Windows Accessibility Reader
Jeff Petty
Carolina Hernández
* This is based on an abridged translation of the “New accessibility features coming to Windows 11 | Windows Experience Blog” published on May 10, US time.
Last year, Microsoft made and strengthened its commitment to close disability disparities in an effort to improve education and employment opportunities for people with disabilities around the world. And this commitment is a key factor in the development of Windows 11, the most inclusive design of Windows version to date.
Even when it was first available last fall, Windows 11 had a variety of accessibility features designed for people with disabilities. More subdued and engaging sounds, beautiful contrast themes and closed captioning customizations, faster and more flexible experiences in assistive technologies, new accessibility settings panes to make these features easier to find and use, and more. is. And Microsoft continues to innovate.
The most accessible version of Windows, Windows 11
Today, we’ll take a deeper dive into the four new inclusive experiences that Windows 11 offers. A more immersive Focus experience, live system-wide captions, enhanced Voice Access tools, and more natural voice for Narrator. Some of them were introduced at the event Windows Powers the Future of Hybrid Work held last month. Let’s take a look now.
Focus makes everyone more productive on Windows
Over the last few years, the way we work has changed. While achieving efficiency, a lot of information has diminished our attention. New hybrid work styles, online meetings, and remote collaboration can be distracting and mentally exhausting at all times. This can be difficult, especially for his ADHD. To support this new way of working and enable the ADHD community and everyone to be more focused and able to do more, Microsoft envisions a new experience in focus with his ADHD people. bottom. You can also control notifications more easily by turning on non-responsive mode, which reduces the number of notifications that distract you. Unresponsiveness alerts you to important notifications and alarms, and the Action Center keeps track of all notifications so you don’t have to worry about missing important information.
We then introduced a new focus session, using proven techniques to develop healthy digital habits and do more work. When you start a focus session, Windows turns on unresponsive and turns off the taskbar badge. Focus is integrated with the clock app. It activates a timer to help you focus and reminds you of breaks that have proven to be productive. It also works with Spotify, so you can optimize your environment with your favorite audio to get into and out of flow.
Live captions make audio content easily available to everyone
Subtitling audio content can benefit many, including people with hearing impairments, non-native speakers, and people in noisy or quiet rooms. With Windows 11, system-wide live captions will be available on your device, and voice text will be available in more situations than ever before. Microsoft has envisioned a live caption with people with hearing impairments to make audio content available to people with hearing impairments and everyone. Live captions in Windows 11 automatically transcribe any audio content into text, including applications such as Microsoft Edge and audio from microphones. That is, you can add captions to your live dialogue!
Live captions are currently available for Windows Insiders. Live captions can be set from Settings > Accessibility > Subtitles or Quick Actions > Accessibility. Unlike common closed captions that appear at the bottom of the screen, Windows 11 live captions can be displayed at the top of the screen (just below the camera on most systems), making it easy to take captions while attending a remote meeting. You can follow (you can also move to the bottom of the screen or a floating window if you like). Captions are designed to work with other windows and not interfere with the content of your app. You can also change the font, font size, color, etc. to create your favorite design.
Importantly, Windows 11 live captions take advantage of state-of-the-art speech recognition capabilities in a process that is complete within the device. This means that once set up, it’s always available without an internet connection, reacts instantly, captions are generated on your device, and content isn’t sent to the cloud, so your privacy is respected. Live captions are available in American English.
Voice access allows anyone to operate a PC by voice
Due to various obstacles and various situations, it can be difficult to use the keyboard and mouse. Microsoft envisions new voice access experiences with people who have difficulty using keyboards and mice, such as arthritis and cerebral palsy, and everyone can use voice to command and control PCs and content in any application. I am aiming to be able to author. For example, voice access supports scenarios such as opening and switching apps, browsing the web, reading emails, and authoring.
Voice access is currently available for Windows Insiders. Voice access can be set in “Settings”-> “Accessibility”-> “Voice recognition”. The first time you turn on voice access, you will be prompted to download a voice model for voice recognition processing that runs on your device. Once the download is complete, you will be able to select the microphone you want to use for voice access and use your voice to control your PC.
For ease of use, voice access provides interactive guides that explain how to use the voice of commonly used processes. You can also access the list of all commands by asking “what can I say?” While listening to voice access. In addition, voice access provides real-time feedback on what you hear, so you know which words aren’t recognized correctly when you make a mistake.
In addition to Windows navigation and interaction, grid and number overlays can be used to emulate standard inputs such as keyboards and mice by voice, giving you access to the content of any app or web page. You can also write and edit text with voice access.
Like live captions, voice access directly leverages state-of-the-art voice recognition capabilities running on the device. This means it’s available offline, responsive, and keeps your data on your device. Voice access is available in American English.
See this list of voice access commands for additional information, including an introduction to commonly used voice commands and a list of supported commands.
Narrator’s natural voice that even visually impaired people can enjoy the content
Finally, we are announcing the availability of Narrator’s Natural Voice. One of the most frequently asked opinions about the narrator’s experience is that the current voice is uncomfortable to listen to. This is especially true for cases like reading articles or long sentences. In response to these voices, the narrator will be equipped with natural voice so that visually impaired people can enjoy scenarios such as browsing the web, reading books, and composing emails.
Natural Narrator’s voice leverages state-of-the-art speech synthesis technology running on Windows devices. Once set up, the new voice is always available (even without an internet connection) and reacts instantly. In addition, since voice synthesis is performed on the device without sending information to the cloud, highly reliable voice synthesis that respects the privacy of the user can be performed. Narrator’s Natural Voice is available in American English.
Try Windows 11 and let us know what you think
Windows 11 continues its journey to help everyone on the planet achieve more, and even help people with disabilities overcome the digital divide at school and at work. It’s important to note that Microsoft is designing an inclusive Windows experience with and for people with disabilities. And all of us can benefit from it. Microsoft leverages cutting-edge technology to provide an accurate, natural, and enjoyable experience, but recognizes that there is still more work to be done.
A preview build of Windows 11 that incorporates all of these experiences is now available for Windows Insiders. Please try these features and let us know what you think. Whether you’re using an Insider build of Windows or a publicly available version, it’s easy to share your thoughts and suggestions. Simply press the Windows key and the F key to launch Feedback Hub and share information. We look forward to hearing from you.
Last but not least, if you have a disability and need technical assistance, the Disability Answer Desk will be available by phone (800-936-5900) or chat. We also offer the ASL option for hearing-impaired customers in the United States (+1 503-427-1234). Please do not hesitate to contact us.
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All content on this page is current as of the date of creation and is subject to change without notice. If formal internal approval or contracts with each company are required, it will not be finalized until then. In addition, due to various reasons and backgrounds, some or all of them may be changed, canceled, or difficult to realize. Please note that.
