Make Scans and Copies Accessible

How to Make Scans and Copies Accessible for Students

Making scanned or copied documents accessible is simple and can make a huge difference for students using tools like Helperbird. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Enable OCR (Optical Character Recognition)

OCR makes scanned text readable and searchable by accessibility software.

On a Scanner:

1. Place the document flat on the scanner.
2. Select the OCR or Make Searchable PDF option.
3. Save the document as a PDF or Word file.

On a Phone App:

1. Use apps like Adobe Scan, Microsoft Lens, or Google Drive.
2. Enable the OCR option during or after scanning.
3. Save the file with text recognition enabled.

2. Keep Scans Straight

A straight scan ensures the text is clear and easy to read.

On a Scanner:

1. Align the document with the scanner edges.
2. Preview the scan and adjust if needed before saving.

On a Phone App:

1. Hold your phone steady and parallel to the document.
2. Use the app’s auto-straighten tool if available.

3. Test Your File

After scanning, test the document with accessibility tools like Helperbird to ensure:

• Text is selectable and searchable.
• The layout is clear and straight.
• Text-to-speech or other tools work as expected.

Need Help Getting Started?

To make this process easier, we've created a printable guide to walk you through the steps.

You can find it here: Printable Guide.

By enabling OCR and keeping documents straight, you ensure students have equal access to learning materials. A small effort on your part can make a big difference in their success!