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Grain Valley Schools

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Grackle Workspace

Grackle Workspace

Using Grackle Workspace 

Grackle Workspace is an extension that can be found in the Extensions tab on your menu bar in Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets. The Grackle Workspace walks you through how to ensure your document or content is created in an accessible manner and can be exported in an accessible manner. 

A screenshot showing the menu bar of a Google document. The "Extensions" tab is open, showing a dropdown menu with "Grackle Docs" selected. A secondary submenu displays the options "Launch", "About", and "Help", with "Launch" highlighted in gray.

To use Grackle Workspace: 

  1. Launch the Grackle Extension
  2. Once launched, it will automatically check the document or slide and provide a report.
  3. The Accessibility Check will break down edits into the following categories:
    1. Google Docs: Document, Images, Headings, Tables, Landmarks, Contents
    2. Google Slides: Presentation, Slides, Tables, Elements, Contents 
    3. Google Sheets: Sheets, Tables, Images, Charts, Contents 
  4. The check provides a green checkmark if the area is accessible, and a red X if steps are needed to ensure accessibility. It provides step instructions to reach accessibility in red X areas.
    1. When presented with a Red X, you will be directed exactly where the error is. You can double-click on the error message, and you will be taken directly to the issue. Here is an example of an error message you may see: 
      Screenshot of a software interface element showing a vertical dotted line connected to a light gray button outlined in red. The button displays the word "Image" in red text next to a solid red rectangular badge with the text "+TAG" in white.
  5. Once you have made changes to the document, you can re-check, and a new report will be shown. Repeat this process until there are no errors. 
  6. Once all checks are passed, you must export the document using the Grackle Workspace for it to remain accessible. Or if you are not planning to export, once edits are made, you can share the link as view-only to your Google Docs, Slides, or Sheets. 

 

Screenshot of the Grackle Docs sidebar interface with the "Accessibility Check" tab selected. Below the tab are two buttons, "Re-Check" and "Export to PDF", followed by a status bar indicating "21 of 21 checks passed".

Grackle’s YouTube Channel features training videos that can support you as you begin using the extension. 

 

GrackleDocs Inc YouTube

 

Grackle for Google Docs

  • Headings

    Logical Heading Styles That Follow Strict Numerical Order 

    • You must use the official style pane to select your headings. Headings should follow numerical order. (Heading 1, Heading 2, Heading 3...)
    • You can’t simply highlight text, make it bold, or increase the font size. 
    • Your document should include a single title (Only one Heading 1 per document) 

    The Heading settings can be found in the Google Doc menu along with other document settings such as font size, font style, etc. 

    a screenshot showing the menu bar in google docs. The heading tab is dropped down showing the different heading styles.

    • Alt Text for Images - Every photo, chart, or shape needs alternative text that describes the informational intent of the visual. If it is purely decorative, it must be marked as decorative.
    • High Contrast – Text must be easily readable against the background. Black text on a white background passes; light gray text on a white background fails.
    • Accessible fonts - Stick to clear, linear fonts. Avoid cursive, overly stylized, or compressed fonts.
    • No “Empty” returns - Do not press the Enter key repeatedly to create blank space between paragraphs.

    • Always hyperlink when it is possible rather than adding an entire link. 
    • Use descriptive text that provides the end-user clarity on where the link will take them.
    • Use language like “Grain Valley Schools Website” instead of “Check out our website at grainvalleyschools.org or “Buy GVHS Varsity Football Tickets” instead of “Tickets can be bought here: (Insert Link)”
    • Avoid “Click Here” or “Linked below”. 
    • True lists: Must use built-in bullet point or numbered list tools.