Best Linux apps: accessibility

• Dasher

  Type by pointing instead of pressing keys. A remarkable idea that has barely moved in years, so check it runs before relying on it.

  Free · Open source

• eSpeak NG

  The compact speech synthesiser that gives Orca and other Linux tools their voice. Over 100 languages, and free.

  Free · Open source

• Festival

  An older text-to-speech system from the University of Edinburgh. A warmer alternative voice to eSpeak NG, with narrower language coverage.

  Free · Open source

• GNOME Magnifier

  The screen magnifier built into the GNOME desktop. Nothing to install, and it is switched on in Accessibility settings.

  Free · Open source

• LanguageTool

  Grammar, spelling and style checking in the browser, LibreOffice and Thunderbird. Free tier, paid premium, and no Linux desktop app.

  Free with paid extras · Open source

• Mousetweaks

  The dwell-click tool behind GNOME's hover click. The standalone project is archived, but the feature lives on in GNOME settings.

  Free · Open source

• Onboard

  An on-screen keyboard for people who cannot use a physical keyboard. Works well on X11, and Wayland support is still experimental.

  Free · Open source

• Orca

  The screen reader for Linux desktops. Reads the screen aloud and drives a braille display, and it is free.

  Free · Open source