Unity adds native screen reader support for macOS & Windows
Unity has introduced native screen reader support in the Unity 6 alpha (version 6000.3.0a5). The new AssistiveSupport API enables Unity apps to interface with macOS VoiceOver and Windows Narrator, and Unity plans to include this feature in the upcoming Unity 6.3 release.
Why it matters
Screen readers let blind and low-vision players navigate menus and UI by narrating on-screen elements. Until now, developers often had to build custom screen reader solutions per game, which is time- and resource-intensive. With native in-engine support, much of the heavy lifting is handled by Unity, lowering the barrier and cost for making games accessible.
Key details
- Available now in Unity 6 alpha: 6000.3.0a5.
- Planned full integration in Unity 6.3.
- Main API: AssistiveSupport (Unity Scripting API).
- Demo material: Unity presentation demonstrating screen reader support.
How developers can get started
Check the AssistiveSupport API docs to see how to create an accessibility hierarchy, listen for screen reader status/focus events, and send notifications to system screen readers. Ensure you test early: while in-engine support reduces effort, designing accessible UI remains a development task.
Sources
- Unity Scripting API: AssistiveSupport docs
- Unity demo video: YouTube demo
What accessibility features would you like to see next in game engines? Share your thoughts below.