Amazon continues to develop accessibility features for its Kindle devices and app, aiming to support readers with various disabilities. Since the introduction of VoiceView in 2016, which offers screen reader support for blind and low-vision users in multiple languages, Amazon has expanded its efforts to assist people with cognitive or mobility disabilities as well as those facing challenges with comprehension and readability.
One recent addition is the Assistive Reader feature. This tool provides text-to-speech audio and synchronized highlighting on the Kindle app for iOS, Android, Fire tablets, and current generation Kindle devices. It is designed to make reading more accessible for individuals with dyslexia or other disabilities by allowing users to listen to books while following along visually.
For readers who struggle to stay focused or track lines of text, the Reading Ruler helps by placing a customizable ruler over the text. This directs attention to one line at a time and reduces distractions from surrounding words. The feature is available on the Kindle app across major platforms.
Vocabulary support tools are also included. Word Wise supplies simple definitions and synonyms directly within select English language books. Users can look up words in the dictionary or translate them into other languages, and hear pronunciations aloud using the Kindle app.
Kindle’s customization options allow users to adjust font size and type—including OpenDyslexic font—along with margins, spacing, alignment, and page color such as dark mode. Custom themes can be saved for repeated use. Current generation devices also let users increase text size in menus for easier navigation.
To assist those with mobility or dexterity challenges, Kindle supports several navigation methods: swiping or tapping pages, continuous scrolling in the app, adjustable screen orientation, and using volume controls on certain devices to turn pages. Fire tablets also offer switch access through compatible Bluetooth devices.
The Kindle Store now includes more than 12 million eBooks that are fully accessible via screen readers and refreshable braille displays. Accessibility details are provided on book detail pages through an icon system. Accessible Amazon Originals are highlighted for further recommendations.
Amazon states: “We’re constantly enhancing the reading experience for users who rely on assistive technology.”
