-Listen" your own answers.
How to do it:
Type your answer in the box.
Highlight your own words.
Press "Play".
"When you listen to your own writing, your ears find mistakes that your eyes missed!"
Mission Simulation
We are going to take a "Mock Quiz" with complex, tricky directions. Your job is to use your Testing Strategies to survive.
Headphones On
Volume Set
Focus Mode
Test Strategy Simulation Worksheet Test Strategy Simulation
OPERATIONAL READINESS CHECK
STATION NUMBER:
#________
PRE-TEST CHECKLIST
Headphones plugged in & snug?
Volume set to "Private"? (Max 25%)
Browser cleaned/tabs closed?
TTS voice speed is comfortable?
DURING-TEST POWER MOVES
1
Listen to the question BEFORE looking at the options.
2
Replay any part that sounds confusing or has "Except" or "Not".
3
Proof-listen your typing to catch small errors.
Simulation Mission: "The Tricky Request"
Your teacher just posted the "Final Strategy Quiz" on the board. Below is a simulation of the instructions. Your goal is to use TTS to decode these instructions and tell me what the actual first step is.
"Before proceeding to the subsequent phase of the evaluation, ensure that all extraneous windows are terminated. Prior to addressing the primary inquiry, navigate to the footer of the page and acknowledge the privacy policy by clicking the diminutive blue icon situated adjacent to the timestamp. Only after completion of this verification should you transcribe your identification number in the designated field provided at the apex of the interface."
Task 1: The First Step
After listening to the instructions above, what is the very first thing you actually have to do? (Hint: It's not typing your name!)
Task 2: Proof-Listening Practice
Write a sentence explaining why TTS is helpful for tests. Then, use TTS to listen to what you wrote and fix any errors.
"Strategy is the difference between surviving a test and winning a test."
Future Ready Roadmap Slides Graduation Prep
FUTURE READY
Building your personal accessibility roadmap for high school and beyond.
High School is Different
More Teachers to Track
Heavier Reading Loads
Independent Setup Required
"In high school, you are the pilot. You need to know when and where to use your tools before you fall behind."
Your Accessibility Ecosystem
Device Setup
Is your personal laptop or tablet ready? Do you have the right extensions installed on your home computer?
Subject Mapping
Which classes are "High Reading" (English, History)? These need the most TTS attention.
Home Support
Where is your study spot? Do you have headphones ready so you don't annoy your family while listening?
The "Mastery" Checklist
A successful self-advocate can check all three of these by the end of this year:
1
I can set up TTS on any new device.
2
I know how to request digital text professionally.
3
I use TTS independently without being asked.
Your Goal: Independence by Grade 9.
Your Turn!
Complete your Future Ready Roadmap. This is your personal cheat sheet for success next year.
Start Planning
Accessibility Roadmap Worksheet Mastery Level
The Accessibility Roadmap
My Strategy for High School Success
ARCHITECT:
DESTINATION:
GRADE 9 TRANSITION
1. MY TECH TOOLS
Primary Device:
Chromebook
Laptop
Tablet
Other: ______
TTS Extension/Tool I will use:
Backup Plan (If internet is down):
2. SUBJECT STRATEGY
Which classes will have the most "unreadable" or heavy text?
English / History
Goal: Use "Reader View" for long articles and chapters.
Science / Math
Goal: Use TTS for lab instructions and word problems.
Electives (Art, Tech, etc.)
Goal: Request digital project briefs from my teacher.
3. MY PROFESSIONAL PITCH
If I meet a new teacher who only uses paper handouts, here is exactly what I will say to advocate for my digital access:
4. HOME "LAB" SETUP
Where is your study spot? How do you ensure you have everything you need for audio-reading?
I have headphones ready in my backpack.
5. AUGUST ACTION ITEMS
Intro myself to my case manager.
Show teachers how I use TTS.
Log in to Canvas/Classroom on day 1.
Check if all syllabi are digital.
Access is a Right • Advocacy is a Skill • Independence is the Goal
