AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Voice Recognition - An Overview

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This factsheet provides an overview of how you can use voice recognition. You can use voice recognition to control a smart home, instruct a smart speaker, and command phones and tablets. In addition, you can set reminders and interact hands-free with personal technologies. The most significant use is for the entry of text without using an on-screen or physical keyboard.

Communication technology continues to evolve rapidly. Using voice recognition to input text, check how words are spelt and dictate messages has become very easy. Most on-screen keyboards have a microphone icon that allows users to switch from typing to voice recognition easily.

For some disabled people who might struggle or find it impossible to work with a mouse or keyboard, speech recognition enables a world of productive possibilities. It can free people from typing and keyboard use, helping those with physical impairments and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury from excessive typing or mouse use. For example, people with dyslexia can write more fluently, accurately and quickly using voice recognition and may find it less stressful than conventional handwriting or typing.

For employers, enabling voice recognition in systems and encouraging its use in the workplace can be a ‘reasonable adjustment’: preventing discrimination against and maximising the productivity of disabled staff.

Download this Voice Recognition factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]


Need guidance about how to use voice recognition technology? Learn the fundamentals and how to use voice recognition software for accessibility testing with our training course.

Last updated: January 2025

This factsheet provides an overview of how you can use voice recognition. You can use voice recognition to control a smart home, instruct a smart speaker, and command phones and tablets. In addition, you can set reminders and interact hands-free with personal technologies. The most significant use is for the entry of text without using an on-screen or physical keyboard. Communication technology continues to evolve rapidly. Using voice recognition to input text, check how words are spelt and dictate messages has become very easy. Most on-screen keyboards have a microphone icon that allows users to switch from typing to voice recognition easily. For some disabled people who might struggle or find it impossible to work with a mouse or keyboard, speech recognition enables a world of productive possibilities. It can free people from typing and keyboard use, helping those with physical impairments and reducing the risk of repetitive strain injury from excessive typing or mouse use. For example, people with dyslexia can write more fluently, accurately and quickly using voice recognition and may find it less stressful than conventional handwriting or typing. For employers, enabling voice recognition in systems and encouraging its use in the workplace can be a ‘reasonable adjustment’: preventing discrimination against and maximising the productivity of disabled staff.
Download this Voice Recognition factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]

Need guidance about how to use voice recognition technology? Learn the fundamentals and how to use voice recognition software for accessibility testing with our training course.

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AbilityNet volunteer awarded British Empire Medal in New Year's Honours list

Submitted by Annie Mannion on Thu, 23/01/2025 - 15:35

A head and shoulders shot of DavidIn 2020 David Brew celebrated his silver jubilee as an AbilityNet volunteer! And now he has just been awarded the British Empire Medal in the New Years Honours List!

David, who is a county coordinator in Belfast, Northern Ireland, began volunteering for us in 1995 when he was working as a Consultant for the Department of Trade and Industry.

He is one of more than 450 DBS-checked volunteers who support disabled and older people at home, and remotely, to make the most of their technology. 

David's journey with AbilityNet so far

David got involved with AbilityNet after the British Computer Society (BCS the Chartered Institute for IT) realised that local companies were upgrading their computing equipment and discarding older devices.

"We reckoned that the discarded equipment might be of use to disabled people and we set up a scheme to process requests and donate equipment. A key element of the project was that a volunteer would install and support the disabled person, in their homes. This would have been in the early '90s," says David.

Eventually, the project was brought into the Free Services Department of AbilityNet.

Of his New Years Honours List award, David says:

"I'm really looking forward to sharing the good news about the contribution AbilityNet is making in our community. The tech volunteers at AbilityNet have willingly given their time and expertise... The Free Services team in AbilityNet, headed by Sarah Brain, provide an essential service to keep things running.

Read an interview with David celebrating Volunteers' Week and 20 years of service.

