Microsoft Boosts OneNote Accessibility, Offers Free Accessibility Training Course for Educators

Microsoft has unveiled new accessibility features for OneNote, the company's collaborative note-taking app for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android.

According to the company, the update provides a new design that's focused on ease of use for all learners, with particular emphasis on features for those with mobility impairments and for those who use screen readers. That includes a simplified navigation structure and added consistency across platforms, as well as improved keyboard shortcuts.

OneNote accessibility updates 

"With the goal of making usage of OneNote within the classroom more accessible and accommodating for students with varying learning styles and abilities, the OneNote team embarked on a year-long journey listening to teachers and incorporating feedback to help inform the redesign of OneNote's user interface," according to information released by Microsoft. "The OneNote redesign brings consistency across apps, improves usability for those with vision and mobility impairments, and simplifies navigation controls."

Microsoft is also offering a new accessibility training course for educators on the use of Office 365. The course is designed to train teachers — especially special ed teachers, though it's open to all — in the creation of accessible documents, revision of older documents to make them accessible and use of Office tools like Skype Translator and Office Lens for accessibility.

The course is free for educators, administrators, parents and students.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • AI-powered individual working calmly on one side and a burnt-out person slumped over a laptop on the other

    AI's Productivity Gains Come at a Cost

    A recent academic study found that as companies adopt AI tools, they're not just streamlining workflows — they're piling on new demands. Researchers determined that "AI technostress" is driving burnout and disrupting personal lives, even as organizations hail productivity gains.

  • laptop displaying a glowing digital brain and data charts sits on a metal shelf in a well-lit server room with organized network cables and active servers

    Cisco Unveils AI-First Approach to IT Operations

    At its recent Cisco Live 2025 event, Cisco introduced AgenticOps, a transformative approach to IT operations that integrates advanced AI capabilities to enhance efficiency and collaboration across network, security, and application domains.

  • sunlit classroom with laptops on every desk, each displaying a glowing AI speech bubble icon above the screen

    Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot to Become Available for Teen Students

    This summer, Microsoft is expanding availability of its Copilot Chat and Microsoft 365 Copilot products for students aged 13 and older. Administrators will be able to grant access for students based on their institution's plans and preferences, the company announced in a blog post.

  • colorful geometric illustration features gaming devices, computer accessories, and stacks of books

    Gaming in K–12 Classrooms Is Powering the Future Tech Workforce

    Today's most forward-thinking schools are using gaming as a platform to train students for real-world roles in fields like aviation, robotics, remote operations, and data center management.