// ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY AT HOME
Assistive technology at home: what’s already free
Much of the technology that helps people see, hear, type, read and remember is already built into your Windows computer or Android phone, free. Here’s what’s there, the gadgets worth buying, where to get free advice, and how VAT relief works. Rated 4.9 on Google.
- ● Free on Windows and Android
- ● Gadgets worth buying
- ● Free advice and VAT relief
/01 — WHAT IT IS
What counts as assistive technology
Assistive technology is anything that helps someone keep doing things for themselves despite a disability, an illness or getting older. The World Health Organization counts everything from glasses and hearing aids to wheelchairs and software.
On a computer or phone it means the settings, apps and gadgets that make it easier to see the screen, hear sound, type, use the mouse, read, or remember things. A lot of it is already there, free.
At a glance
| What it is | Anything that helps you keep doing things for yourself: from glasses and hearing aids to settings, apps and gadgets. |
|---|---|
| Free on Windows | Bigger text, Magnifier, Narrator, live captions, voice typing, read aloud, Sticky Keys and more. |
| Free on Android | TalkBack, Select to Speak, Magnification, Live Transcribe, Sound Amplifier and Voice Access. |
| Worth buying | A big-key keyboard, a trackball mouse, a headset for voice typing, a bigger screen. |
| Free advice | AbilityNet’s free IT help for older and disabled people: 0300 180 0028. |
| VAT relief | Equipment designed for disabled people can be VAT-free for eligible people; ordinary laptops usually don’t qualify. |
/02 — FREE ON WINDOWS
Free on your Windows computer
| If you find it hard to… | Try (free, built in) |
|---|---|
| See the screen | Bigger text, a bigger mouse pointer, Magnifier (Windows + plus), high contrast, and Narrator to read the screen aloud. |
| Hear | Live captions for videos and calls, and mono audio for one-ear listening. |
| Type | Voice typing (Windows + H), and Sticky Keys to press shortcuts one key at a time. |
| Use the mouse | Voice access on Windows 11, and Mouse keys, which move the pointer with the number keys. |
| Read | Read aloud and Immersive Reader in Microsoft Edge, and Read Aloud in Word. |
| Remember the day or time | Our free day and date clock and visual timer, and alarms on the computer. |
Step-by-step instructions are in our Windows accessibility guide, with dyslexia-friendly settings and how to turn off Sticky Keys if one comes on by accident. For a free screen reader with more features than Narrator, many people use NVDA.
/03 — FREE ON ANDROID
Free on Android phones and tablets
In Settings, then Accessibility (menus vary a little between makes):
- TalkBack reads out everything on the screen; Select to Speak reads just what you tap.
- Magnification, plus Font size and Display size to make everything bigger.
- Live Transcribe turns speech around you into text, and Live Caption captions videos and calls.
- Sound Amplifier makes speech clearer through headphones.
- Voice Access controls the phone by voice.
/04 — WORTH BUYING
Gadgets worth buying
- A big-key or high-contrast keyboard, with large, bold letters that are easier to see.
- A trackball or a bigger mouse, which some people with arthritis or a tremor find easier than a normal mouse or a touchpad.
- A headset with a microphone, for clearer voice typing and video calls.
- A bigger screen or a monitor stand, so text is larger and at a comfortable height.
- Good speakers or a soundbar, for clearer speech than tiny laptop speakers.
Try before you buy where you can: what suits one person can be awkward for another.
/05 — FREE ADVICE AND VAT
Free advice, VAT relief and help at work
- AbilityNet gives free IT help to older and disabled people, by phone or with a volunteer who can visit: call 0300 180 0028 or see abilitynet.org.uk.
- VAT relief: equipment designed solely for disabled people can be bought without VAT by an eligible disabled person for their own use. Ordinary laptops, tablets and phones only qualify as part of an assistive technology system with specialist software already installed. GOV.UK explains who qualifies in VAT Notice 701/7.
- At work: Access to Work can help pay for equipment and support you need to do your job.
/06 — WE CAN SET IT UP
We can set it up for you
We set up Windows PCs and Android devices so they’re easier to use: bigger text, the right settings, voice typing and read aloud, and the gadgets plugged in and working. Remotely while you watch, or in person locally, priced before we come. Ring 01202 775566 or text 07520 615332, or see our accessible IT support.
FAMILY-RUN SINCE 1995 · ★ 4.9 ON GOOGLE · 200+ COMPUTERS UNDER OUR CARE · NO FIX, NO FEE · SAME-DAY REMOTE SUPPORT
// GOOD QUESTIONS
Frequently asked
What counts as assistive technology?
Anything that helps someone keep doing things for themselves: glasses and hearing aids, but also computer settings, apps and gadgets such as voice typing, a screen reader or a big-key keyboard.
Is assistive technology free?
A lot of it is: Windows and Android include bigger text, magnifiers, screen readers, captions and voice typing at no cost. Specialist software and gadgets cost extra.
Can I buy a computer without VAT if I’m disabled?
Usually not an ordinary computer on its own. It can qualify as part of an assistive technology system with specialist software already installed, bought by an eligible disabled person for their own use. GOV.UK’s VAT Notice 701/7 explains the rules.
Does Windows have a free screen reader?
Yes: Narrator, built in (Windows, Ctrl and Enter). NVDA is a popular free screen reader with more features.
Who can help me choose?
AbilityNet gives free advice to older and disabled people on 0300 180 0028. We can set up whatever you choose on a Windows PC or Android device.
Do you set up Apple devices?
No. We’re Windows and Android specialists, so we set up Windows PCs and Android phones and tablets, and we’ll say so honestly up front.
Want it set up for you or a relative?
We set up Windows PCs and Android phones so they’re easier to use, patiently and at your pace. Call 01202 775566 or text 07520 615332.
01202 775566 · help@365techies.co.uk · MON–FRI 9AM–5PM