Is voice recognition software an assistive technology?

Voice recognition software is assistive technology when a person with a disability uses it to do something they would otherwise find hard, such as writing or using a computer without a keyboard or mouse. The label depends on how the software is used, not on its name. The same dictation tool can help one person work around a disability and be an ordinary productivity tool for another.

The legal definition asks what the item does for the user

Under U.S. federal law, an assistive technology device is any item, piece of equipment or product system, whether bought, modified or customized, that increases, maintains or improves functional capabilities of people with disabilities ¹. The definition names no products. It asks whether people with disabilities use the item to do more, which is why a standard app can qualify.

On that wording, a dictation tool used only for speed by someone without a disability is not assistive technology in the legal sense. This is our reading of the definition, not a legal ruling. Other laws, such as education or employment law, may define these terms differently.

Dictation can help where typing is the barrier

The World Health Organization says the primary purpose of assistive products is to maintain or improve a person's functioning and independence ². Speech input can serve that purpose when typing is the barrier.

The research on this is small and dated. In a 1995 study of 29 university students with learning disabilities, essays written with a speech recognition system received significantly higher holistic scores than essays written without assistance ³. That software dates from the mid-1990s and the sample was small, so the study shows the principle rather than how well today's tools perform. For the current picture, see the question on how accurate voice recognition software is.

Dedicated and built-in tools are listed as accessibility solutions

The Job Accommodation Network (AskJAN) lists Dragon Naturally Speaking as an accessibility solution for students with physical challenges, especially those who do not have use of their hands for keyboarding ⁴. AskJAN describes the product and does not test it.

Built-in tools are filed the same way. On an iPhone, Apple's steps to set up Voice Control start in Settings, then Accessibility, then Voice Control ⁵. On Windows, Microsoft says Windows speech recognition is no longer being developed and is being replaced by Voice Access ⁶. Finding a tool under accessibility is a good sign, but it does not prove the tool helps you. The test is whether it reduces a barrier you have.

Support routes depend on where you live and study or work

Whether a tool is paid for depends on the country and the setting.

• In the UK, GOV.UK says an Access to Work grant can help pay for specialist equipment and assistive software ⁷. The scheme covers England, Scotland and Wales, and awards depend on an assessment of need.
• In the U.S., the ADA requires covered entities to provide auxiliary aids and services when needed to communicate effectively with people who have communication disabilities ⁸. The rule names no product, so what it requires depends on the situation.

What to do if you think it is assistive technology for you

1. Name the barrier. Decide whether typing, mouse use or something else gets in the way, because that decides which tool helps.
2. Try the built-in tool first. Test Voice Control on Apple devices or Voice Access on Windows in the apps you use every day.
3. Ask for support in writing. Students can ask a disability office, and employees can ask their employer or HR. In the UK, ask about Access to Work.
4. Check accuracy with your own speech before you depend on the tool. See the question on dysarthric speech if your speech is affected by a condition.

Our guides cover specific settings: dictation as a workplace accommodation and speech to text for students with disabilities. For the wider subject, see our accessibility overview and the question on what voice recognition software is used for. This page describes classifications and funding rules. It does not give medical or legal advice.