Sarah Brain, AbilityNet Director of Free Services, said:

"What an amazing achievement! We're so pleased for David and the honour is richly deserved. David is such a committed volunteer and has been a key support so many of AbilityNet's clients across Northern Ireland. We're thrilled that David's dedication to helping others has been recognised and awarded in this way. From us all at AbilityNet, thank you, David."

Do you have skills that could help older and disabled people with tech? Volunteer for us.

How AbilityNet can help

AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

An introduction to screen readers

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A screen reader allows people who are blind or visually impaired to use their computer. This factsheet provides an overview of the main screen readers available for people to use with their computer or mobile devices. It has been written to help people determine which is the most appropriate for their needs and includes summary information about the screen readers built into the operating system alongside other free or commercial products. As with all assistive technologies, no one size fits all, and people may find it useful to try more than one before settling on their preferred tool.
Find out how technology can support those with cognitive differences: Removing neurodiversity barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training

Download this factsheet about screen readers in Easy Read format [PDF]


In the UK there are almost 2 million people living with sight loss. According to the RNIB only one in four people registered blind or partially sighted is in employment, and this number is falling. As such, the promotion of awareness about screen reader technology plays a vital part in the continued welfare, education, and employability of people with visual impairments.

Do you want to know more about screen reading software, and what it can highlight about accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors to your website?

Check out our training course 'How to use a screen reader for accessibility testing'.

Last updated: January 2025

A screen reader allows people who are blind or visually impaired to use their computer. This factsheet provides an overview of the main screen readers available for people to use with their computer or mobile devices. It has been written to help people determine which is the most appropriate for their needs and includes summary information about the screen readers built into the operating system alongside other free or commercial products. As with all assistive technologies, no one size fits all, and people may find it useful to try more than one before settling on their preferred tool.
Find out how technology can support those with cognitive differences: Removing neurodiversity barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training
Download this factsheet about screen readers in Easy Read format [PDF]
In the UK there are almost 2 million people living with sight loss. According to the RNIB only one in four people registered blind or partially sighted is in employment, and this number is falling. As such, the promotion of awareness about screen reader technology plays a vital part in the continued welfare, education, and employability of people with visual impairments.
Do you want to know more about screen reading software, and what it can highlight about accessibility for blind and visually impaired visitors to your website? Check out our training course 'How to use a screen reader for accessibility testing'.
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations

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Standard keyboards and mice are functional ways of interacting with your computer and increasingly other devices like tablets. However, these standard devices can pose difficulties for many people – especially users with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges – and there are lots of other options available.

This factsheet provides details of some of the alternative keyboard, mouse and other pointing devices available. It also gives information on adaptations you can make to standard keyboards and mice. There are so many choices and variations, we cannot cover every single piece of equipment in this factsheet.

Please call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 or email us at enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk if you require more detailed information.

Download an Easy Read version of this factsheet [PDF]

Last updated: January 2025

Standard keyboards and mice are functional ways of interacting with your computer and increasingly other devices like tablets. However, these standard devices can pose difficulties for many people – especially users with physical, sensory, or cognitive challenges – and there are lots of other options available. This factsheet provides details of some of the alternative keyboard, mouse and other pointing devices available. It also gives information on adaptations you can make to standard keyboards and mice. There are so many choices and variations, we cannot cover every single piece of equipment in this factsheet. Please call our helpline on 0300 180 0028 or email us at enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk if you require more detailed information.
Download an Easy Read version of this factsheet [PDF]
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

Windows Keyboard Shortcuts

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This factsheet highlights some of the actions you can carry out quickly on your computer by using key combinations rather than using the mouse to navigate menus and options. These key combinations are referred to as shortcuts as they are often a much quicker way of carrying out tasks. They can also be particularly useful for repetitive actions.

