Overview
Microsoft Teams accessibility features are designed for faculty and staff who use Microsoft Teams for meetings, classes, and collaboration. These features support inclusive participation by ensuring all individuals can access and process information equitably.
Accessibility features should be applied every time a meeting is held. Using accessibility features creates an equitable space where all participants can share information, engage in discussion, and collaborate effectively. Faculty and staff are encouraged to remind attendees about available features to support information processing and reduce barriers to participation.
This article outlines the key accessibility features in Microsoft Teams, with definitions and links to instructions so you can understand how each feature works and enable them in your meetings.
Key Features
Microsoft Teams Accessibility Features
| Feature and Link to Training |
Definition |
| 🧠 Cognitive & Learning Accessibility |
| Immersive Reader |
Reads messages aloud and offers text customization such as font size, spacing, syllables, and parts of speech. |
| Simplified Navigation |
Provides pop-out windows, customizable layouts, and streamlined menus to make multitasking easier. |
| Mute Notifications |
Avoid unwanted distractions during meetings by muting notifications. |
| Voice Isolation |
Filter out background noise during Teams calls and meetings with voice isolation. |
| Change Background |
Minimize distractions by bluring or adding a virtual background while on a video meeting. |
| 👁️ Visual Accessibility |
| High Contrast Mode |
Enhances visibility for users with low vision or color blindness by adjusting colors to high-contrast themes. |
| Customizable Appearance (Dark Mode) |
Switches the interface to a dark background with lighter text, reducing eye strain in low-light environments. |
| Magnifier Support |
Allows users to zoom in on presentation slides or interface elements for easier viewing of small text and visuals. |
| Screen Reader Compatibility |
Works with JAWS, NVDA, and Windows Narrator; provides keyboard navigation and layout descriptions for users with low vision or blindness. |
| 🦻 Hearing Accessibility |
| Pop out chat or captions |
Displays chat or captions in a separate window. Allows for focusing on one window at a time and displaying the features in the user's preference. |
| Live Captions |
Displays real-time subtitles during meetings and calls to improve comprehension for participants who are deaf or hard of hearing. |
| Transcription |
Generates searchable post-meeting transcripts for reviewing and sharing discussions. |
| CART Captions |
Supports integration of human-generated captions for greater accuracy in real time. |
| Sign Language View |
Allows interpreters’ video feeds to remain visible and prioritized throughout meetings. |
| Text Telephone (TTY) |
Enables text-based communication for calls, supporting users who rely on TTY devices. |
| 🧍 Mobility & Interaction Accessibility |
| Keyboard Shortcuts |
Lets users navigate Teams, control mic/camera, raise hand, and more without a mouse. |
| Voice Commands |
Allows users to control Teams using Cortana voice commands or voice typing. |
| Apple CarPlay Integration |
Enables hands-free participation in meetings and calls while driving. |
| Raise Hand |
Virtual hand-raise to signal a request to speak, helping moderators manage turns and ensuring equitable participation. |
| 📁 Content Accessibility |
| Accessibility Checker |
Scans uploaded files for accessibility issues and suggests improvements before sharing. |
| Chat Translation |
Provides inline message translation to support multilingual communication across teams. |
| 🧩 Customization & Personalization |
| Adjustable Text Size and Layout |
Allows users to customize font size, spacing, and interface themes to meet personal accessibility needs. |
| Custom Meeting Views |
Offers flexible display options for participants and content, such as Together Mode or Gallery View. |
| Notification Management |
Provides controls to mute or customize alerts, helping reduce sensory overload during meetings and chats. |
Training
Microsoft Teams has one page dedicated to links to support articles or videos for all of their accessiblity features. Follow the link to their Accessibility tools for Microsoft Teams page.
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