Google Applications Accessibility for the Visually Impaired:
Last Updated March 1st, 2026.
Google Applications Accessibility for the Visually Impaired:
Google applications include Gmail, Google Docs, Google Slides, Google Sheets, and Google Drive.
People with visual impairments can use Google apps by using the accessibility features available on their computer, magnification software, screen reader software, and the accessibility features available for the specific Google apps.
Online Resources About Google Applications Accessibility for the Visually Impaired:
Google Workspace user guide to Accessibility website page from Google link.
Google Docs: Low Vision Series from Hadley website page link.
Google Docs: Screen Reader Series from Hadley website page link.
Creating Accessible Google Slides website page from Perkins School for the Blind link.
Google Docs Accessibility for the Visually Impaired Google Doc link.
Online Resources About Using Google Applications:
Google Workspace Learning Center website page from Google link.
Google Docs Training and Help website page from Google link.
Google Slides Training and Help website page from Google link.
Google Sheets Training and Help website page from Google link.
Google Drive Training and Help website page from Google link.
Gmail Accessibility on a Computer:
The background theme can be changed to High Contrast for easier-to-see buttons, Dark for a black background, or another theme such as Mustard to increase contrast. To view emails with a black background and adjustable contrast levels, use an internet browser extension such as Dark Reader. Keyboard shortcuts can be used to control Gmail.
To adjust the Gmail Settings, select the Settings Button located in the top right corner then select see all settings. From here, you can select a settings tab.
The maximum number of conversations can be reduced to ten which allows a user to navigate one page of up to ten conversations at a time. This setting is found in the General Tab.
To change the default text style that will be used when writing an email, go to the General Tab. I recommend changing the font to Verdana and the text size to huge.
To change the button labels that appear in an open email conversation from icons to text, go to the General Tab.
To turn keyboard shortcuts on, go to the General Tab.
To turn on custom keyboard shortcuts, go to the Advanced Tab. To change keyboard shortcuts, go to the Keyboard Shortcuts Tab.
To change the Gmail background theme, go to the Themes Tab. I recommend trying the High Contrast Theme, the Dark Theme, and the Mustard Theme.
Keyboard Shortcuts for Gmail:
To go to your inbox, type the letter G then the letter I.
To open an email conversation, type the letter O or type Enter.
To go back from an open email to all emails, type the letter U.
To move to the next email, type the letter J.
To move to the previous email, type the letter K.
To select the email conversation, type the letter X.
To delete a conversation type the hashtag symbol (#).
To start a new email, type the letter C.
To reply to an email, type the letter R.
To reply all to an email, type the letter A.
To send an email, type Control and Enter for Windows or Command and Enter for Mac.
To search, type the backslash symbol (/).