You can set up a free Microsoft account and a free Google account to access Word Online, Google Docs, and other productivity applications.
The accessible technology tools built into the free Microsoft and Google applications are game changers! Speak to type with a dictation tool. Hear words spoken aloud with a text-to-speech tool.
With the free accounts, limitations are set on cloud storage and access certain premium features. Nevertheless, all the tools you need to overcome challenges and increase your productivity are included in the free versions. Please review the Terms of Service and Privacy Policies of each company when creating an account and deciding to use these applications.
Free Microsoft Account
If you already have a login for Windows, Xbox, Skype, or Outlook, use the same email and password to login to Microsoft. Otherwise, you may create a free Microsoft account. Sign up or login at microsoft365.com.
You will be granted access to the following productivity applications:
- Word Online for documents
- Excel Online for spreadsheets
- PowerPoint Online for presentations
- OneNote Online for note taking
- OneDrive for saving and sharing files
- Outlook for email
- Calendar for scheduling
- To Do for task management
- Microsoft Teams for video conferencing
- Edge web browser
Microsoft Help
Microsoft has a dedicated phone line called the Disability Answer Desk where Microsoft employees answer questions from customers with disabilities.
Disability Answer Desk phone number:
1-800-926-5900
The Microsoft Disability Answer Desk page includes:
- accessibility resources
- instructions for quick solutions
- video demonstrations
- multiple ways to connect with the Disability Answer Desk customer support personnel
Free Google Account
If you already have a login for Chrome, YouTube, or Gmail, use that same email and password to login to Google. Or you may create a free Google account. Sign up or login at account.google.com.
The free Google productivity applications that are similar to Microsoft’s applications are:
- Docs for documents
- Sheets for spreadsheets
- Slides for presentations
- Keep for note taking and task management
- Drive for saving and sharing files
- Gmail for email
- Calendar for scheduling
- Meet for video conferencing
- Chrome web browser
Google Help
Google is also committed to providing direct support to customers with disabilities with the Google Disability Support Team.
Use the Google Disability Support Team page to find different ways to connect with a support specialist.
The Google Accessibility Help page provides quick links to instructions on a variety of accessibility topics.