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Grackle

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Grackle

Overview

Also known as the Google Workspace Accessibility Checker, the Grackle Suite Accessibility Checker is an accessibility testing tool for Google Suite Docs, Slides, and Sheets and aids in the creation of accessible PDF documents.

Grackle scans and identifies inaccessible content, provides the means to correct content, and can produce an accessible PDF document. It is available to everyone at Virginia Tech at no cost. All members of the university community are encouraged to use an accessibility checker to ensure that public content and classroom learning materials are accessible per VT Policy 7215 and Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. Get started using Grackle by downloading it through the Google Web Store.

  • Automated accessibility checks for Google Docs, Slides, and Sheets *Note that the extension must be launched for every doc, sheet, or slides file. It will not check your files for accessibility until you tell it to.

  • Common barriers that Grackle finds:

    • Missing alternative text

    • Missing headings

    • Headings out of order (“improperly nested”)

    • Poor color contrast

    • Tables that are untagged or have empty cells

  • Inline remediation guidance with clickable errors/warnings

  • Export to tagged PDF or accessible HTML format

  • Table structure wizard and reading order pane for screen reader usability

  • Free for Virginia Tech users

  • Ability to run accessibility checks on assignments and group work

  • Learn accessibility principles during document creation

  • Improve the quality of shared class materials and presentations

  • Comprehensive multimedia accessibility checks (e.g., captioning for video/audio)

  • Projects requiring interactive form elements

  • Environments outside of Google Workspace

  • Requires Google account login and installation per document type (Docs, Sheets, Slides)

  • Limited keyboard navigation in some remediation tasks (e.g., drag-and-drop for reading order)

  • Manual review still necessary for full accessibility assurance

  • Encourage use for accessibility remediation of syllabi, handouts, and slide decks

  • Easily run the Grackle panel alongside any Google Slide, Google Doc, or Google Sheet file.

  • Supports WCAG 2.0 and PDF/UA compliance

  • Creates accessible output (tagged PDFs, HTML)

  • Enables alt text, semantic headings, table tagging, metadata, and reading order adjustments

  • Generally accessible interface, though drag functions may not be fully keyboard-navigable

General Information

Students can install Grackle Docs, Slides, and Sheets from the Google Workspace Marketplace. The tool is used to check and correct accessibility issues in documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. It provides instant visual feedback and guides students through improving their work for users with disabilities.

Resources

Grackle

Cost: Free to Virginia Tech Faculty, Staff, and Students 

Status: Available

How to Access

Instructors/Students: 

  • Get started using Grackle by downloading it through the Google Web Store. 

  • Follow these steps:

    • Open a Google Doc

    • Select "Extensions"

    • In the Grackle Docs section, select “Launch”

    • Login using your vt.edu email address by selecting the hamburger menu in the Grackle panel.

    • Repeat this process for Google Slides and Google Sheets. The Grackle add-ons are called Grackle Slides and Grackle Sheets, respectively, in the Google Workspace marketplace.

Get Help

  • Virginia Tech Knowledge Base Article: How to Use Grackle

  • Still need help? Contact assist@vt.edu.

  • Want to talk with someone at Virginia Tech? Go to the 4Help Portal, sign in, and select Get Help.