How to use this website

Accessibility features help make devices and websites easier to use for everyone.

Below you’ll find guidance on how to use key accessibility tools, like changing zoom levels, adjusting fonts, enabling text-to-speech, and using translation features.

This guide covers major browsers and operating systems on both desktop and mobile devices.

 

Getting help

Whether you need a built-in screen reader or an advanced tool, there are many options available.

Try out free tools first, and don’t hesitate to reach out to support organisations for advice and assistance.

 

Accessibility features

Accessibility features help make devices and websites easier to use for everyone. Here’s a simple guide on how to use key accessibility tools, like changing zoom levels, adjusting fonts, enabling text-to-speech, and using translation features.

This guide covers major browsers and operating systems on both desktop and mobile devices.

Changing page zoom

Zooming in or out can make text and images larger or smaller, helping you see content more clearly:

  • Windows and macOS Browsers: Press  Ctrl  (or  Command  on Mac) and  +  to zoom in or  –  to zoom out. Use  Ctrl  and  0  to reset the zoom.
  • Mobile Devices: Use two fingers to pinch and zoom on the screen. This works on most web browsers and apps.

Changing fonts

Adjusting font size and style can make text easier to read:

  • Windows: Go to  Settings > Ease of Access > Display  and use the slider to adjust text size.
  • macOS: Open  System Preferences > Displays  and select a scaled resolution to increase font size.
  • Mobile Devices:
    • iOS: Go to  Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size, or enable  Bold Text  in  Accessibility.
    • Android: Open  Settings > Display > Font size and style  to make changes.

Using text-to-speech

Text-to-speech allows your device to read text aloud:

  • Windows: Use  Narrator  by pressing  Win + Ctrl + Enter.
  • macOS: Turn on  VoiceOver  in  System Preferences > Accessibility.
  • iOS: Enable  Speak Screen  in  Settings > Accessibility, then swipe down with two fingers to hear the content read aloud.
  • Android: Turn on  Select to Speak  in  Settings > Accessibility. Tap the text to have it read aloud.

Using translation features

Many browsers offer built-in translation tools to display websites in your preferred language:

  • Chrome: Right-click anywhere on the page and select  Translate to [Language].
  • Safari: Use the translation button in the address bar (available on iOS 14+/macOS Big Sur+).
  • Microsoft Edge: Click the  Translate  icon in the address bar if a page is in another language.
  • Firefox: Add a translation extension like  To Google Translate  for similar functionality.

These tools can make your browsing and device experience more accessible and enjoyable. Try them out and see what works best for you.

 

Web browser tools

This guide explains accessibility features, such as changing zoom levels, adjusting fonts, enabling text-to-speech, and using translation tools, organised by web browser.

Google Chrome

  • Zoom: Press  Ctrl  (or  Command  on Mac) and  +  to zoom in, or  –  to zoom out. Reset zoom with  Ctrl + 0.
  • Font Changes: Go to  Settings > Appearance > Font Size  to adjust font size. Advanced font settings are in  Customize Fonts.
  • Text-to-Speech: Install an extension like  Read Aloud  for text-to-speech functionality.
  • Translation: Right-click on the page and select  Translate to [Language].

Safari

  • Zoom: Use  Command + Plus (+)  or  Minus (-)  to zoom in or out. Reset zoom with  Command + 0.
  • Font Changes: Adjust font size by enabling  Reader View  (click the  aA  button in the address bar) and selecting a preferred font size.
  • Text-to-Speech: Enable  VoiceOver  in macOS or  Speak Screen  on iOS.
  • Translation: Click the translation button in the address bar (available on macOS Big Sur and iOS 14 or later).

Microsoft Edge

  • Zoom: Press  Ctrl  (or  Command  on Mac) and  +  to zoom in, or  –  to zoom out. Use  Ctrl + 0  to reset.
  • Font Changes: Navigate to  Settings > Appearance > Fonts  to adjust font size and style.
  • Text-to-Speech: Use the built-in  Read Aloud  feature by clicking the  Read Aloud  button in the toolbar.
  • Translation: Click the  Translate  icon in the address bar to translate a webpage.

Firefox

  • Zoom: Use  Ctrl  (or  Command  on Mac) and  +,  –, or  0  to zoom in, out, or reset.
  • Font Changes: Go to  Settings > General > Language and Appearance  to customize font size and style.
  • Text-to-Speech: Install an add-on like  Read Aloud  for text-to-speech.
  • Translation: Add a browser extension, such as  To Google Translate, for translation features.

 

Operating system tools

This guide explains accessibility features, such as changing zoom levels, adjusting fonts, enabling text-to-speech, and using translation tools, organised by operating system.