Last updated: January 2025

This factsheet highlights some of the actions you can carry out quickly on your computer by using key combinations rather than using the mouse to navigate menus and options. These key combinations are referred to as shortcuts as they are often a much quicker way of carrying out tasks. They can also be particularly useful for repetitive actions.
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AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

RSI in the Workplace inc Work Related Upper Limb Disorder and Computing

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This factsheet looks at repetitive strain injury (RSI) – the term most often used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repeated movement and overuse. It looks at the symptoms and causes of RSI (also known as Upper limb disorders (ULDs)), cumulative trauma disorder or occupational overuse syndrome, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and the steps that individuals or employers can take to protect themselves and their staff.

It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination.

Computer use is one significant cause of RSI, and this factsheet includes practical information on both reducing the risk and responding effectively to any cases that may arise in an office environment.

Download this RSI factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]


Learn more on how to make sure that your working environment does not unintentionally exclude people living with physical impairments or differences.

Removing physical barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training

Last updated: January 2025

This factsheet looks at repetitive strain injury (RSI) – the term most often used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repeated movement and overuse. It looks at the symptoms and causes of RSI (also known as Upper limb disorders (ULDs)), cumulative trauma disorder or occupational overuse syndrome, Work Related Upper Limb Disorders, and the steps that individuals or employers can take to protect themselves and their staff. It is important that employers understand their legal responsibility to provide any ‘reasonable adjustments’ to protect their staff from injury and prevent discrimination. Computer use is one significant cause of RSI, and this factsheet includes practical information on both reducing the risk and responding effectively to any cases that may arise in an office environment.
Download this RSI factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]
Learn more on how to make sure that your working environment does not unintentionally exclude people living with physical impairments or differences. Removing physical barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training
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Charities support Scottish communities with the digital landline switch

Submitted by Annie Mannion on Tue, 21/01/2025 - 13:57

AbilityNet and Neighbourhood Watch have partnered with BT Group to run a series of 'roadshow' events across Scotland to support communities with the upcoming industry-wide switch to digital landlines by the end of January 2027.

BT is inviting customers to switch to its new home phone service, Digital Voice, where calls are made over a broadband line instead of the older analogue system.

Visit a roadshow

UK Landlines are going digital by 2027BT Digital Voice roadshows are part of BT's commitment to support customers through the transition from traditional analogue landlines to digital ones. These roadshows will visit various regions across Scotland to help customers learn about what Digital Voice is, why the change is necessary, and how it will impact them.

The roadshows aim to ensure that everyone understands the simple steps required to make the switch and to address any questions or concerns they might have.

Chris Grant from AbilityNet commented: "We’re really looking forward to working with the team at BT Group and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland to facilitate these vital events. The switch is very simple and we’re here to support customers with that, and to try and remove any worries they may have."

Lesley Clark, Neighbourhood Watch Scotland (NWS) said: "Delighted to be working in collaboration with AbilityNet Scotland and BT to help reassure and support the digital landline switchover. NWS is committed to working closely with the public to create stronger neighbourhoods and safer communities."

Vicky Hicks, Senior Engagement Manager at BT Group, said: "We're pleased to partner with AbilityNet and Neighbourhood Watch Scotland to spread the word about the changes to landlines. By visiting rural areas in Scotland, we're ensuring our customers are well-informed and supported as they make the switch to digital landlines. We're here to support customers every step of the way."

Find out more about the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Switch and information on the roadshow events coming soon at: Everything you need to know about BT's Digital Voice 

You can also visit the BT Group website to learn about Digital Voice information events near you.

Woman using smartphone, smilingFree webinar: Tips to make your smartphone easier to use
Join our free webinar on Wednesday 26 February 2025 between 1pm - 1.45pm GMT to learn about how to make your smartphone work smarter for you!
Register your webinar place

How AbilityNet can help

UK Government report on accessibility compliance monitoring

Submitted by James Baverstock on Wed, 15/01/2025 - 10:44

In December 2024, the Government Digital Service (GDS) published its second report on the accessibility monitoring of public sector websites and mobile apps under the Public Sector Bodies Accessibility Regulations (PSBAR), covering 2022-2024.

Woman and man sitting at a work desk in formal settingThis follows the previous report published in 2021. A report will be published every three years going forward.

