Have you ever wanted to modify your computer settings to be more user-friendly? AbilityNet, a UK-based charity, offers a fantastic online tool called My Computer My Way.
It’s available at https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/
If you’re curious about how to adapt your computer or mobile device—or help someone else do the same—to support cognitive, hearing, motor, or vision needs, this a fantastic resource worth checking out. Select your operating system, the type of adjustment you need, or a specific condition or symptom, and you’ll find tailored suggestions and guidance.
I decided to test it out myself. First, I chose the operating system I use—macOS Sonoma, although there are Android, iOS, and Windows option
Currently, I’m preparing for a presentation on technologies that support executive functioning, so I entered “concentration problems” as my symptom. Other symptoms listed included reading difficulties, spelling challenges, wrist pain, double vision, fatigue, and photosensitivity.
You can also select from conditions such as ADHD, ALS, anxiety, dyslexia, stroke, tremor, or visual impairment. I selected ADHD.
Navigating through the interface, I chose the adjustment option and was presented with three choices to enhance accessibility for better concentration: captions, screen settings, and sound options. I opted for screen settings.
The suggested changes included stopping websites and apps from automatically playing animated images, dimming flashing lights, reducing transparency effects, and minimizing motion effects.
Curious to explore further, I reset all filters. Instead of moving from right to left through the choices, I navigated from left to right, starting with the categories at the top.
- Category: Cognitive
- Adjustments: Voice output, Voice input, Text settings, Screen settings
- Condition: Stroke
- Symptoms: Fatigue, Problems reading, Problems spelling
- Operating System: iOS 17
The detailed guides included instructions on how to control your iOS device using voice commands, make Siri easier to use, apply accessibility settings to individual apps, customize the screen reader’s voice, change button shapes, use the Accessibility shortcut, enable Speak Selection to read text aloud, and use Siri to read any text captured by the camera.
I selected a guide and was directed to step-by-step detailed information with images. There was even an option to print the guide or share it. Needless to say, I was quite impressed! An added benefit is that you don’t have to create an account or log in. It’s just there waiting to help people!
This tool is a must-try for anyone looking to enhance their device’s accessibility or support someone who could benefit from such adjustments.