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Accessibility Tools for Students and Faculty

Every major platform—Apple, Google, Microsoft, and more—includes powerful built-in accessibility features for vision, hearing, motor, and learning needs.

Below are some of the most useful accessibility tools available on school devices and personal technology.

Apple Devices (macOS and iOS)​

Apple includes accessibility tools in every Mac, iPad, and iPhone:

  • VoiceOver — Full-featured screen reader that describes everything happening on screen.

  • Zoom and Display Settings — Screen magnification and text size adjustments for visual clarity.

  • Speak Selection / Speak Screen — Reads selected text or full pages aloud.

  • Live Captions — Automatically captions spoken dialogue and audio.

  • Dictation and Voice Control — Hands-free text entry and navigation using voice commands.

  • Background Sounds — Plays ambient audio (like rain or white noise) to aid focus or calm.

  • Color Filters and Reduce Motion — Customizes visual display for color blindness or sensory needs.

Learn more at Apple Accessibility.

ChromeOS and Chromebooks​

Google’s ChromeOS includes accessibility features ideal for classroom and 1:1 environments:

  • Select-to-Speak — Highlights and reads selected text aloud.

  • Screen Reader (ChromeVox) — Full screen reading for blind and low-vision users.

  • Dictation — Converts speech to text in any input field.

  • Magnifier and High Contrast Mode — Helps with visual accessibility.

  • Live Caption (Chrome browser) — Provides automatic captions for videos and audio in real time.

  • Keyboard Shortcuts & On-Screen Keyboard — Simplifies navigation and input.

See Chromebook Accessibility Features.

Android Devices​

Android offers a wide range of tools through system settings and Google apps:

  • TalkBack — Screen reader that describes on-screen items and navigation.

  • Select-to-Speak — Reads text aloud after tapping it.

  • Live Caption — Instant captions for videos, podcasts, and voice messages.

  • Voice Access — Complete control of your device with spoken commands.

  • Magnification and Font Size Controls — Flexible visual aids.

Details at Android Accessibility.

Windows and Microsoft Tools​

Many students and teachers use Microsoft tools daily; the built-in accessibility options can make a big difference:

  • Immersive Reader (in Word, OneNote, Edge, and Teams) — Reads text aloud, highlights words, and adjusts spacing or background color.

  • Windows Narrator — Screen reader for text and interface elements.

  • Magnifier, High Contrast, and Color Filters — Visual enhancements for clarity.

  • Speech Recognition — Hands-free navigation and typing.

  • Focus Assist — Reduces on-screen distractions.

Learn more at Microsoft Accessibility.

Helpful Chrome Extensions​

Browse the Chrome Web Store Accessibility Collection.

Built-In Tools Across Platforms​

Most major tools UPrep already uses—Google Docs, Slides, Sheets, Canvas, and Schoology—include built-in accessibility features like keyboard navigation, text-to-speech compatibility, and alt-text for images.

Faculty Guidance​

Faculty are encouraged to:

  • Provide digital copies of materials for use with assistive tools.

  • Add alt text to images in slides and documents.

  • Use clear headings and structured text for screen readers.

  • Enable captions on videos shared in class.

Support​

For help enabling accessibility features or selecting the right tools for yourself or your students, contact June Peters - jpeters@universityprep.org