Guide to accessibility tools

We have listed tips and instructions for how to use different accessibility tools for various Windows operating systems, including screen readers and magnifiers.

Using screen readers (Windows)

NVDA

Description: NVDA (Non-Visual Desktop Access) allows blind and vision impaired people to access and interact with the Windows operating system and many third party applications.

• Activating NVDA:
  • Download and install NVDA from NV Access. Use Ctrl+Alt+N to start.
• Using NVDA on the Site:
  • Use keyboard shortcuts to navigate (e.g., H for headings, K for links).

Generally, NVDA installation and usage are consistent across different versions of Windows.There might be minor differences in keyboard shortcuts or specific features, but NVDA itself is designed to be version-agnostic.

JAWS

Description: JAWS, Job Access With Speech, is a screen reader, developed for computer users whose vision loss prevents them from seeing screen content or navigating with a mouse. JAWS provides speech and Braille output for the most popular computer applications on your PC.

• Activating JAWS:
  • Install JAWS from Freedom Scientific. Launch the program.
• Using JAWS on the site:
  • Utilise the JAWS commands (e.g., Insert+F7 for a list of links, Insert+F6 for headings).

JAWS is also consistent across Windows versions, with similar installation and usage patterns. Features may vary slightly, and some advanced settings could differ based on OS-specific capabilities.

How to use magnification tools (Windows)

Windows Magnifier:

• Activating Magnifier:
  
  
  • Windows 7:
    • Activating: Start > Control Panel > Ease of Access Centre > Start Magnifier.
  • Windows 8 and 10:
    • Activating: Settings > Ease of Access > Magnifier.
  • Windows 11:
    • Activating: Settings > Accessibility > Magnifier.

• Using Magnifier:
  
  
  • Use Windows key + Plus to activate and adjust zoom levels. Windows key + Esc to exit.
    

Basic navigation using the keyboard (Windows)

• Use the Tab key to move forward through links and form elements.
• Shift + Tab to move backward.
• Enter to activate links and buttons.
• Arrow keys to navigate through dropdowns and menus.

How to adjust text size and contrast (Windows)

Use Ctrl + Plus/Minus to increase/decrease text size in most browsers.

High Contrast Mode:

• Windows 7:
  • Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Personalization > High Contrast Themes.
• Windows 8, 10, and 11:
  • Settings > Ease of Access > High contrast.

We have listed tips and instructions for how to use different accessibility tools for various Android operating systems, including screen readers and magnifiers.

How to use TalkBack (Android)

Description: TalkBack is an accessibility feature that helps people who are blind or have low vision to interact with their Android devices using touch and spoken feedback.

When TalkBack is on, items on the screen are outlined with a focus box, and the device gives audio cues about what is on the screen. Instead of typical touch interactions, you can navigate the device through TalkBack gestures.

• Activating TalkBack:
  
  
  • Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) to 8.1 (Oreo):
    • Activating: Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack.
  • Android 9 (Pie) to 12 (Snow Cone):
    • Activating: Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack. Enhanced settings and more intuitive gestures are available in later versions.
  • Android 13 and later:
    • Additional customization options and improved gestures. Activation remains consistent: Settings > Accessibility > TalkBack.

• Using TalkBack on the site:
  
  
  • Use gestures to navigate: swipe right/left to move through items, double-tap to activate.

How to use magnification tools (Android)

Magnification Gestures:

• Activating magnification:
  
  
  • Android 4.2 (Jelly Bean) to 8.1 (Oreo):
    • Activating: Settings > Accessibility > Magnification gestures.
  • Android 9 (Pie) to 12 (Snow Cone):
    • Activating: Settings > Accessibility > Magnification. Additional options for triple-tap and shortcut activation.
  • Android 13 and later:
    • Improved usability and more intuitive gesture controls

• Using magnification:
  
  
  • Triple-tap the screen to zoom in, drag two fingers to move around, and triple-tap again to zoom out.

How to use keyboard navigation (Android)

Using an external keyboard:

• Connect a Bluetooth or USB keyboard
• Use Tab and Shift + Tab to navigate, Enter to activate links and buttons.

How to adjust contrast and text size (Android)

Adjusting text size:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > Font size and display size. Adjust the sliders.

High contrast text:

• Go to Settings > Accessibility > High contrast text. Toggle the switch to turn it on.

We have listed tips and instructions for how to use different accessibility tools for various Mac (OS) operating systems, including screen readers and magnifiers.

How to use screen readers (macOS)

VoiceOver

Description: VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader that describes aloud what appears on your computer screen.

• Activating VoiceOver:
  
  
  • macOS Mojave (10.14) and earlier:
    • Activating: System Preferences > Accessibility > VoiceOver.
  • macOS Catalina (10.15) to Big Sur (11.0):
    • Activating: System Preferences > Accessibility > VoiceOver. Enhanced features and improved performance.
  • macOS Monterey (12.0) and later:
    • Activating: System Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver. More robust customization and better integration with other accessibility features.

• Using VoiceOver on the site:
  
  
  • Use the Control + Option keys along with the arrow keys to navigate.

How to use magnification tools (macOS)

Zoom:

• Activating Zoom:
  
  
  • macOS Mojave (10.14) and earlier:
    • Activating: System Preferences > Accessibility > Zoom.
  • macOS Catalina (10.15) to Big Sur (11.0):
    • Activating: System Preferences > Accessibility > Zoom. Additional customization options.
  • macOS Monterey (12.0) and later:
    • Activating: System Settings > Accessibility > Zoom. Improved user experience and more granular control.

