Accessibility and assistive technology · Advanced

Digital safety with assistive technology: an access plan

Choose accessible sign-in options, prepare account recovery and arrange help that respects your privacy.

A plan for both access and security

People use technology in different ways. A method that is accessible one day may be difficult on another. Before changing sign-in for an important account, think about how you will use a keyboard, switch, eye tracking, voice or another aid for every step, including recovery. Test calmly and keep your existing method until both the new one and its backup work for you. There is no absolute protection or universal method.

Features depend on the service, equipment, operating system, version and language. For individual adaptations, seek a specialist trained in assistive technology. Do not change critical settings or disconnect equipment essential for communication, safety or care without qualified support and an alternative plan.

Choose and test sign-in

Open the official site or app using an address you saved yourself. In account settings, look for Security or Sign-in and review the available options. Start with your main email: it may be used to recover other accounts.
When the service and device allow it, consider a passkey. It may use the way you unlock your device, such as a PIN or biometrics, but only choose it if that method is accessible and comfortable for you. Passkeys resist phishing; check where yours is stored and how to recover it. The NCSC explains passkeys, passwords and two-step verification.
If you use a password, choose a different one for each account and consider a trusted password manager that you can unlock and use with your assistive technology. Where permitted, autofill or copy and paste can avoid typing each character. The W3C explains accessible authentication alternatives.
Turn on two-step verification when it is available and suits your access. Compare, for example, an app, security key or codes if the service offers them. Check that you can complete both steps with your equipment within the time available. Do not approve an unexpected notification. If the only option is inaccessible, ask the service for a safe, accessible alternative.

Prepare recovery before you need it

In security settings, check your recovery email and phone number. If the service offers recovery codes or a second method, set them up and keep them in a protected place you can reach with your access method. Do not leave the only copy on the device whose loss would prevent recovery. If you use a manager or sync for passkeys, check how you would recover access to that manager too. Options vary: do not assume every service makes automatic backups.

Practise reaching the alternative without disabling your usual method or exposing codes to others. Keep instructions and official contact details in an accessible format, separate from secrets. For essential accounts, note the recovery steps and their order, starting with email, without writing passwords in the same place. Review the plan when you change device or contact details.

Privacy and help from someone you trust

Decide which tasks you want to do and what help you authorise. Ask the helper to explain each step and wait for your consent before touching equipment, opening messages or changing settings. You can withdraw permission. If the service offers its own delegated access with limited permissions, consider it instead of sharing the account; review and remove access when it is no longer needed.

Avoid revealing passwords, authentication codes or recovery codes. If you need help with a sensitive step, first look for an accessible way to keep the secret, or contact the service through its official channel for advice. Do not send codes to someone who calls or messages unexpectedly, even if they claim to be support. In shared spaces, consider whether speech output or dictation of sensitive information can be overheard; turn off spoken secrets only if you know how to do so without losing access. Avoid photos or screen sharing that show personal information, codes or private messages.

If your usual access method fails

Stop and safely check what has changed: power, a non-critical connection or equipment position, without disconnecting essential systems. Do not factory-reset or alter critical configurations without qualified support.
Use the previously tested backup if available and open the official service website. If needed, use its official recovery process or ask support for an accessible route. Do not repeatedly guess codes or passwords; follow the service instructions.
If you suspect unauthorised access, use a trusted device, use official channels and follow the service guidance to recover and protect the account. Contact your bank immediately through an official channel if money may be at risk. Review recovery methods and unknown sessions where the service allows it.
If the equipment is essential for communication or calling for help, use the contingency plan agreed with your support network and contact the responsible specialist or service. Do not rely solely on an account or contact stored on the failed device.

Checklist

Can I use sign-in and the second verification step with my access method?
Do I know where the codes or recovery alternative are, and can I reach them privately?
Do I have accessible instructions and official contacts outside my main device?
Does my helper know the limits of their role and ask for my consent each time?
Do I know whom to contact if essential equipment fails?

This guide is educational. None of these steps guarantees security or access in every situation.

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