Unlocking Accessibility: In-built Tools for Inclusive Learning

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Your device already comes packed with powerful accessibility features – ready to support how you read, write, focus, and communicate. Whether you’re using a Windows laptop, Mac, iPad, iPhone, Android device, or a Chromebook, there are built-in tools designed to make studying easier – and they don’t cost a thing.

Explore AI and Accessibility

AI tools are opening up new ways to make learning more accessible for everyone — whether you’re looking to simplify reading, organise your notes, support wellbeing, or personalise how you study.

This interactive guide gives a brilliant overview of AI and Accessibility — packed with ideas and tools you can explore: 👉 AI and Accessibility Interactive Guide → View the guide

Prefer Talking to Typing? Try Voice Dictation

If you find typing tricky, get tired easily, or just prefer to speak your thoughts – voice dictation is a great alternative. It lets you turn your voice into text, helping you write essays, emails, or notes without needing to type a word.

  • On Microsoft 365 (Word, OneNote, Outlook, PowerPoint):
    • Click the Dictate button (microphone icon) in the toolbar and start speaking – your words will appear as text in real time. Available on QUB devices and through your Microsoft 365 account.
  • On Apple devices (iPad, iPhone, Mac):
    • Tap the microphone on your keyboard or enable Voice Control in your accessibility settings to dictate into any text field – including Notes, Safari, Mail and more.
  • On Google platforms (Google Docs, Android devices, Chromebooks):
    • Use Voice Typing in Google Docs (under the Tools menu) or enable Google Assistant voice input to speak into search bars, messages, or documents.

Prefer Listening Over Reading?

If you find it easier to listen than read – whether due to dyslexia, visual strain, or focus issues – your device can read text aloud for you. This helps with proofreading, revising, and taking in content more comfortably.

Microsoft Tools

  • Read Aloud: (Word, Outlook & Edge ) – Hear documents, emails, and web pages read out loud.
  • Immersive Reader: (OneNote, Edge) – Distraction-free reading with custom fonts, spacing, and colours.
    • Tip: Set Microsoft Edge as your default browser to ensure PDFs open with Read Aloud. How: Settings > Apps > Default Apps > Web Browser > Microsoft Edge.

Apple Devices

  • Speak Selection – Reads selected text aloud in Safari, Notes, Mail, and more.
  • Spoken Content – Enable in Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content for on-screen reading support.
  • VoiceOver – A full screen reader for those with vision loss or blindness

Google Tools

  • ChromeVox – A screen reader for Chromebooks.
  • Select to Speak – Highlight text on Android or Chromebooks to hear it read aloud.
  • Read Aloud extensions – Available for Chrome browser to read web pages and PDFs.

Need a Writing Boost? Try Built-In Writing Helpers

Your device can do more than just check spelling – it can help you write clearly, confidently, and inclusively.

Microsoft’s Editor

A proofreader built into Word, Outlook, and Edge. It checks grammar, spelling, clarity, conciseness, and even suggests more inclusive language. It’s like having a writing coach in your toolbar.

Apple Devices

  • Spelling and Grammar Check is built into Notes, Mail, Pages, and more.
  • Dictation and Voice Control can help you compose text hands-free and catch errors as you go.

Google Tools

  • Google Docs has smart suggestions for grammar, tone, clarity, and sentence structure.
  • Gmail offers real-time spellcheck and phrasing tweaks while you type.
  • Grammarly also works well in Chrome for extra support (free version available).

Focus Tools – Minimise Distractions, Maximise Attention

If you find it hard to concentrate, built-in focus tools across your devices can help you stay on track by reducing visual and digital distractions.

  • Microsoft: Focus Mode in Word and Line Focus in OneNote let you zero in on one section of text at a time for easier reading and writing.
  • Apple: Focus settings on iPhone, iPad, and Mac allow you to block notifications and create custom modes for study, sleep, or work.
  • Google: Android and Chromebooks include Focus Mode to pause distracting apps, while Chrome extensions like Reader Mode simplify cluttered web pages.

Need to See What’s Being Said? Try Live Captions & Transcription

Live captions and speech-to-text tools can improve understanding in meetings, presentations, and lectures by turning spoken words into readable text in real time.

  • Microsoft: Teams, PowerPoint, and OneNote offer live captions and transcription to support clearer communication and easier note-taking.
  • Apple: Live Captions on iOS and macOS generate on-screen subtitles for audio and video, including FaceTime and media apps.
  • Google: Android devices and Chrome browsers offer Live Caption for videos, calls, and podcasts. Google Meet also includes real-time captions.

Explore More Tools

If you’re looking for extra support with reading, writing, and study strategies, Dyslexia Hub’s Technology page is packed with helpful guides. While focused on dyslexia, many of the tools and tips are relevant for students with a wide range of needs—from ADHD to visual stress to general learning preferences.

Learn More About Accessibility

Want to build your skills in inclusive tech and communication? Microsoft, Apple, and Google all offer free resources to help you understand accessibility and use built-in tools more effectively.

  • Microsoft: The free Accessibility Fundamentals course teaches you how to create inclusive content and use tools like Immersive Reader, Dictate, and Editor.
  • Apple: Apple Accessibility has video tutorials and guides on features like VoiceOver, Speak Screen, and Focus modes across iPad, iPhone, and Mac.
  • Google: The Google Accessibility page offers resources on using tools like Live Caption, Voice Typing, and screen reader support on Android and ChromeOS.

Support Channels 

  • IT Helpdesk: For licensing issues or technical support, reach out to the QUB IT Helpdesk. 

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