What are accessibility features?
Accessibility features are designed to help people with disabilities use technology more easily. Whether it is reading text out loud for people with limited vision or allowing users with limited mobility to control a computer with their voice, these tools make technology inclusive for everyone.
Many accessibility features are already built into your device's operating system.
Common Accessibility Features
You may already have these tools on your computer or smartphone. They are generally categorized by the type of assistance they provide:
Visual Assistance (Blind or Low-Vision)
Tools like text-to-speech (Screen Readers) read on-screen text aloud. Other options include high-contrast themes, enlarged cursors, and screen magnifiers to make content easier to see.
Auditory Assistance (Deaf or Low-Hearing)
Closed-captioning converts audio into text. Mono audio sends all sound through both earbuds so users with hearing in only one ear don't miss any information.
Mobility Assistance (Limited Mobility)
Keyboard shortcuts reduce the need for a mouse. Sticky keys allow users to press shortcut keys (like Ctrl+C) one at a time instead of all at once.
Locating Settings on Your Device
Accessibility settings are usually found in a central hub on your device:
- Windows: Settings > Ease of Access.
- macOS: System Preferences > Accessibility.
- Mobile (iOS/Android): Settings > Accessibility.
Web accessibility
Most web browsers also offer their own built-in accessibility features. You'll usually find these options in your browser's settings.
Before you adjust these settings, you may want to try zooming instead. Zooming is an easy way to make webpages easier to read, and it works the same way in most browsers. If you're using a browser in Windows, you can zoom in or out by pressing Ctrl+ or Ctrl- (hold down the Ctrl key and press the + or - key). If you're using a Mac, you'll press Command+ or Command-. To return to the default zoom level, press Ctrl+0 (hold down the Ctrl key and press the zero key). If you're using a Mac, press Command+0.
Assistive Technology Devices
Sometimes software isn't enough, and extra hardware is needed. These "peripherals" plug into your computer to provide specialized access:
- Alternative Keyboards: Features larger keys or unique layouts for one-handed typing.
- Switch-adapted peripherals: Allows control via small motions, like a head movement or a puff of breath.
- Screen Magnifiers: Physical glass overlays for monitors (though digital zoom is now more common).
Where to Learn More
Most major tech companies provide dedicated support pages for their accessibility tools:
- Microsoft & Apple Accessibility: Comprehensive guides for OS-specific tools.
- Google & Firefox: Support for Android, Chrome, and web browsing features.
