Apple does its best to ensure everyone can use their devices. To assist those with impairments in vision, hearing, mobility, and general accessibility, you have options to create the best experience possible.
Here, we’ll walk through the main motor accessiblity features available onMacOS, how to enable them, and the basics of how to use them.
Difficulty
What You Need
Mac computer
Adaptive device (optional)
Voice Control
With the Voice Control feature, you can control anduse your Macas well as dictate commands for writing and editing text.
Step 1:To turn on Voice Control, select theAppleicon in the menu bar and openSystem Preferences.
Step 2:ChooseAccessibilityand pickVoice Controlin the Motor section on the left.
Step 3:SelectEnable voice control, and if prompted, enter your MacOS password.
Optionally, you may adjust the settings for Language, Microphone, and Overlay, along with showing hints and playing a sound when commands are recognized.
Step 4:You’ll see the small Voice Control window appear on your desktop, which you may move wherever you like. As you speak your commands, you’ll see the microphone fluctuation to indicate the volume of your voice.
you’re able to use commands such as Open Mail, Quit Photos, Scroll Up, or Close Window.
Step 5:To view the entire set of commands as well as create your own, selectCommandsin theAccessibilitywindow where you enabled the feature.
Step 6:To turn off Voice Control, follow the same steps as above to deselectEnable voice controlin theSystem Preferences>Accessibilitysection.
Full Keyboard Access
Using Full Keyboard Access, you’re able to control your Mac and move about the desktop and apps using the Tab and arrow keys. This means you can tuck your mouse away and ignore the trackpad.
Note that these options are distinct from the usualMac keyboard shortcuts.
Step 1:To turn on Full Keyboard Access, select theAppleicon in the menu bar and openSystem Preferences.
Step 2:ChooseAccessibilityand pickKeyboardin the Motor section on the left.
Step 3:Use theNavigationtab to selectEnable full keyboard access. Note the list of helpful key presses listed directly below the setting.
Optionally, you can adjust the appearance, color, and contrast using theOptionsbutton.
Step 4:you may then use the additional tabs in the Keyboard System Preferences forHardwareandViewerto adjust the settings for each of those items while using the Full Keyboard Access feature.
Step 5:To view the entire list of key presses you can use, selectOptionsand theCommandstab in theAccessibilitywindow where you enabled the feature.
Step 6:To turn off Full Keyboard Access, follow the same steps as above to deselectEnable full keyboard accessin theSystem Preferences>Accessibilitysection.
Pointer Control
As an alternative or in addition to the Full Keyboard Access feature, you can adjust the Pointer Control settings to make your mouse and trackpad easier to use.
Again, these are seperate from theMac’s trackpad and mouse gesture controls.
Step 1:Select theAppleicon in the menu bar and openSystem Preferences.
Step 2:ChooseAccessibilityand pickPointer Controlin the Motor section on the left.
Step 3:On theMouse & Trackpadtab, adjust these settings:
Step 4:On theAlternate Control Methodstab, adjust these settings:
If you enable one or more of these features, you can selectOptionsto the right and customize the controls.
Switch Control
If you own an adaptive device that allows you to enter text and interact with your computer, you can enable Switch Control on Mac. This lets you use controls in the Switch Control Home Panel to select items and perform tasks.
Step 1:To turn on Switch Control, select theAppleicon in the menu bar and openSystem Preferences.
Step 2:ChooseAccessibilityand pickSwitch Controlin the Motor section on the left.
Step 3:Use theGeneraltab to selectEnable Switch Control.
Optionally, you can adjust the settings for appearance, hide the panel, and allow platform switching. You can also selectPanel Editorto customize the Switch Control panel.
Step 4:To connect a device, go to theSwitchestab, select theplus signbutton, and then press your switch. Follow the subsequent prompts to complete the setup.
Step 5:You can then use the additional tabs in the Switch Control System Preferences forTypingandNavigationto adjust the settings for each of those items while using an adaptive device with Switch Control.
Step 6:To turn off Switch Control, follow the same steps as above to deselectEnable Switch Controland then confirm in theSystem Preferences>Accessibilitysection.
While it is straightforward tomake your Mac’s screen easier to read, if you need help navigating your Mac, performing tasks, and working with apps, consider using one or more of these MacOS motor accessibility features.
