7 Accessibility tools that I feel make the digital world more inclusive

 Accessibility tools aren't  just nice to have, it's essential. Over 1 billion people worldwide have a disability of some kind and the technologies made to help them frequently wind up making them more usable for everyone. These seven accessibility tools can change the way you create, browse, and engage online, whether you're a developer, content provider, or someone who desires a more inclusive digital experience

1. Screen Readers (NVDA & VoiceOver)

Screen readers translate on screen content into speech or braille. There are two popular options 

• NVDA (NonVisual Desktop Access) is a free, open-source screen reader for Windows.

• VoiceOver which is built into macOS and iOS, with deep system integration and gesture-based controls.
  

Screen readers enable people with visual disabilities to navigate websites, applications, and documents. For content creators, testing with one helps ensure your digital products truly work for all users.

2. Color Contrast Analyzers

Insufficient contrast is one of the most common accessibility issues. Tools like WebAIM Contrast Checker and TPGi Colour Contrast Analyser can help 

• WebAIM Contrast Checker  offers an online contrast checker that will present the contrast difference between two colors, and will help you identify a color that meets the desired level of contrast. 

• TPGi Colour Contrast Analyser  is a free desktop application designed to help ensure digital content is accessible by checking the contrast ratio between foreground and background.

Good contrast reduces eye strain, helps people with low vision, and improves readability on small screens or in bright environments.

3. Voice Control Tools (Dragon & Built-In OS Options)

Voice control tools let users navigate devices hands-free. Popular options include:

• Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a speech recognition software designed to allow users to control their computer and create text by speaking into a microphone.

• Windows Voice Access / macOS Voice Control  is a hands-free feature in Windows 11 that allows users to control their PC and author text using only their voice, without requiring an internet connection.
  

They support people with motor disabilities, chronic pain, or temporary injuries. They also boost productivity for anyone who prefers speaking to typing.

4. Captioning and Speech-to-Text Tools

Captions aren’t only for people with hearing impairments—they help in noisy environments, quiet workplaces, and with comprehension. Some top tools:

• YouTube Auto-Captions use speech recognition technology powered by machine learning to automatically generate captions for videos after upload.

• Otter.ai uses speech to text transcription applications using artificial intelligence and machine learning. 

• Rev.com specializes in providing transcription, closed captioning, subtitles, and translation services.

More than 80% of people who use captions aren’t deaf—they just appreciate clarity.

5. Keyboard Accessibility Checkers

Many users navigate without a mouse. Tools such as:

• WAVE Accessibility Evaluation Tool is a free web accessibility evaluation tool that identifies ways to make a webpage more accessible to people with disabilities.

• Axe DevTools is a free browser extension available for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, which scans web pages using the axe-core rules engine to detect common accessibility problems like poor color contrast, missing alternative text, and improper heading structure.

Keyboard access is fundamental for users with motor disabilities—and it makes sites faster to navigate for power users, too.

6. Dyslexia Support Tools

People with dyslexia benefit from tools designed to reduce visual stress and enhance readability:

• OpenDyslexic Font  is a free typeface and font designed to mitigate some of the common reading errors caused by dyslexia.

• BeeLine Reader is a software system that adds color gradients to digital text to improve reading ability and focus.

These solutions improve reading comprehension and reduce fatigue—not just for people with dyslexia, but for anyone tackling dense or lengthy text.

7. Browser Extensions for Inclusive Browsing

Accessibility doesn’t only live inside apps. Browser extensions offer quick, powerful support:

• Dark Reader is an open-source, free browser extension designed to reduce eye strain by applying a dark theme to websites across the internet.

• Loom Zoom  is a video messaging platform designed for asynchronous communication, allowing users to record their screen, camera, and microphone simultaneously to create shareable video messages.

These tools allow users to personalize their browsing experience, helpful for visual impairments, ADHD, migraines, or just everyday comfort.

Final thoughts

Accessibility tools make technology more equitable, usable and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you use screen readers for testing, improve your design with contrast analyzers, or embrace captioning tools for video content, each step allows for a more inclusive digital world.

Gemini. (2025, November 17). Accessibility tools [Image]. Gemini. https://gemini.google.com/app/eb9b36ac86fe2c3d?utm_source=app_launcher&utm_medium=owned&utm_campaign=base_all