Accessibility and assistive technology · Basic

Assistive technology: navigate at your own pace

Practical ways to navigate with a keyboard, switches, eye tracking or voice, make reading comfortable and get help while keeping control.

Start with what works for you

People with neuromuscular conditions have different abilities, preferences and needs. You may use one or several ways to access a computer, phone or tablet. Choose what is comfortable for you; you do not need to try every option. The aim is to reach information with less effort, not to use technology in one supposedly correct way. The W3C describes different access methods and physical barriers.

Options depend on the equipment, operating system, version, language, browser and website. A feature may be unavailable or may not work on every page. If you need to adapt your setup, ask a specialist trained in assistive technology who understands your needs. Do not change critical settings or disconnect equipment essential for communication, safety or care without qualified support and an alternative plan.

Navigate with a keyboard or equivalent device

If a physical keyboard, on-screen keyboard or equivalent device is comfortable, try opening the library and moving between links and buttons with Tab. Shift and Tab together usually move back. Look for the outline or other indicator showing the current focus. Press Enter to open a link or activate a button; Space also activates some controls. Arrow keys can move through options in some menus. Behaviour varies, and some websites or browsers require particular settings.

If pressing keys together is difficult, look in the accessibility settings for a way to press combination keys one at a time. If focus disappears or gets stuck, do not keep going until you are tired: ask the service for an alternative or ask someone you trust for help.

Switches, eye tracking and voice

Switches: one or more switches can select items as the system scans through them. Watch or listen for the highlight, then activate your switch when it reaches the item you want. For example, Apple explains how to connect an external switch and set selection and scanning speed in its Switch Control guide. Steps depend on the device and version.
Eye control: with compatible equipment and software, you may be able to look to select items or type on an on-screen keyboard. A specialist or trusted person can help you position and calibrate the system. Microsoft explains Windows eye control: on Windows 11, its eye-control keyboard supports only the EN-US layout and some settings are only in English. Check current requirements before relying on it.
Voice: where the system and language are supported, speech recognition can be used to dictate text and, on some systems, select commands or items by name. Check the commands for your system and practise on a page without sensitive information. If voice is uncomfortable or unavailable in your language, choose another method.

Make reading and timing comfortable

Look for zoom in the browser menu. On many computers, Ctrl and + zoom in and Ctrl and 0 reset the size; on a Mac, use Command instead of Ctrl. Shortcuts can vary. Device accessibility settings may offer larger text or magnification. Check that the text and buttons remain visible and usable after zooming.

Arrange equipment comfortably with suitable support, without changing critical mounts on your own. If eye tracking is unreliable, position and light may affect it: ask for help checking and recalibrating it using the manufacturer instructions. Take breaks when you need them, divide a long task into stages and return later. If a form has a time limit, look for an option to extend it or ask for another way to complete it; such an option is not always available.

Quick checklist before you start

Choose your preferred way to access the device and your reading size. Have your usual method ready.
Try a link and returning to the previous page before completing an important form.
Keep support contact details and an accessible backup method nearby, if available.
Stop or ask for help when needed. A helper should ask first, explain what they will do, and respect your choices and privacy.

These suggestions are educational and do not replace individual advice. No setup suits everyone or guarantees that every website will be accessible.

The information on this portal is educational. For health matters, always check guidance with a healthcare professional.