Guide
How I document accessibility preferences with low vision
How I document my preferred accessibility and AT settings for software that I use in college as a student with low vision.
As a student with fluctuating low vision, one of the most valuable skills I have developed is how I document accessibility preferences with low vision. My low vision is not static, and can change multiple times throughout the day. Alternatively, I might need to have larger text settings for one particular software than I do for other applications, so being able to have a specific list of accessibility preferences for each tool I work with is extremely helpful for ensuring I have what I need to succeed. Here is how I document accessibility preferences with low vision, and how I use these documents for myself and others.
How I organize accessibility preferences
I organize all of my accessibility preferences based on the name of the software or application I am using. I collect these documents on my computer and store them in a folder so I can easily send a document to my professors or other students about my preferred accessibility settings. Some students may prefer a more organized approach such as a OneNote notebook or Sway document, but I prefer the single paged documents instead.
Related links
- How I Organize Digital Files For My Classes
- Microsoft Office OneNote
- Microsoft Office Sway
- Common File Types For Vision Impairment and Print Disabilities
Why I organize accessibility preferences
When I was telling one of my friends about how I was writing this post, they asked me why I would need to document my accessibility preferences if I frequently use the same computer. Some of the reasons I do this include:
- I use other computers when I am in the classroom and during testing, so being able to configure my settings to a familiar environment is important to me
- Even though everything is backed up, there’s always a risk of my settings being reset
- An important part of self-advocacy is knowing what accommodations I need, and why I need them
- My Disability Services file in college does not factor in settings for software that I use for my classes, rather it gives a general guideline for how I receive accessible materials
- I can easily show these documents to professors or other students with low vision to help them in the future
Related links
- What To Bring To The Disability Services Testing Center
- Learning to Self-Advocate
- Eight Things You Need To Know About Your IEP
- How To Create A Disability Services File
Preferred font size and style
On my high school IEP, my preferred font size and style was 24-point Arial font. While this is still one of my favorite fonts and font sizes, I’ve found that there are some instances where I need larger or smaller font. In addition, I might use a different font style for writing code than I do for writing an essay. So I make sure to note my favorite font size and style for each subject or software.
When I need larger font
In classes such as math and science, every single letter or symbol is relevant, and there are often subscripts and superscripts included. When I am reading instructions for assignments, I increase the font size to 36 and ensure that all subscripts and superscripts are also enlarged to a readable font size. My professors are happy to accommodate this in college and will make sure that documents can be adjusted to my preferred font size.
When I need smaller font
As a data science major, I work with lots of different types of software, almost all of which supports custom font sizes and types. I’ve found that when I am reading things from a screen, I prefer to use an 18 point font size so that I can view everything on the page without scaling issues, and I can also use screen magnification to enlarge things if needed.
Related links
- My Eight Favorite Free Fonts For Print Disabilities
- Accommodations For Print Materials
- Five Websites That Help Students With Low Vision In The Math Classroom
Page/screen color and brightness
I love reading on colored or tinted backgrounds to reduce glare and eye strain. When I work with software for my data science classes, I like to use the high contrast themes in Windows 10 whenever I can, as this helps me with being able to read code. However, some applications look strange with a dark mode, so instead I use a lighter color scheme and add a blue light filter or heavier screen tint instead. In my accessibility preferences, I note which color scheme I prefer, or if I need to make any adjustments in my computer’s settings for optimal readability.
Related links
- Using High Contrast Themes In Windows 10
- Ten Ways to Reduce Eye Strain With Technology
- Low Vision Accessibility Settings For Windows 10
Zoom level or additional magnification
Sometimes, instead of just enlarging the text of the screen, I will use a different scaling setting so that I can make buttons or menus bigger. However, most of the time I prefer to use external magnification software such as Magnifier and make a note as to what percentage works best for magnifying different sections of the screen. For example, if I am using a remote desktop software, I would document that I use screen magnification in the window view at 225%.
Related links
- Questions To Ask When Choosing A Laptop For College
- Computer Lab Accommodations For Low Vision Students
- Zoom Magnifier and Low Vision
- Windows Magnifier and Low Vision
Use of a screen reader
While I prefer to use magnification whenever possible, there are moments when I find that I need to use a screen reader. One of the things I have noted in my accessibility document is when/if I will need to use a screen reader to access information. For example, when I have to read certain dialog boxes, I prefer to have my screen reader read me things so that I can figure out what is going on.
Another thing I like to note is the speed of my screen reader. I typically have a quicker voice speed for when I am reading long documents than I do for when I am reviewing code I wrote for class. While some advanced screen reader users can use the same speed for everything, I am still learning my own preferences and prefer the slower voice speeds for proofreading.
Related links
Environmental considerations
Sometimes, there are environmental issues that can change my accessibility preferences, which is why I include additional notes on settings I may not always need, but that are helpful to have. Being in a too-bright room, having lots of eye fatigue, or similar factors outside of my control can change how I interact with technology, so I make sure to note these changes. Most of these changes are as simple as increased screen magnification or different color schemes.
Additional hardware
I love using multiple monitors/screens to do some of my assignments, while other times I prefer to use one screen only so that I can focus on everything. Other times, I have to use an app on my Android phone or iPad in conjunction with another software, such as when I am using a calculator for my math class. If I need to have additional devices or applications to be successful, this gets documented.
Related links
- Five Calculator Apps That Help Students With Low Vision In The Classroom
- Ways I Use My Google Chromecast For Virtual Learning
What an example accessibility preferences document looks like
Here is a sample document of my accessibility preferences for using a popular application in my data science class called SQLiteStudio:
- Preferred font size/style – SQLEditor font Consolas 20 pt
- Page/screen color and brightness – High contrast black theme as needed
- Zoom level or additional magnification – Use Magnifier at 200% when reading error messages
- Use of a screen reader – Normal speed as needed
- Environmental considerations – If eye fatigue is a concern, use high contrast and/or screen reader
- Additional hardware – Second monitor if working with another document
Summary of documenting accessibility preferences with low vision
- Preferred font size and style
- Page/screen color and brightness
- Zoom level or additional magnification
- Screen reader settings
- Use of additional hardware or assistive technology
By Veronica Lewis/Veronica With Four Eyes, www.veroniiiica.com
Updated October 2023; original post published November 2021.
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