Customize your Computer for Low Vision Access

Contents:

• Introduction and General Information

• General Resources for Low Vision Access

• Chrome OS Low Vision Accessibility Resources

• Mac OS Low Vision Accessibility Resources

• Windows OS Low Vision Accessibility Resources

Introduction and General Information

Resources on this page will assist users in customizing settings build into operating systems to optimize accessibility for those with low vision. Resources related to built-in magnifiers or third party screen magnification can be found on the Computer Based Screen Magnification page of this site. Please note that some of these resources will overlap and may be listed in both locations.

General Resources for Low Vision Access

These general resources are not specific to any one operating system and contain general information that may be applied in a variety of scenarios.

• Hadley: Facebook Low Vision Series
  More content is available for users with free accounts

• Hadley: Getting Online with Low Vision Series
  More content is available for users with free accounts

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Getting Started with Screen Magnification

• Perkins Paths to Technology: What if I Can’t See the Screen?
  Considerations and Options for Accessing a Computer with Low Vision.

Please note that these resources focus on the Magnifier on Chromebook devices but may mention other options for magnifying text. Other low vision accessibility features are outlined on the Customizing your Computer for Low Vision page

Chromebook OS Low Vision Accessibility Resources from Google 

• Turn on Chromebook Accessibility Features

• Interactive Tutorial: Chromebook Accessibility Features

• Change Text, Image & Video Sizes (Zoom)

• Change your Chromebook's Screen Color (Dark Mode)

• Use Reading Mode in the Side Panel in the Chrome Browser

• Zoom in or Magnify your Chromebook Screen
  Please note that this article contains information on various means of magnifying the Chromebook screen, including use of the Magnifier.

Chromebook OS Low Vision Accessibility Resources from Around the Web

• OpenHuman.org: How to Turn on High Contrast Mode on Chromebook

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Chromebook and Low Vision Maximizing Success

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Getting Started with Magnification Settings in Chromebook

Chromebook OS Low Vision Accessibility YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

• How to Use Screen Magnification on your Chromebook - YouTube 

• How to Use Reading Mode in Chrome Browser- YouTube

• Making your Chromebook Easier to See - YouTube

• Carrie On Accessibility: Can Someone Blind or Low Vision Use a Chromebook? - YouTube

• Texas School for the Blind: Chrome Low Vision Tools in One Minute - YouTube Playlist

• Texas School for the Blind: Chromebook Low Vision Tools in One Minute - YouTube Playlist

• Vision Forward: Chromebook Low Vision Accessibility Features - YouTube

These resources cover the basics of low vision settings on the Mac. It is not necessary to be utilizing the most recent version of Mac OS and many of these resources were written based on older versions. Unless otherwise stated, these resources can be used across OS versions. 

Mac OS Low Vision Accessibility Documentation from Apple

• Apple's Accesibility Features for Vision
  Resources related to accessibility features for both nonvisual and low vision access.

• Increase the Size of What's on the Mac Screen

• Make Text and Icons Bigger on a Mac

• View a Larger Version of Text you’re Reading or Typing on Mac

• Make the Pointer Easier to See on Mac

• Use a Light or Dark Appearance on Mac

• Zoom in on what’s onscreen on Mac

Mac OS Low Vision Accessibility Resources from Around the Web

• AbilityNet: How to Magnify the Screen in macOS 14 Sonoma

• HowToGeek: 8 Ways to make your Mac Easier on the Eyes

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Low Vision Accessibility Settings for MacBooks

Mac OS Low Vision Accessibility YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

• Magnifier on Mac - YouTube (Audio Described)

• The Blind Life: How To Set Up A Mac For Low Vision - YouTube

• Texas School for the Blind: Low Vision Tools in One Minute Mac Display - YouTube Playlist

• Unpacked Technology: How to Adjust the Accessibility Zoom Settings on MacOS - YouTube

Windows OS Low Vision Accessibility Resources from Microsoft

• Make Windows Easier to See

• Change Color Contrast in Windows

• Personalize your Colors in Windows

• Use Color Filters in Windows

• Windows Accessibility Features for Vision

Windows OS Low Vision Accessibility Resources from Around the Web

• ComputerWorld: Stop squinting! 10 Ways to Make Windows Easier on the Eyes

• HowToGeek: 8 Tips to Make Windows Gentler on Your Eyes 

• Perkins Paths to Technology: Comparing the use of Control +/- zooming with Windows Magnifier

• Veroniiiica: How to Make Text Cursors Easier to See in Windows

• Veroniiiica: Customize Microsoft Edge Accessibility for Low Vision 

Windows OS Low Vision Accessibility YouTube Short Videos and Playlists

Please note that some playlists contain general Windows and Ease of Access resources apart from those for low vision.

• Lenovo: How to Change Cursor Size in Windows 11

• MSFTEnable: Accessibility 101- YouTube Playlist

• MSFTEnable: Windows Accessibility - YouTube Playlist

• Shaun of the Shed: Exploring Accessibility Features in Windows The Ease of Access Center 

• Tech for Senior: Making your Computer Screen Bigger for the Visually Impaired

• Windows Accessibility Series Vision Forward YouTube Playlist