Built-In Accessibility Features Every Teacher Should Know

The Tools Are Already There

One of the best-kept secrets in ed tech is that the accessibility features built into every Chromebook, iPad, Mac, and Windows device are genuinely powerful. Teachers often look for external apps and tools for students with learning differences when what they need is already in the system settings.

Text-to-Speech and Read Aloud

Every major platform has this:

• Chromebook: Select Any + Search key reads aloud selected text. ChromeVox is a full screen reader.
• iPad: Go to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content. Turn on Speak Selection. Any student can now select and hear text read aloud.
• Mac: System Preferences > Accessibility > Spoken Content. Same idea.
• Windows: Narrator is built in. Immersive Reader in Edge browser and Microsoft Office is excellent for students with dyslexia.

For students with reading difficulties, IEPs requiring read-aloud accommodations, or ELL students, these tools can be configured in minutes and make a significant difference.

Text and Display Adjustments

• Font size and zoom: Easily increased on every platform without any additional software
• High contrast modes: Helpful for students with low vision or visual processing difficulties
• Color filters: Available on iPad and Mac — useful for students with color blindness
• Reduce motion: On iPads and Macs, this can help students who are distracted by animations

Input Accommodations

• Dictation/voice typing: Built into iPad, Mac, Chromebook, and Windows. Students who struggle with keyboarding can speak their responses. Works in most text fields including Google Docs.
• Keyboard shortcuts: Teach these explicitly to students who have motor difficulties with mouse navigation
• Switch access: Available on iPad for students who cannot use standard input methods

In Practice

The most practical thing you can do right now is open your class devices' accessibility settings and spend 15 minutes exploring. Then identify which features would help specific students you're already thinking about.

For students with IEPs that include tech accommodations, check whether the accommodations are actually configured on the device rather than just listed in the document. The gap between "accommodation listed" and "accommodation active" is a real one.

Built-in tools are also easier for students to use consistently because they're always there — no login, no separate app to remember.