Phones, tablets, and computers now come with many built-in accessibility features, but they’re often hidden behind menus and jargon.
This page covers:
- Common accessibility features in operating systems
- How they support different kinds of access needs
- Ideas for configuring devices to reduce fatigue and overwhelm
It’s platform-neutral on purpose; contributors can add sections for specific systems.
Many platforms offer:
- Screen readers (spoken feedback + focus navigation)
- Text-to-speech and speech-to-text
- Magnification and zoom
- Display options (larger text, bold text, high contrast, dark mode)
- Color filters and color blindness adjustments
- Subtitles and caption styles
- Switch control, head tracking, or other alternative input methods
- Assistive touch or on-screen alternative to hardware buttons
- Focus and notification controls (Do Not Disturb, focus modes, scheduled downtime)
- Shortcuts and automation that can reduce repetitive actions
Examples:
- Blind or low-vision users may rely on screen readers, zoom, and high contrast modes.
- People with fine motor difficulties may use switch control, larger tap targets, or external input devices.
- People with chronic pain or fatigue may use voice control and automations to reduce repetitive actions.
- People with sensory sensitivity may switch off animations, reduce motion, dim brightness, and tightly control notifications.
- People with cognitive or executive function disabilities may use focus modes, simplified home screens, and reminders.
Contributors can add experience-based guides like:
- “How I set up my phone for chronic migraine”
- “Minimalist home screen layouts for ADHD and executive function access”
- “Using voice control to replace most tapping”
Potential subheadings for contributors:
- iOS / iPadOS accessibility
- Android accessibility (stock and major vendor variations)
- Windows accessibility
- macOS accessibility
- Linux and open-source accessibility tools
- Game console system-level accessibility settings
Each section can include:
- Where to find accessibility settings
- Key features and how to enable them
- Known issues and workarounds
- Links to official documentation
¶ Barriers and Gaps
Even with built-in features, many disabled people face:
- Options buried in complex menus
- Features that don’t work well together
- Updates that break setups people rely on
- Lack of good documentation in plain language
- Vendors ignoring non-visual or non-mobility disabilities (e.g., cognitive overload, trauma triggers)
This page should reflect those realities, not just repeat marketing claims.
Have lived experience or expertise that could strengthen this page? We especially welcome perspectives on models not well represented here, including those from the Global South and Indigenous communities.
Suggest an edit or addition →
This page centers disabled people's expertise and is informed by disabled-led organizing globally. For questions or to suggest additions, see How to Contribute.
Last updated: January 2026