What is it?
Microsoft’s built-in accessibility features are a suite of tools integrated into Windows devices and Microsoft 365 applications, designed to support users with diverse needs. These include tools like Narrator (a screen reader), Magnifier, Speech Recognition, high contrast modes, closed captions, and Immersive Reader in Microsoft Word and OneNote. These features help individuals with visual, auditory, motor, and cognitive disabilities access content and navigate technology more easily.
How to use it?
To access accessibility settings on a Windows device, go to Settings > Accessibility (or Ease of Access). From there, you can turn on tools like Narrator for screen reading, adjust text size or color contrast, or enable keyboard and mouse alternatives. Within Microsoft 365 apps like Word, OneNote, or Edge, you can activate features like Immersive Reader for text-to-speech, line focus, and grammar support. These tools can be personalized to meet individual learning and sensory needs, and many are also available in browser-based versions for easy access.
Why use it?
Microsoft’s accessibility features support inclusion by allowing students with disabilities to engage with digital content in ways that suit their abilities and preferences. These tools promote independence and academic success, whether a student needs visual supports to read, voice typing to write, or simplified layouts to reduce cognitive load. In inclusive classrooms, Microsoft’s accessibility options help ensure that every learner has the tools they need to participate fully and confidently in schoolwork and digital learning.
