Accessibility Features in Microsoft Teams
- Daniel LaGrow
Features
Section 1.1: High Contrast Mode
This feature gives the software a darker background and brighter text. This makes the color contrast ratio higher and thus easier for people to read.
Click your profile picture at the top of the app, then select Manage Account.
The Settings Tab will open. Go to the General Tab and go to the Theme section. Once there, click High Contrast. You can also click Dark or Default theme.
Section 1.2: Closed Captions
Captions are very helpful for people who are deaf or cannot hear well. In addition, captions can help anyone in loud places where it is hard to hear one voice over many different people. Microsoft Teams has the ability to provide real time captions for meetings and calls through the software. In addition, Microsoft Teams Live Captions can translate dozens of languages with accuracy.
How to use Live Captions in Microsoft Teams Meetings
Microsoft Teams Language Interpretation Guide
Live translated captions for Microsoft Teams
Section 1.3: Immersive Reader
Microsoft Teams provides a special tool called Immersive Reader. This tool is very helpful for readings posts, chat messages, or assignments. When reading a message, Immersive Reader can use grammar tools to break up the content. In addition, it can color the words in different colors so readers can learn differences between nouns and verbs. The software can also teach you how to pronounce a word and how to use it in a specific context. This is really helpful for people who do not speak much English.
How to use the Immersive Reader
Section 1.4: Customizable Alerts
Microsoft Teams gives you the ability to create and customize your own alerts.
Section 1.5: Screen Reader Support
Microsoft Teams is compatible with Screen Reader programs like NVDA, JAWS, and Microsoft’s Narrator.
Quick Start Guide: Using Microsoft Teams with a Screen Reader - Microsoft Support
Section 1.6: Zoom In and Out
Zooming In and Out can be beneficial to readers with low vision. This feature will give you the ability to make text or content appear bigger or smaller.
Press the Control Key on PC or Command Key on a Mac and then click plus or minus.
Section 1.7: Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft Teams - Microsoft Support