If you have difficulty accessing content, have difficulty viewing a file on the website, or notice any accessibility issues, please contact us at (425) 820-9200 or communications@nwmls.com
There are many tools available to make your web experience more accessible:
I am blind or can’t see very well
Use your computer to read web pages out loud
Most computers and mobile devices include built-in screen readers that convert on-screen text into spoken words. Tools like Narrator (Windows), VoiceOver (macOS and iOS), and TalkBack (Android) help users who are blind, have low vision, or prefer auditory learning. These tools can read full pages, highlight text as it’s spoken, and navigate headings, links, and form fields.
Use the keyboard to navigate screens
You don’t need a mouse to browse the web. Using the Tab, Shift + Tab, Enter, and arrow keys allows you to move between links, buttons, menus, and form fields. This is especially helpful for users with mobility challenges or those who rely on assistive technology. Most websites are designed to support keyboard navigation for improved accessibility and efficiency.
Increase text size
If text appears too small, you can zoom in using Ctrl + + (Windows) or Command + + (Mac) in most browsers. You can also adjust system-wide text size in your device’s accessibility settings. Increasing text size reduces eye strain and improves readability without affecting the overall functionality of the website.
Magnify your screen
Screen magnification tools enlarge a portion (or all) of your display. For example, Magnifier (Windows) and Zoom (Mac) allow users to zoom in on specific areas of the screen while continuing to navigate normally. This can be especially helpful for users with low vision who need more than simple text resizing.
Change background and text colors
Adjusting color contrast can make content easier to read. Many operating systems offer high-contrast modes or color filters in accessibility settings. Users may switch to dark mode, increase contrast, or apply custom color schemes to reduce glare, improve readability, and accommodate visual sensitivities.
Make your mouse pointer more visible
You can increase the size of your mouse pointer or change its color in your device’s settings. For example, Windows and macOS allow you to enlarge the cursor and adjust its outline or fill color. A more visible pointer makes it easier to track movement and select items accurately — especially on large or high-resolution screens.
I find a keyboard or mouse hard to use
You may wish to install speech recognition software which may help you navigate web pages and online services, and move around a web page or application screen through voice controls.
I am deaf or hard of hearing
Your computer, tablet, or mobile device has volume control features; plus each video and audio service has its own additional volume controls. Try adjusting both your device’s volume controls and your media players’ volume controls to optimize your listening experience.
A caption is transcript for the audio track of a video presentation that is synchronized with the video and audio tracks. Captions are generally rendered visually by being superimposed over the video, which benefits people who are deaf and hard-of-hearing, and anyone who cannot hear the audio (e.g., when in a crowded room). NWMLS training videos are published to YouTube and have captions readily available. Learn how to turn captioning on and off in YouTube.