Computer accessibility

Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS operating systems have built-in accessibility that can be found on computers. Here RNIB consider built-in computer accessibility.

Computer accessibility refers to the hardware and software technologies that help blind and partially sighted people to use a computer.

Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS operating systems have built-in accessibility features that can be found on desktop and laptops for blind and partially sighted people to use. Specialist software can also be purchased to give added functions.

The content from the computer can be accessed in several ways including:

A screen reader which will provide speech output (Windows Narrator and VoiceOver)
Magnification (Windows Magnifier and Zoom)
Changing the colour of how things appear on screen (high contrast and inverted colours)
Adjusting the display to suit the personal preference of the user, including the size, shape and texture of the cursor and the reduction of animations.

Virtual assistants (like Cortana and Siri) on your desktop allow you to use your voice to undertake tasks like sending an email, conducting a web search and opening applications and files.

Voice recognition or speech-to-text can also be used to write emails and documents.

RNIB offers a range of support for mobile phone and computer accessibility, if you need more support don't hesitate to get in touch.

Setting up computer accessibility

Accessibility on Windows desktops can be set up and configured by going into the Ease of Access centre. This can be found in the Windows settings.

The accessibility settings on an Apple Mac can be reached by going into the finder, choosing All Applications and then Accessibility.

Here you can personalise your accessibility settings by changing the speed, pitch and voice of Narrator or VoiceOver, the level of magnification, the way the mouse pointer and cursor appears, the colour of the background and the text.

Accessibility shortcuts, which consist of two or more keys pressed together, can also be used to launch some features quickly and easily without having to go into the settings.

Examples of this are:

Windows Key + Enter to launch Narrator
Windows Key + the Plus sign on the numerical keypad to launch Magnifier
Command + Option + F5 to launch VoiceOver
Command + Option + F8 to launch Zoom

Using computer accessibility functions

The low vision accessibility settings on a Windows or Apple Mac machine are designed to provide access to content which may previously have not been possible.

Speech, magnification, virtual assistants, apps and tools enable blind and partially sighted people to use devices more effectively.

Note that a microphone is needed to use dictation and virtual assistant features on a desktop computer. A laptop usually has its own dedicated microphone built in.

Summary

The accessibility features found on Windows and Apple Mac computers are built into the operating system making the product accessible right out of the box meaning that a blind or partially sighted user can access and enjoy their device without many barriers or obstacles.

A dedicated screen reading or magnification software is recommended more complex tasks. Built-in accessibility functions may not be suitable in corporate and business environments for the best performance.