We've been keeping our public sector clients and higher and further education customers updated on the stipulations and monitoring practices of PSBAR since its announcement and subsequent enforcement, including running free webinars and training to help address digital accessibility needs.

Types of tests used to monitor compliance

The latest GDS report provides information on how the monitoring and testing process is conducted which will be useful for all public sector organisations to review.

The report contains top-level figures on websites and apps tested in the period, summarised under the three testing types used in the monitoring process:

  1. Simplified testing (which is used most frequently) covers a small sample of pages, using mainly automated testing.
  2. Detailed testing looks at a broader range of pages with a wider range of tests.
  3. Mobile app testing, which is similar to detailed testing, but is conducted across screens and flows of mobile apps. 

Key aspects of the second GDS report on PSBAR

Particular points of the report to note include:

  • The specific use of the automated testing tool axe from Deque Systems for automated testing. Automated testing can only cover a limited number of accessibility issues, but including it into your development and testing processes can still be very helpful.
  • The description of the selection of core pages for simplified testing specifically mentions the home page and contact page, as well as forms, audio-visual content and PDFs. These are areas that it makes sense to prioritise in your accessibility efforts, as well as making sure that your most-used pages and all your page template types are accessible, which will help during the detailed audit process.
  • The report also links to the monitoring team’s full accessibility testing guide if you want to reference this for your internal testing.

Most common issues identified

The report also contains some useful data on the most frequent issues found, which correlate well with common issues we see at AbilityNet when testing sites. These include:

  • Issues with colour contrast between text and background (particularly noting that contrast issues are often overlooked where text is placed over images or pale placeholder text is used in form inputs).
  • Lack of visible keyboard focus indication and common issues with colour contrast on keyboard focus or pointer hover.
  • Problems using websites and mobile apps with a keyboard - with menus, carousels and sliders being particularly called out for commonly causing keyboard accessibility issues.
  • Sites that don’t correctly reflow to adjust to different screen magnifications.
  • Issues with form elements that do not have accessible names or are not programmatically associated with the visible label – particularly where one label is incorrectly used to cover multiple inputs. 
  • With mobile apps specifically, lack of support for both portrait and landscape mode, which is important for users who need to use a device in a fixed orientation.

PDF Accessibility issues

Notably the report also specifies that problems with PDF accessibility are very common.

It says that there is normally an issue found with PDFs that are tested – even though the PDF tests are limited to very simple technical checks, such as for the inclusion of a title and a language.

This highlights the need for public sector organisations to take document accessibility more seriously, as documents published since September 2018 on websites and intranets are covered by PSBAR.

    Need to learn more about PDF Accessibility? Attend our PDF Accessibility training course or book training for your whole team, to help ensure your documents are compliant.

    Fixes identified and actioned

    The report points out the success of the monitoring process overall in terms of getting a large number of accessibility issues fixed on public sector sites – giving a figure of 16,482 issues fixed as a direct result of monitoring.

    However, it also raises concerns that the accessibility statements required by the regulations are not being kept up-to-date in many cases – citing the need for organisations to review these at least every 12 months so that they reflect the current accessibility of sites.

    This is important to consider if you don’t currently have a regular review process in place for your accessibility statement, as just publishing a statement without regular updates is insufficient. 

    Train your teams to boost compliance

    AbilityNet has a range of services that can assist with PSBAR compliance, including auditing and other testing services for websites, mobile apps and documents, training for accessibility testing and an accessibility statement service which can help with reviewing an existing statement or with drafting a statement for a new website or app. 

    Speak to our experts

    Understand the basics of what you need to know about accessibility testing your digital spaces: Book now for our How to begin your own accessibility testing training course on Thursday 27 February 2025 (or book group training in-house for your team). 