• Using Zoom:
  
  
  • Use Option + Command + 8 to toggle zoom, Option + Command + Plus/Minus to zoom in and out.

How to use keyboard navigation (macOS)

Basic navigation:

• Enable full keyboard access: Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts and select "All controls."
• Use Tab and Shift + Tab to navigate, Enter to activate links and buttons.

How to adjust contrast and text size (macOS)

Adjusting text size:

Use Command + Plus/Minus to increase/decrease text size in most browsers.

Increase contrast:

Go to System Preferences > Accessibility > Display. Check the "Increase contrast" box.

We have listed tools available in popular web browsers that can enhance accessibility and improve user experience for people with disabilities.

ChromeVox (Screen Reader)

• Description: ChromeVox is a screen reader that brings the speed, versatility, and security of Chrome to visually-impaired users.
  
  
• How to install:
  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Search for "ChromeVox".
  3. Click "Add to Chrome".
     

• Basic usage:
  • Use keyboard shortcuts (e.g., Ctrl + Alt + Arrow keys) to navigate through content.
  • Listen to web content being read aloud and navigate using keyboard commands.
    

Read Aloud: A Text to Speech Voice Reader

Description: Read Aloud converts webpage text to audio, making it easier for users with visual impairments or reading difficulties to access content.

• How to install:
  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Search for "Read Aloud".
  3. Click "Add to Chrome".

• Basic Usage:
  • Click the Read Aloud icon in the toolbar.
  • The extension will read the page content aloud, and you can control playback with the on-screen controls.

High Contrast

• Description: High Contrast allows users to change or invert the color scheme of web pages to improve readability.
  
  
• How to install:
  1. Go to the Chrome Web Store.
  2. Search for "High Contrast".
  3. Click "Add to Chrome".

• Basic usage:
  • Click the High Contrast icon in the toolbar to toggle between different contrast settings.

Reader View

Description: Simplifies the web page layout, removing ads and other distractions, to make reading easier.

Fire Vox (Screen Reader)

Description: Fire Vox is a screen reader extension for Firefox that reads web content aloud.

How to install:

Go to the Mozilla Add-ons.

• Basic Usage:
  • Use keyboard shortcuts to navigate and read the content. (Note: Fire Vox is an older extension; users may need to consider NVDA for a more updated screen reading experience.)

Color Contrast Checker

• Description: This extension helps ensure that the text on web pages has sufficient color contrast for readability.
  
  
• How to install:
  1. Go to the Mozilla Add-ons.
  2. Search for "Color Contrast Checker".
  3. Click "Add to Firefox".

• Basic usage:
  • Highlight text and the extension will check the contrast against the background color, providing feedback on accessibility compliance.

Microsoft Narrator (Built-in Screen Reader)

• Description: Narrator is a built-in screen reader in Windows that works with Microsoft Edge.
  
  
• How to use:
  1. Press Windows + Ctrl + Enter to start Narrator.
  2. Use the Narrator key (Caps Lock) with arrow keys to navigate through web content.
  3. Press Caps Lock + M to start reading from the current location.

Read Aloud

• Description: Read Aloud for Edge reads the text on the web pages aloud.
  
  
• How to Install:
  1. Go to the Microsoft Edge Add-ons.
  2. Search for "Read Aloud".
  3. Click "Get" to install.

• Basic Usage:
  • Click the Read Aloud icon in the toolbar to start reading the text on the page.

Immersive Reader

• Description: Immersive Reader provides a reading mode that simplifies the web page layout, adjusts text spacing, and reads the text aloud.
  
  
• How to use:
  1. Click the Immersive Reader icon in the address bar or press F9.
  2. Use the toolbar options to adjust text size, spacing, and background color.
  3. Click the "Read Aloud" button to hear the content read aloud.

VoiceOver (Built-in Screen Reader)

• Description: VoiceOver is a built-in screen reader in macOS that works with Safari.
  
  
• How to Use:
  1. Press Command + F5 to start VoiceOver.
  2. Use Control + Option keys with arrow keys to navigate web content.

Safari Reader

• Description: Safari Reader simplifies the web page layout, making it easier to read articles and blog posts.
  
  
• Activating Safari Reader:
  
  
  • Older macOS versions:
    • Enabling Reader Mode might be less intuitive, sometimes requiring the user to enable it in Safari’s settings.
  • Latest macOS versions:
    • Easier access with a dedicated Reader button in the address bar.
  • iOS 12 and earlier:
    • Tap the Reader icon in the address bar (if available).
  • iOS 13 and later:
    • Tap the "aA" icon in the address bar, then select "Show Reader View".

Zoom

• Description: Safari’s Zoom feature allows you to enlarge text and images on web pages.
  
  
• How to Use:
  1. Go to Safari > Preferences > Advanced.
  2. Check "Never use font sizes smaller than" and set your preferred minimum font size.
  3. Use Command + Plus/Minus to zoom in and out.

My Computer My Way

My Computer My Way is an AbilityNet run website that includes articles explaining how to use the accessibility features built into your computer, tablet or smartphone. The site is regularly updated as new features and changes are made to the Windows, MacOS, iOS, Chrome OS and Android operating systems. The site is broken down into the following sections:

• Vision – computer adjustments to do with vision and colour
• Hearing – computer adjustments to do with hearing, communication and speech
• Motor – computer adjustments to do mobility, stamina and dexterity
• Cognitive – computer adjustments to do with attention, learning and memory