Making your computer or mobile device easier to use
As computers require the use of a mouse, touch screen or a keyboard and reading text they can be more difficult to use for a number of reasons. For example, if you have a disability, a visual or hearing impairment, a learning difficulty or dexterity problems. There are some steps that you can take to help make your computer easier to use without having to purchase new equipment.
How you can adapt your computer or mobile device at home
There are a number of things that you can do at home make your computer easier to use such as:
- adjust the text size of your computer
- slow down the speed of your mouse
- make your keyboard easier to use
- change the colours on the screen of your computer
- make your computer speak
- and much more!
Read more about how to change your computer at home:
Ability Net.org.uk has more information on how to make your mobile device, such as your smart phone, tablet or iPad more accessible.
If you need more support to make your computer more accessible specialist equipment and software is available to buy which may help. Information about this adaptive equipment is also available on the www.abilitynet.org.uk
Digital skills support in Newcastle
Get Online Newcastle runs free digital skills and computer classes at Newcastle City Library. You can book a place online, phone or visit your local library for more information.
Read more on InformationNOW about:
InformationNOW accessibility options
Did you know that you can listen to InformationNOW being read aloud to you? You can translate it into over 100 languages. The colour, size and contrast of the web pages can be changed too, to make it easier to read for people with visual impairments. You don’t need to download anything to your computer to use this software and it’s free! Use the white button in the right hand corner of the website to open the Recite me toolbar. it has a picture of a flag, speech bubble and eye on it.
Read more on how to change InformationNOW to suit your needs
Other useful information
- BrowseAloud adds speech and reading support tools to online content to extend the reach of websites for the 20% of the population that requires reading support. This includes those with dyslexia, learning difficulties, mild visual impairments and those with English as a second language.
- Digital Unite has a huge range of free learning guides to help people with using computers, the internet, tablets and other mobile devices. The easy-to-follow guides cover the essential topics from getting started with a mouse and keyboard to web browsing, emailing, shopping online and internet safety.
- Recite Me is a system which allows website visitors to customise a site the way they need it to work for them. InformationNOW use Recite Me.
- Fraud & Scams article on Information NOW
- Mobile Phones article on Information Now
Last updated: June 6, 2025
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