#  Assistive Technologies 

 



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Canvas and our recommended software includes some accessibility features that are detailed here. For recommendations on other assistive technologies and accessibility accommodations, please contact the [Office of Student Affairs](https://osa.gse.harvard.edu/student-support-services-1).

## Canvas Integrations

Canvas has an integrated high contrast user interface:

- [How do I enable the high contrast user interface? | Canvas Student Guide](https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Student-Guide/How-do-I-enable-the-high-contrast-user-interface-as-a-student/ta-p/391288)

Canvas also integrates [Microsoft's Immersive Reader](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/products/learning-tools)

- [How do I use the Microsoft Immersive Reader in Canvas? | Canvas Student Guide](https://community.canvaslms.com/t5/Student-Guide/How-do-I-use-the-Microsoft-Immersive-Reader-in-a-course-as-a/ta-p/446)

### SensusAccess

SensusAccess Convert a File is a tool within Canvas that converts course materials into alternative formats. Students and staff can convert files housed on the Canvas site, as well as entire Canvas pages including assignments, announcements, and any other content created using the Rich Content Editor.

The following materials can be converted:  
Canvas pages, .DOC, .DOCX, .PDF, .PPT, .PPTX, .TXT, .XML, .HTML, .HTM, .RTF, .EPUB, .MOBI, .TIFF, .TIF, .GIF, .JPG, .JPEG, .BMP, .PNG, .PCX, .DCX, .J2K, .JP2, .JPX, .DJV, .TEX, .ZIP and .ASC

These materials can be converted into the following, and some conversions have optional parameters for accessibility:

- .docx file (Word Document).
- Tagged PDF.
- .txt file.
- MP3 (Multiple languages and speeds).
- E-book (EPUB or MOBI).
- Digital Braille

Please consult our [Guide to SensusAccess - Convert a File (PDF)](/sites/g/files/omnuum3251/files/2025-02/Guide%20to%20SensusAccess%20-%20Convert%20A%20File_0.pdf "Guide to SensusAccess - Convert A File") for more information.

## Adobe Acrobat & PDFs

PDF files posted on Canvas or on the Library Reserves page typically work with assistive technologies, please alert the teaching team if the PDF is not accessible.

Adobe Acrobat is recommended for PDF reading and includes many accessibility features:

- [Adobe Accessibility](https://www.adobe.com/accessibility.html)
- [Reading PDFs with reflow and accessibility features | Adobe Acrobat.](https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/reading-pdfs-reflow-accessibility-features.html)

## Microsoft 365 (documents, presentations)

Microsoft 365 includes many accessibility features including the Immersive Reader that is integrated into Canvas:

- [Microsoft 365 Accessibility | Microsoft](https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/microsoft-365?activetab=pivot_1%3aprimaryr2)