    Learn about PSBAR and accessibility
    Blogs:
    How well have the public sector accessibility regulations been applied? 
    Accessibility requirements for Higher and Further Education organisations
    Webinar recordings:
    University of Sheffield logoHigher Education PSBAR accessibility requirements webinar with UCISA and The University of Sheffield
    HE/Public Sector Update: Is your Accessibility Statement ready yet?
    Improve your institution's digital accessibility overall: 
    Download your free HE and FE Accessibility Maturity Model

    James Baverstock, smilingJames Baverstock is a Principal Accessibility Consultant at AbilityNet who specialises in document accessibility. He contributes to AbilityNet’s training programmes for Microsoft Office, PDF (Portable Document Format), and InDesign accessibility, as well as conducting accessibility audits for PDFs and Office documents. As a certified Accessible Document Specialist (ADS) from the International Association of Accessibility Professionals (IAAP), he is well-versed in the field.

    Financial sector predicts it will spend more on digital accessibility in 2025

    Submitted by Annie Mannion on Tue, 14/01/2025 - 13:14

    By Research and Evaluation Officer at AbilityNet, Ell Martin 

    The financial sector has a significant role to play in setting an example for best practices to achieve in digital inclusion and accessibility. 

    We know from speaking to the people we support, and wider research, that it's vital that banking services are made accessible for those with digital accessibility needs. 

    Report cover for Attitudes to Digital Accessibility 2024 October showing woman at work in front of computer smilingIn AbilityNet’s Attitudes to Digital Accessibility Survey 2024 of more than 400 business professionals worldwide, the financial sector represented 5.9% of respondents.

    Our report, which outlines the key survey results, suggests the sector may be further along than others with embedding digital accessibility, but there is still a way to go to ensure it is prioritised within the sector overall. 

    Building accessibility expertise

    Three men in suits sitting at desk working togetherPositively, the financial sector predicts it will spend more on digital accessibility in the next year, with 50% predicting so, compared to only 32% of all survey respondents. However, that is still half of respondents predicting no increase or who are unsure.  

    The overall results that show a worrying indication that digital accessibility is a lower priority in 2024 than 2023, plus sector-wide uncertainty over European Accessibility Act (EAA).

    But, another positive, when asked if their organisation helps individuals develop the skills they need to deliver digital accessibility, a larger percentage of respondents (65%) from the financial sector agreed strongly, compared with 46% of all survey respondents. 

    Man drawing diagram on large presentation paper with woman looking on Financial sector accessibility training from the experts
    Is the imminent EAA deadline making you think about developing your accessibility expertise?
    Start the year by equipping your staff with expert professional development to boost your ability to meet the needs of disabled customers.
    Get 10% off our 10 for 8 training course bundle if you book before end January 2025.
    Group and individual training options available.
    Book accessibility training

    Financial sector’s accessibility confidence is high 

    Encouragingly, a higher percentage of finance sector respondents are also ‘very confident’ about their understanding of digital accessibility within their role (42% compared to 33% of all respondents).   

    However, this confidence did not translate to priority; over half of respondents told us that digital accessibility was a neutral priority for their leadership, ticking ‘Neither high nor low relative to other activities’. 

    When asked 'Can you explain what you think are any reasons for the priority your organisation applies to digital accessibility?' responses were varied, and included: 

    • “No clear understanding of the role of accessibility. It is always done and checked at the tail end of the process.” 
    • “I would go so far to say that our organization is accessibility-first when it comes to how they treat our software development.” 
    • “Digital accessibility high priority when looking at customers. But a neither high or low when looking at internal accessibility.” 

    The full Attitudes to Digital Accessibility report will help you benchmark your digital accessibility activities against other organisations, gain valuable insights into common issues in inclusion such as meeting the EAA requirements, and give you ideas for improvements you can make. 

    Download the free 2024 report

    At-a-glance financial sector findings 

    The report reveals the following about the financial sector:

    Motivators for digital accessibility

    The top three motivators cited by the financial sector for delivering digital accessibility:

    1. Meeting legal requirements
    2. Reducing business risk
    3. Because it’s good for business

    Barriers to delivering digital accessibility

    The three leading barriers cited to delivering digital accessibility:

    1. Lack of understanding a business case - this was a proportionately bigger barrier for the financial sector (57% compared to 39% of overall respondents). Download the Business Case for Accessibility.
    2. Limited or no budget allocated
    3. Lack of internal skills and experience 
       

    User research

    The financial sector also reports that it conducts more user research and user testing with disabled people compared to all respondents. Learn about how AbilityNet's experts can help with your user research.

