The ideal computer operating system (OS) makes it easy for everyone, including people with disabilities. No matter what the intended purpose of the OS is - for work, information, or entertainment - the system should be completely accessible.
Should you choose Windows 11 or macOS for accessibility? We review some of the latest accessibility features of these world-leading operating systems so that you can make an informed choice.
Windows accessibility features
Vision
Brightness, contrast, and color control
If you have light sensitivity, the themes in Windows 11 will let you enhance contrast and reduce the brightness of your screen. Users can see each detail and experience the aesthetics without eye strain. For users with low vision or color blindness, use color filters to adjust the screen palette.
Text and image magnifier
Use the Magnifier tool to enlarge images or words, whether partially or for the entire screen. Think of this tool as a digital magnifying glass. With the vision and display settings, adjust the size of the text and customize the size and color of the mouse cursor to suit your needs.
Narrator for audio interaction
For audio descriptions and simplified navigation, Windows 11 provides the Narrator tool. This will enable users to interact with their PC easily using a keyboard or Braille device. Access email, listen to the news, or play music without requiring viewing the screen.
Hearing
New caption themes
For users with hearing impairments, captions enable reading the spoken words while watching videos. Windows 11 features redesigned caption themes, which help users personalize the PC experience, including background, colors, fonts, and text size.
Mono Audio Option
For users with hearing impairment in one ear, it is possible to maximize hearing from the PC with the Mono Audio feature in Windows 11. This tool combines the right and left stereo audio channels (typically used to produce modern music) to help users hear each detail.
Mobility
Eye control
Windows 11 provides some functionality and operability using eye movement. Many eye-tracking-enabled camera devices and an easy-to-use launchpad allow users to control screen activity with their eyes. Hardware for eye-tracking features must be purchased separately from the operating system.
Voice typing and navigation
Users can surf the internet, work on email, or compose documents using the voice typing feature in Windows 11. This AI-powered tool will convert speech to text and can even incorporate punctuation marks.
Mouse Keys
If using a mouse is challenging, Windows provides a feature called Mouse Keys. When Mouse Keys is enabled the user can use their numeric keypad to control the cursor on their screen.
Related: Windows keyboard shortcuts for accessibility
Mac accessibility features
Vision
VoiceOver
Mac has a built-in screen reader that will speak what is showing on the screen and the document text. This VoiceOver tool allows users to control Mac with trackpad gestures, Braille display, and keyboard.
Zoom features
With macOS, users can zoom the full or partial screen to enlarge the content. Use the Hover Text feature to zoom in on content beneath the pointer, including menu items, text fields, or other interactive and supported content. Touch Bar zoom is available to view an enlarged version of the Touch Bar on your screen.
Custom display
The screen appearance in Mac is adjustable. Adjust contrast, invert colors, reduce transparency, or utilize shapes to inform status info. When opening a new app, the user may choose to reduce or stop the motion on the screen. A color filter allows users to tint the whole screen or adjust display colors.
Spoken content
Mac can also speak to users, from announcements to text content that receives pointer focus. In addition, users can customize the voice Mac will use.
Hearing
Audio features
Mac can play stereo audio channels as mono. Users can turn on a screen option to provide flash notifications when any announcements or alerts occur. The spatial audio option will follow head movements when listening to spatial audio items on Macs with Apple silicon.
RTT features
macOS supports Real-Time Text (RTT). Users can set Mac to receive or place RTT calls on their tandem iPhone or other iOS devices. RTT lets users combine typed text and voice during phone calls without requiring special devices.
Caption features
Control the styling of the subtitles, and choose to use closed captions or SDH captions when available. Users can customize the captions and subtitles display by setting the font type, text color, and background as required.
Mobility
Voice control
The Voice Control feature allows users to dictate text and give commands to edit the text, perform app navigation, and carry out tasks such as pressing a button or scrolling up or down a document. In addition to the standard commands for Voice Control, users can also set up custom commands.
Pointer control
To enable more straightforward trackpad and mouse use, macOS lets users set custom options with Pointer Control. Users can adjust the reaction time of the trackpad or mouse when they have to drag items or double-click an icon.
Mouse Keys is a feature that enables users to move the pointer using numeric keys on a keyboard. To activate Mouse Keys – Press Alt + Left Shift + Num Lock.
Keyboard features
Full Keyboard Access on Mac will allow users to navigate everything on screen using the Tab key or other keys in place of a trackpad or mouse. Slow Keys and Sticky Keys can enable users to press keys more efficiently on a physical keyboard, requiring less repetitive keystrokes. The on-screen accessibility keyboard provides advanced navigation and typing capabilities for users who do not want to use a physical keyboard.
Switch controls
With Switch Control, you can use an adaptive device to enter text, interact with items on the screen, and control your Mac. Switchers allow users to select, tap, or drag items, type, and even freehand draw.
Making informed decisions
When choosing an operating system, there are many factors to consider. For those who need accessibility features, it is essential to assess the level of support offered as well as the needs. Becoming familiar with the various accessibility features across operating systems is a starting point in picking the system that will work best for each person.
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