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If you or someone you work with struggles with reading the screen, hearing audio clearly, moving a mouse, or concentrating on text, you may not need to buy expensive software. Windows, macOS, and most smartphones already include powerful accessibility features hidden in their settings. Turning them on costs nothing.
Built-in screen readers for vision loss
Windows includes Narrator, a screen reader that reads text aloud whilst you work. It describes images, narrates what’s happening on screen, and works with braille devices if you use one. To turn it on in Windows 11, go to Settings > Accessibility > Narrator and toggle it on. You can adjust the voice speed and volume to suit you.
macOS has VoiceOver, which works the same way. Turn it on by going to System Settings > Accessibility > VoiceOver. Both Narrator and VoiceOver have improved significantly: Windows Narrator now includes AI-based image descriptions, and both systems support braille displays and customizable voices.
For those who are partially sighted or dyslexic, Accessibility Reader (on both Windows and macOS) adjusts text size, colours, spacing, and font to make reading easier. You can change the background to sepia or dark mode, increase letter spacing, or switch to a dyslexia-friendly font. These settings apply to most applications and web browsers.
For hearing loss
Windows and macOS both include live captions that transcribe speech in video calls, videos, and audio in real time. On Windows 11, go to Settings > Accessibility > Captions and turn on live captions. The captions appear on screen as you talk, watch videos, or join a meeting. macOS has a similar feature under System Settings > Accessibility > Live Captions.
Both systems also let you adjust volume levels separately for different applications, close-caption video playback, and use visual alerts instead of sound notifications.
For motor difficulties
If you have trouble using a mouse or keyboard, Windows and macOS offer several tools. Voice Control (macOS) and Voice Access (Windows) let you speak commands to open programs, type, click, and navigate. You can also enable Sticky Keys, which lets you press modifier keys (Shift, Control, Alt) one at a time instead of holding them down. Mouse Keys turns your numeric keypad into a mouse control.
Both systems support eye-tracking and switch devices for users with limited hand mobility. These are specialist tools, but the operating system supports them natively without extra software.
For attention and learning difficulties
Reading aloud is built into most applications. In Microsoft Word or Google Docs, the system can read your text as you write, which helps catch mistakes and maintain focus. Windows has a Immersive Reader tool in Edge browser that simplifies web pages, reads them aloud, and highlights words as they are spoken.
On macOS, you can select any text and press Control-Option-Space to have it read aloud. This works in email, documents, and web browsers.
Text size, colour contrast, and focus modes help reduce visual clutter. Windows 11’s Focus feature hides notifications and distractions during work time. Both systems support dark mode to reduce eye strain and brightness for users sensitive to bright screens.
Free accessibility tools on smartphones and tablets
Smartphones and tablets have built-in accessibility features as powerful as desktop systems. On Android, go to Settings > Accessibility to find screen readers (TalkBack), magnification, captions, and voice control. iOS (iPhone and iPad) includes VoiceOver, Magnifier, Live Captions, and Voice Control under Settings > Accessibility.
A smartphone with good accessibility features can be more useful than a computer for someone with vision, hearing, or motor difficulties. You can use it to read emails, watch captions on videos, navigate using voice only, and adjust text size across all apps. Many of these features come enabled by default; you simply need to turn them on.
Android TalkBack and iOS VoiceOver are free and built-in; you do not need to download anything. Both support braille displays if you use one.
Getting help to set these up
You do not need to figure this out alone. AbilityNet runs a free helpline (0300 180 0028) and offers visits from trained volunteers who can set up your computer and devices to your needs at no cost. They also publish the My Computer My Way guide (mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk), which walks you through each accessibility feature on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, with pictures and step-by-step instructions.
AbilityNet also publishes free factsheets on assistive technology for different conditions and disabilities, available at abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets, covering topics such as vision loss, hearing loss, motor difficulties, and cognitive challenges. These factsheets include step-by-step setup guides and information on additional paid tools if you later need more specialist features.
For specific support on learning disabilities, dyslexia, and sight loss, RNIB and Scope both publish guidance on the tools available. Many local libraries in Sussex now run free training sessions on accessibility features, so it is worth asking at your local library whether they run drop-in tech help.
Why built-in tools matter
The advantage of using built-in accessibility features is that they work consistently across your device—from email to web browsers to documents—without needing separate software licences or ongoing updates. They are also secure: there is no risk of adware or outdated software, because they come from the same company that made your device. For example, a person with dyslexia can turn on Accessibility Reader on Windows or macOS once, and the dyslexia-friendly font and colour adjustments will apply every time they read an email, open a web page, or work in a spreadsheet.
Key points
- Windows Narrator and macOS VoiceOver are free screen readers for vision loss; both support braille and custom voices
- Live captions for video and audio calls are built into Windows 11 and macOS at no cost
- Voice Control and Voice Access let you control your computer by speaking instead of using a mouse or keyboard
- Accessibility Reader adjusts fonts, colours, spacing, and contrast to help with dyslexia and reading difficulty
- AbilityNet offers free setup help and volunteer support to get your accessibility features working
Related: Find IT support near you