    Financial sector attitudes: in their own words
    When asked in their own words what barriers respondents faced for improving digital accessibility, their answers reflected that digital accessibility was not always being prioritised: 
    - “Budgets are squeezed, and people are occasionally unaware of the guidelines they should follow as quickly as they should be.” 
    - “Resource availability. There is more accessible work to be delivered than we have workers to complete the work” 
    - “Company sees this as an extra checklist item, UX doesn't want to spent time making sure buttons are different than links.” 

    Motivations for delivering digital accessibility differed for the financial sector than other sectors, suggesting that they are more aware of the impact getting digital accessibility right can have on their organisation – both positively and negatively:

    - ‘Reducing business risks’ was the second highest motivator with 65% of respondents in the financial sector choosing that, compared to 35.6% of all respondents.  

    - ‘It’s good for business’ was chosen by 60.9% of sector respondents, compared to 44% of all respondents. 

    - Like many other respondents, ‘meeting legal requirements’ remained high for finance sector staff. 

    In summary: Don't make banking a barrier for disabled people

    Understanding the ‘why’ and building a business case may support the financial sector to push digital accessibility as a higher priority.  

    Increasing digital accessibility will not only increase a customer base for financial services, but if done so through appropriate digital support, will help alleviate digital exclusion.  

    Financial sector results interpreted by Amy Low, CEO at AbilityNet:
    AMy Low smiling“Financial sector professionals provided a positive response to our annual Attitudes to Digital Accessibility survey again this year.

     
    Responses indicate a growing recognition of the importance of legal compliance as a powerful motivator for ensuring digital accessibility improvements are made, and a commitment to investing in accessibility development by financial institutions.

    However, a significantly larger proportion of financial sector respondents than other sectors cited a lack of understanding of the overall business case for digital accessibility as a barrier to making improvements.

    Given the powerful business case for providing an accessible and welcoming customer experience to disabled and older customers and the potential business cost of neglecting to provide this, it feels like a key area in which to drive awareness and engagement. AbilityNet looks forward to working with teams to provide guidance about the broader benefits of making digital accessibility adjustments."

    Chat with our financial sector experts

    Download our Digital Accessibility Services brochure for detailed information about each of the services we offer and to learn how we can support you. Or get in touch today to discuss your needs:

    Contact us

     

    AbilityNet Factsheet - January 2025

    Vision impairment and Computing

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    This factsheet covers how assistive technology can help people with vision impairment. Many features are standard within computers, tablets, and smartphones.
    You can also use standalone products with devices to make them easier to use for people with a visual impairment or who are blind.
    Our factsheet outlines assistive technology for visually impaired and blind computing users to help empower them to access the digital world. Access to these technologies is empowering for people at home, at work and in education and can increase independence and self-esteem.
    The factsheet covers software and hardware adjustments for visually impaired and blind computing users.

    Download this factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]


    Learn how technology can support employees with sight loss - Removing visual barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training.

    Last updated: January 2025

    This factsheet covers how assistive technology can help people with vision impairment. Many features are standard within computers, tablets, and smartphones. You can also use standalone products with devices to make them easier to use for people with a visual impairment or who are blind. Our factsheet outlines assistive technology for visually impaired and blind computing users to help empower them to access the digital world. Access to these technologies is empowering for people at home, at work and in education and can increase independence and self-esteem. The factsheet covers software and hardware adjustments for visually impaired and blind computing users.
    Download this factsheet in Easy Read format [PDF]

    Learn how technology can support employees with sight loss - Removing visual barriers - lived experience digital disability awareness training.

    Print this page
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