Windows

  • Zoom: Use  Magnifier  by pressing  Win + Plus (+)  to zoom in,  Win + Minus (-)  to zoom out, and  Win + Esc  to exit.
  • Font Changes: Go to  Settings > Ease of Access > Display  and adjust the text size slider.
  • Text-to-Speech: Enable  Narrator  by pressing  Win + Ctrl + Enter.
  • Translation: Use the Microsoft Translator app for system-wide translation.

macOS

  • Zoom: Enable  Zoom  in  System Preferences > Accessibility  and use shortcuts like  Option + Command + Plus (+).
  • Font Changes: Adjust resolution in  System Preferences > Displays  or use  Reader View  in Safari.
  • Text-to-Speech: Enable  VoiceOver  in  System Preferences > Accessibility.
  • Translation: Use Safari’s built-in translation tool or install third-party apps.

iOS (iPhone and iPad)

  • Zoom: Use pinch-to-zoom gestures on webpages and apps.
  • Font Changes: Go to  Settings > Display & Brightness > Text Size  or enable  Bold Text  under  Accessibility.
  • Text-to-Speech: Turn on  Speak Screen  in  Settings > Accessibility, then swipe down with two fingers.
  • Translation: Use Safari’s translation feature or the Translate app.

Android

  • Zoom: Use pinch-to-zoom gestures or enable  Magnification  in  Settings > Accessibility.
  • Font Changes: Adjust font size in  Settings > Display > Font size and style.
  • Text-to-Speech: Enable  Select to Speak  in  Settings > Accessibility.
  • Translation: Use Google Translate for apps and web pages.

 

Screen readers

Assistive technology can make computers, phones, and tablets accessible for people with visual impairments or other needs. This guide explains the best native and third-party screen readers and assistive tools available in the UK.

Native screen readers (built-in options)

Windows: Narrator

  • What it does: Narrator reads text, buttons, and other on-screen items aloud.
  • How to use: Press  Win + Ctrl + Enter  to turn it on. Adjust settings in  Ease of Access.
  • Best for: Basic screen reading tasks and navigation without extra cost.

macOS and iOS: VoiceOver

  • What it does: VoiceOver is a powerful screen reader that describes what’s on the screen and allows gesture-based navigation (on iOS).
  • How to use: Enable it in  System Preferences > Accessibility  on Mac or  Settings > Accessibility  on iPhone/iPad.
  • Best for: Apple device users who want advanced accessibility features.

Android: TalkBack

  • What it does: TalkBack reads text and interacts with on-screen elements through gestures and voice commands.
  • How to use: Turn it on in  Settings > Accessibility.
  • Best for: Android users who need a built-in screen reader.

Chrome OS: ChromeVox

  • What it does: ChromeVox is a screen reader designed for Chromebooks, reading content on webpages and apps.
  • How to use: Enable it in  Settings > Accessibility.
  • Best for: Chromebook users who need lightweight screen reader functionality.

Third-party screen readers

JAWS (Job Access With Speech)

  • What it does: JAWS is a professional screen reader for Windows, offering comprehensive features like Braille display support.
  • How to get it: Purchase or subscribe from Freedom Scientific.
  • Best for: Users who need advanced tools for work or school.
  • Cost: Paid, with a free trial available.

NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access)

  • What it does: NVDA is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows.
  • How to get it: Download it from the NV Access website.
  • Best for: Budget-conscious users or those seeking a lightweight solution.
  • Cost: Free, donations encouraged.

SuperNova

  • What it does: SuperNova provides screen reading, magnification, and Braille support for Windows.
  • How to get it: Available from Dolphin Computer Access.
  • Best for: UK users who want an all-in-one accessibility tool.
  • Cost: Paid, with tailored pricing options.

Voice Dream Reader (iOS/Android)

  • What it does: This app converts text files, PDFs, and web pages into speech.
  • How to get it: Available on the App Store and Google Play.
  • Best for: Users who need a mobile-friendly reading tool.
  • Cost: One-time app purchase.

 

Assistive technology

Magnifiers

  • Windows Magnifier: Built into Windows, it enlarges parts of the screen. Activate it with  Win + Plus (+).
  • Zoom (macOS/iOS): A native tool for enlarging text and images.
  • Dolphin SuperNova Magnifier: Paid software for advanced magnification needs.

Braille displays

  • Focus Braille Display: Works with JAWS for tactile reading.
  • Orbit Reader: Affordable and portable Braille display.
  • SuperNova with Braille: Integrated Braille support for Windows users.

Voice control tools

  • Dragon NaturallySpeaking: A speech-to-text tool for hands-free typing (paid).
  • Windows Speech Recognition: Free built-in voice control.
  • Siri/Google Assistant/Alexa: Use voice commands to interact with devices.