Tools for Visually Impaired Learners

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At Dynamic Training, we are committed to ensuring that all our apprentices can access learning on equal terms. Digital accessibility is vital to the current landscape and, if you're working on a computer, you may well have a love-hate relationship with the technology you're using. So, here are some useful tools that make online learning more manageable for visually impaired people.

Windows Narrator is a built-in screen reader available on any recent Windows computer. It reads aloud on-screen content including buttons, menus and text, and can be activated quickly by simultaneously pressing (Window + ctrl + enter). Raffy from the Microsoft Disability team highlighted Narrator as an ideal starting point for learners new to assistive technology because it requires no downloads or installation and works straight out of the box. In user reviews, Narrator is praised for its simplicity and seamless integration with Microsoft Office and web browsers. While more advanced users might explore additional customisation options in other software, Narrator remains a solid, reliable choice for everyday navigation. Microsoft also provides a comprehensive guide to Narrator and a list of keyboard shortcuts, both of which can be invaluable for quick learning. This is perfect tool for anybody working on a Windows computer and it's already downloaded for you to use at your own convenience.

VoiceOver is a technology built into every mac, ipad or iphone. It is known for its robust multi-language support and smooth performance. VoiceOver receives consistently high ratings from Apple users for reliability and accuracy, especially when reading complex documents or navigating websites. Its integration with other Apple accessibility features such as Zoom and Spoken Content further enhances its usability. I would highly recommend this for anybody with a visual impairment who uses apple products, as do the visually impaired community online.

Windows Magnifier enlarges parts or all of the screen, up to 16× magnification, and can follow the text cursor for smoother reading. RNIB (Royal National Institute of Blind People) advises combining magnification tools with screen readers for learners with partial sight to reduce strain and improve reading efficiency. Reviews highlight its simplicity and strong integration with other Windows accessibility features.

Some apps now use artificial intelligence to identify and describe images, objects and scenes in real time. Microsoft’s Seeing AI is a free example that works on iPhones and iPads, reading out text, recognising faces and describing photos or surroundings. It can be particularly helpful for learners accessing lesson slides, handouts or images online. AI tools like this are not a replacement for good accessibility practices, but they can give learners extra independence and confidence when working with visual materials. One user described the software as "The most useful app on my phone", this is highly recommended by the partially sighted and blind community.

If you want a more human touch, Be My Eyes is a free app that connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers over live video. Volunteers can describe text, images or objects in real time, which is particularly useful for interpreting handwritten notes, diagrams or unfamiliar layouts. Reviews praise the friendly volunteer community and the confidence it gives people working independently. You'll always have a volunteer on hand. I know this because I signed up as a volunteer myself and, to my surprise, I wasn't even called upon once. Everyone was already being looked after and I still haven't received a single call. In fact, at the time of writing this, there are 881,823 blind or partially sighted people and 9,201,345 volunteers. That's more than 10 volunteers per person.

With these tools, visually impaired learners can access training content more easily, take part fully in lessons and feel more confident working online. Thank you to Raffy at Microsoft for talking with me about Narrator, and to RNIB for reinforcing the importance of both screen readers and magnification tools in supporting independent learning.

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All of the Apprenticeships and Workshops we offer are purpose-built with accessibility and inclusion in mind. You can view our apprenticeships, view our courses or contact us to find out more about how we can empower you or your workforce with apprenticeships or training programmes.