Windows 11: accessibility: Vision, Hearing and Mobility features. : IT Service Desk

Windows 11 includes a number of accessibility features:

Watch the Video: Windows 11 Accessibility Features | Microsoft

Grouped under the title "Vision", Vision features:

View things your way—or skip the screen entirely—with Windows 11 display and screen-reading features.

Windows Narrator and Voice Control

Hear what is on your screen with Narrator, Windows built-in screen reader. Narrator simplifies navigation, describes images with a natural, human-sounding voice, and works with your supported braille device.

Windows Narrator is the system level screen reading function. Typically, this is not widely used - Windows users who require a screen reader tend to use other software. The Windows 11 version provides all the same features as previously, although some terminology has changed (notably using "verbosity" when describing level of detail given) and whilst the same controls are offered, the set up has moved to a system of drop down menus and toggles, rather than the previous mainly tick box layout. The settings do include a link to Windows' own comprehensive advice on how to use Narrator, which we would recommend as the support material for anyone who wishes to do so.

Narrator is primarily designed for those with visual impairments, although screen reading software can also help in reduction of screentime as well as those who find audio processing of text easier. However, most users find working with a screen reading software preferable to use of Narrator. We'd recommend that you get in touch with DISC if you want to try screen reading software to have a chat about your needs and what might best meet these.

If you require screen reading and request a specific software, we recommend that you do not use Narrator as a substitute.

Again, if you use another screen reading software, this should be used instead of and not as well as Narrator - multiple features enabled trying to do the same thing typically causes problems.

Good for: Narrator can benefit users who want a screen reader, although it is not as widely used as competitors and not our usual recommendation for Windows users.

Hearing features:

Hearing: audio and captions: Take in every word with Windows 11 captioning, audio options, and more.

The Audio settings in version 11 are broadly the same as those in the previous version, although the layout is a little different.

Captions are now demonstrated with a video clip rather than a still image, which gives a better idea of how these will appear, these are again broadly the same as the previous version. The adjustment of the format of captions is different - slightly less choice and adjusted from a single drop down to pick text and background colour for captions.

Live captioning is useful but as an automated tool, accuracy can vary and will not be as accurate as properly captioned video. If you are using an assistive captioning software, such as Caption.Ed, you may be better not to enable this feature, to avoid the tools competing.

Catch every word from any audio with Windows 11 live captions. Perfect for people who are deaf or hard of hearing, live captions automatically transcribe spoken content from any audio, even the microphone, so you can caption apps and even an in-person conversation.

Single-channel audio: Hear more from your computer with Windows 11 Mono Audio. Combine the left and right stereo audio channels into a single channel to hear everything in a way that works for you.

Customizable captions:

Read the words spoken in videos, TV shows, or movies with Windows 11 captions. Customize your experience via text size, font, color, and background.

Mobility features: Voice Access: (Windows 11 Mobility features empower you to interact with your PC in the ways that fit your needs best)

Command and control your PC with your voice using Windows 11 voice access, now in preview. 4 Open and switch between apps, browse the web, read, and author emails, and more—all without your mouse and keyboard.

This goes further than dictation (a feature available in Word, for example), in that it allows you to control your PC using your voice. The Windows guide covers how to get started with the tool. However, to fully set up Voice Access, you may need to use keyboard and mouse controls, so some users with mobility impairments may need help in setting up the system as required initially. Keyboard shortcuts are available to use with Voice Access, with the apparent assumption that the user will still have some mobility.

On Windows 11 22H2 and later, Windows Speech Recognition (WSR) will be replaced by voice access starting in September 2024. Older versions of Windows will continue to have WSR available. Voice access is available in Windows 11, version 22H2 and later.

The leading dictation software is Dragon Naturally Speaking, which is cleared for university use although not centrally supported beyond help with installation. This is more accurate than tools such as Voice Access and other inbuilt dictation tools. If you are interested in dictation but unsure, please refer to DISC and we can discuss your needs and help determine the best options for you from available tools. Again, enabling Voice Access when using other dictation tools can sometimes cause problems.

