Accessibility

Tips for Using Assistive Technology with ChatGPT

Last modified 11/4/2024

ChatGPT is an artificial intelligence chatbot that has human-like conversations with users. Users can ask questions, brainstorm ideas, look up information, and more.

ChatGPT with Assistive Technology

This article covers how to use assistive technology with ChatGPT. Examples of assistive technologies include screen readers, magnification software, and text-to-speech readers.

ChatGPT with Screen Readers On Windows and Mac

  1. When using a screen reader to navigate the ChatGPT website, simple tasks like logging in and sending/receiving chats are accessible. However, there are various buttons on the ChatGPT website that aren’t labeled, causing potential confusion for a screen reader user. For better accessibility, it is recommended that when using a Mac device, the ChatGPT for Mac app is used instead of the website. Alternatively, the ChatGPT iOS app also provides accessible ways to access ChatGPT features if a Mac device isn't being used.
  2. When using the ChatGPT app on Mac, there is an area that says “no action available.” Interacting with this area shows the chat history between you and ChatGPT.

Using the ChatGPT App to Work with Inaccessible Files or Image Descriptions.

With ChatGPT, you can upload screenshots, images, and files for analysis. For instance, you could upload  a PDF to be analyzed, request alt text for an image in your photo library, or take a screenshot and ask questions about the current content on your screen. To do this, open the ChatGPT app, or on Mac, with the app open in the background, use the keyboard shortcut Option plus Space to bring up the messaging window. Select the attach button and then select from the various options like taking screenshots,  uploading files and photos, or taking a photo. Once done, ask a question such as “Describe this picture,” or “Summarize this file.” You can even ask questions like “Is my face in the center of the frame?” “Is my appearance and background okay for a meeting?” “Describe this graph.” You can then ask follow up questions about the file or photo. **Note that on the free plan, there are limits to how many photos or files can be uploaded in a given timeframe. For a higher quota, a paid ChatGPT subscription is required. 

ChatGPT with a Screen Reader On iOS

  1. On the homepage of the ChatGPT app, the swipe order/layout differs between the  explore by touch navigation method and the VoiceOver swipe gesture. If using explore by touch, the chat content is shown towards the middle of the screen, with the message composition area displayed at the bottom. However, when using the VoiceOver swipe gesture, the message composition area is displayed first in the swipe order, followed by the chat messages.
  2. Depending on your settings, you may feel haptics while chatGPT is responding. These haptics help to know when ChatGPT is processing your message and when it has responded. To make sure these haptics are enabled:
  • Open the ChatGPT app.
  • Click "Menu."
  • Tap "Your Name, Settings."
  • Under the "App" section, enable the haptic feedback toggle.