Make Microsoft 365 More Accessible With a Custom “Access Tools” Tab

Microsoft 365 includes a rich set of built-in accessibility features—but many of them are buried across various tabs and ribbons. For neurodivergent users, visually impaired professionals, and anyone who benefits from enhanced readability or speech support, this can create unnecessary barriers.

That’s why we recommend a simple but powerful tip:
Create a dedicated “Access Tools” tab in your Microsoft Office Ribbon.

By consolidating essential tools like Read Aloud, Dictate, Immersive Reader, and Accessibility Checker, you can streamline your workflow and make your Office experience more inclusive and efficient.

The Ribbon is the toolbar at the top of Microsoft 365 apps—like Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. It organises commands into tabs (e.g., Home, View, Insert). By customising the Ribbon, you can:

• Centralise accessibility tools for quick access
• Simplify navigation for users who benefit from low-cognitive-load environments
• Create a personalised digital workspace tailored to your needs
• Reduce friction for those using assistive technologies or keyboard navigation

Here are some of the most helpful tools to add into your custom Access Tools tab:

• 🗣️ Dictate – Convert speech to text
• 📖 Read Aloud – Have text read back to you
• 📘 Immersive Reader – Focused, distraction-free reading experience
• 👁️ Focus Mode – Reduces visual clutter in the interface
• ✔️ Check Accessibility – Detect and fix accessibility issues
• ✍️ Editor – Advanced spelling, grammar, and readability suggestions
• 🌍 Translate – Translate content in real-time
• 🖼️ Alt Text – Easily add alt text to images for screen reader users

You can organise these into groups such as “Speech Tools”, “Visual Tools”, or “Proofing & Language”.

Want to set this up for yourself or your team?

👉 Download our Word guide to creating an Access Tools tab
It walks you through:

• Navigating the Ribbon options
• Creating new tabs and groups
• Adding accessibility commands
• Exporting your setup to share with others

This tweak is especially valuable in:

• Workplace adjustments for disabled staff
• Inclusive onboarding programs
• Shared templates in DSA or Access to Work training

💡 Tip: You can even roll this out across your organisation using Group Policy or XML customisation exports.

Small changes can create big impacts. By creating a dedicated Access Tools tab, you’re not just improving your own productivity—you’re championing inclusive digital environments.

If your team or organisation needs help setting this up, delivering training, or understanding how Microsoft 365 can support disabled and neurodivergent staff, get in touch with the Aptolink Assistive Technology Training Team.

Email: info@aptolink.co.uk
Web: www.aptolink.co.uk/accessibility
Download: Word Guide to Access Tools Tab