Ubuntu 26.04 is committed to making the desktop system accessible to all users, offering a rich set of Accessibility features. This article introduces the usage and configuration tips for each accessibility tool.

Quick Access to Accessibility Settings

Open “Settings > Accessibility” to find all accessibility-related options. You can also enable accessibility features during the system installation process.

The Quick Settings panel in the top bar also provides quick toggles for some accessibility features.

Screen Reader (Orca)

Orca is the built-in screen reader for the GNOME desktop. It reads screen content aloud via speech synthesis, helping users with visual impairments operate their computer.

Enabling Orca

• Keyboard shortcut: Press Super + Alt + S to quickly toggle the screen reader
• Settings panel: Enable “Screen Reader” under “Settings > Accessibility > Seeing”

Installing Additional Voice Support

The default speech synthesis engine may not support all languages. You can install additional components:

# Install eSpeak NG
sudo apt install espeak-ng
 
# Install speech dispatcher integration
sudo apt install speech-dispatcher-espeak-ng

For more natural-sounding speech, consider installing other TTS engines.

Common Orca Keyboard Shortcuts

The Orca modifier key defaults to Insert or Caps Lock.

Customizing Orca

Run orca -s to open the Orca preferences dialog, where you can configure:

• Speech rate, pitch, and volume
• Verbosity level
• Braille display support
• Key bindings

Screen Magnifier

For users with low vision, GNOME provides a built-in screen magnification feature.

Enabling the Magnifier

Enable “Zoom” under “Settings > Accessibility > Seeing”.

Magnifier Settings

Once enabled, you can configure:

• Magnification level: Adjust the zoom factor
• Follow mode:
  • Follow mouse pointer
  • Follow keyboard focus
  • Follow text cursor
• Lens position: Full-screen magnification or partial magnification window

Keyboard Shortcuts

High Contrast and Visual Aids

High Contrast Theme

Enable high contrast mode under “Settings > Accessibility > Seeing” to enhance the visibility of interface elements.

Large Text

Enable the “Large Text” option to increase the default system font size for easier reading. You can also adjust font size more precisely under “Settings > Appearance”.

Reduce Animations

If screen animations cause discomfort, enable “Reduce Animations” to minimize window transitions and motion effects.

Cursor Size

In the accessibility settings, you can adjust the mouse cursor size with multiple size options available.

Color Inversion and Filters

• Color Inversion: Inverts all screen colors, suitable for users sensitive to bright interfaces
• Color Vision Assistance: Provides color filter adjustments for users with color vision deficiencies

Keyboard Assistive Features

Sticky Keys

Sticky Keys allows you to press modifier key combinations sequentially instead of simultaneously:

1. Enable “Sticky Keys” under “Settings > Accessibility > Typing”
2. Once enabled, pressing Ctrl then C is equivalent to Ctrl + C

This is very useful for single-hand operation or users with limited mobility.

Slow Keys

When Slow Keys is enabled, a key must be held down for a certain duration before it is recognized, preventing accidental keystrokes:

• Enable under “Settings > Accessibility > Typing”
• Adjust the required hold duration

Bounce Keys

Bounce Keys ignores repeated presses of the same key within a short time, preventing duplicate input caused by hand tremors.

On-Screen Keyboard

GNOME includes a built-in on-screen virtual keyboard that automatically appears when text input is needed and no physical keyboard is detected. It can also be enabled manually:

Enable “Screen Keyboard” under “Settings > Accessibility > Typing”.

Mouse Assistive Features

Mouse Keys

When Mouse Keys is enabled, you can control the mouse pointer using the numeric keypad:

• Enable under “Settings > Accessibility > Pointing & Clicking”
• Numeric keypad 8/2/4/6 controls up/down/left/right movement
• Numeric keypad 5 represents a click

Click Assistance

• Simulated Secondary Click: Long-press the left mouse button to simulate a right-click
• Hover Click: The mouse automatically clicks after hovering over a target for a set duration, without pressing any mouse button

Double-Click Speed and Pointer Speed

Under “Settings > Mouse & Touchpad” you can adjust:

• Mouse pointer movement speed
• Double-click interval
• Touchpad sensitivity

Sound Assistance

Visual Alerts (Flash Notifications)

For users with hearing impairments, system sound alerts can be replaced with visual flashes:

Enable “Visual Alerts” under “Settings > Accessibility > Hearing” so the screen flashes when the system plays an alert sound.

Mono Audio

If a user can only hear from one ear, enable “Mono Audio” to mix stereo audio into mono output.

Over-Amplification

The system volume can be boosted beyond the standard maximum, useful for users with hearing loss.

Assistive Technology Compatibility

Ubuntu 26.04’s GNOME 50 desktop fully supports AT-SPI (Assistive Technology Service Provider Interface), ensuring third-party assistive technology applications work well with the system.

GTK4 and libadwaita applications have complete accessibility support by default, including:

• Correct ARIA role annotations
• Keyboard navigation support
• Screen reader compatibility

Summary

Ubuntu 26.04 provides comprehensive accessibility features covering vision, hearing, and mobility needs. These features serve not only users with disabilities — some features like large text and reduced animations can be helpful for everyone. We recommend exploring and adjusting options under “Settings > Accessibility” based on your personal needs.