Good for: Voice control benefits those with visual impairments and those with limited mobility, who may use voice control over use of keyboard commands or mouse controls. However, depending on role and work, other tools may be better options for those relying on dictation.

Color control: Adjust for light and color sensitivity with Windows 11 Dark and Contrast themes. Whether you are sensitive to light or work long hours in front of a screen, you can reduce screen brightness, increase contrast, and never sacrifice aesthetics or quality.

Colour filters: Distinguish between subtle color changes and see the whole picture with Windows 11 color filters, made to accommodate color blindness.

Eye Control:

Navigate your PC and apps with your eyes, using Windows 11 eye control. Feel empowered with eye-tracking-enabled cameras and a simple launch pad.

Voice typing

Use your voice to write a document or email. With Windows 11 voice typing, AI converts your speech to text––even taking care of punctuation.

Neurodiversity and learning features:

Unlock your potential with tools to enhance focus, attention, reading comprehension, and more.

Immersive Reader: Improve online reading fluency, comprehension, and focus with Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge. Make web pages easier to read by removing visual clutter and customizing spacing, color, zoom, and more.

Focus sessions: Build healthy digital habits and boost productivity with Windows 11 focus sessions. Focus sessions turns on Do Not Disturb, turns off task bar badges, and integrates with your clock to launch a timer that helps you focus and reminds you to take breaks.

Interaction

These are a set of features that handle interfacing with your PC and tend to be most useful for those with mobility impairments. These are much as those in Windows 10 but again, the menu layout has changed to a more drop down style. Besides Voice Access (covered above), the most useful of these is probably the adjustments that can be made to support keyboard control and navigation. Although Eye control is mentioned, this requires extensive specialist equipment, not supported as standard at the university.

Good for: The keyboard settings are particularly important for anyone unable to use a mouse, which typically includes those with very little or no sight who rely on screen reading software, as well as some users with limb differences or reduced mobility.

Processing and distractions

Whilst not specifically accessibility features, there are features under "Focus" which are worth noting here as they can be very useful for users with conditions which affect how they process information. Under System > Focus are options to set a focus session - the user can set a duration for the session and use the settings to limit alerts and notifications during this time. This is potentially useful for anyone but can be particularly useful to neurodivergent users, especially with ADHD. More widely, the "Notifications" settings also linked to from this page can be helpful to let users tailor their experience of alerts and how and when they appear.

Good for: everyone! But especially useful for ADHD users who may find these distracting, those with sensory sensitivities who may wish to adjust or mute alerts, as well as for users with reduced vision or hearing who would want to ensure notifications are in a format they can engage with.

Summary of features

Appearance and Display features

This array of features is close to what was previously available through the Windows accessibility settings - familiar tools allowing you to adjust text size, standard app scaling, cursor size, basic magnification and colour filters. As always, whilst these seem basic, they are small adjustments which can make a big difference to overall screen experience, so are worth experimenting with. Although often considered only in relation to visual impairment and colour blindness conditions, these adjustments can also reduce eye strain and help reduce migraine triggers, as well as helping with some processing disorders. The new version 11 provides better illustration of the effects of the colour filters than before and a few terms have changed a little - what was previously "High contrast" is now "Contrast themes". New themes have been added, including dusk - essentially high contrast but less harsh, so worth exploring for those who prefer dark mode. Another change is the "visual effects" tab, grouping together existing controls for transparency effects, scroll bars and animations, which had previously all been under "Display".

As always, some features may interfere with third-party software - for example, if you are using a magnification software such as Zoomtext, don't also use the magnification feature in Windows settings. It's best to use one tool or piece of software at a time for an assistive purpose, as using multiple screening software, dictation software or magnification software simultaneously tends to cause problems.

Good for: everyone! Adjusting these can make working with a screen much more comfortable and reduce eye strain, but definitely worth exploring if you have a visual impairment, a colour blindness condition or have a migraine condition. Also often useful for neurodiverse users, which can find adjusting brightness, colour theme and similar helpful.