Screen reader support launches in Microsoft MakeCode for BBC micro:bit
A major step forward for accessible coding, developed through a collaboration between the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, Blockly and Microsoft MakeCode, supported by Google's Blockly Accessibility Fund.
A student explores a program in MakeCode using a screen reader and refreshable braille display alongside a tactile diagram of the same program.
The 2026 Microsoft MakeCode for micro:bit release introduces screen reader support for block-based coding - a major milestone for accessible coding education.
Block-based programming is typically the entry point to coding for many young learners. Its visual snap-together blocks are often used to simplify complex programming concepts, before moving on to text-based coding. However, block-based programming with Blockly was not originally designed to work with screen readers, meaning children who are blind or have low vision have historically been excluded from many block-based coding experiences.
The new screen reader capability means students using screen readers and/or refreshable braille displays can independently access and navigate block-based coding in MakeCode for micro:bit, opening up new opportunities to participate in coding, digital making and creative technology learning.
Using the same tools as their peers also helps create more inclusive learning experiences, enabling students to collaborate, share ideas and learn alongside one another rather than through separate or alternative activities.
The impact of this work extends beyond MakeCode for micro:bit. Blockly underpins other leading block-based coding editors, including Scratch, CodeAI and MIT App Inventor, which can now benefit from the accessibility improvements developed through this project.
Every child deserves the opportunity to create with technology, regardless of their ability. For too long, many blind and visually impaired young people have faced barriers to accessing the same coding experiences as their peers. By working directly with the young people most affected, we've helped remove some of those barriers and created a widely available solution that gives more children the opportunity to learn, create and build confidence through coding. We hope this is just the beginning of a much bigger shift towards making coding accessible for future generations of learners around the world.
Lucy Gill, Head of Product at Micro:bit Educational Foundation
Why this matters
A student explores block-based coding in MakeCode for micro:bit using screen reader support alongside tactile learning resources.
According to RNIB, there are around 41,000 children and young people with vision loss or impairment in the UK. UNICEF estimates that about 6 million children around the world live with a disabling visual impairment that significantly impacts their education.
The launch of screen reader support in MakeCode gives children who rely on screen readers and/or refreshable braille displays access to block-based coding in MakeCode for the first time.
Hear about the experiences of screen reader capability in MakeCode from user test participants from both the UK and USA.
From keyboard navigation to screen reader support
Improving accessibility within block-based coding has been a multi-year journey.
In 2025, MakeCode for micro:bit introduced keyboard navigation, enabling students with fine motor challenges to create programs without relying on a mouse or touchscreen. That work laid the foundations for screen reader support, which launches as part of this release.
Together, these developments help remove barriers that have historically limited access to coding and introductory programming experiences for many users.
Co-created with young people and educators
Bennett Lehman reflects on the impact of co-designing accessible coding tools with users.
The new screen reader capability has been shaped through extensive user research involving children and young adults who are blind or have low vision, as well as educators and specialists who support them.
This research was central to the development of the screen reader functionality, helping ensure the tool meets the needs of the young people it is designed to support.
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who contributed their time, expertise and feedback, including specialist schools New College Worcester and the Royal National College for the Blind in Hereford, UK; Koninklijke Visio in Grave, Netherlands; and Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Indianapolis, USA.
Supporting educators and learners
To support educators and learners, guidance is embedded directly within the MakeCode editor through announcements, keyboard controls for additional block information and the Keyboard Controls help menu.
A key part of this project has been creating resources that help educators and students get started with accessible block-based coding. Our accessibility landing page brings together activities, classroom guidance, FAQs, downloadable tactile onboarding resources and practical advice for educators working with children who are blind or have low vision.
Whether you're introducing screen reader support for the first time or building confidence using the new features, these resources have been designed to support both educators and learners every step of the way.
Getting started with screen reader activities
Six screen reader activities help students build confidence using the micro:bit and Microsoft MakeCode.
Six step-by-step scaffolded activities introduce students using screen readers and/or a refreshable braille display to the micro:bit, the MakeCode editor and how to complete a series of projects in MakeCode.
The activities help learners build confidence using the editor independently while developing their coding skills.
Explore our accessibility resources:
- Accessibility in MakeCode
- Getting started with screen reader activities
- Accessibility classroom resources
- Working with students who are blind or have low vision
- Accessibility webpages
Join Lucy Gill, Head of Product at the Foundation, for the Screen reader compatibility in MakeCode webinar (Thursday, 1st October 2026) – a demonstration of screen reader in MakeCode and a presentation of the getting started resources.
What's next?
The launch of screen reader support marks an important milestone, but it is not the end of the journey and our commitment to accessibility extends beyond this project.
If you're interested in creating more inclusive learning experiences, you may also like our upcoming webinar, Supporting students who are deaf and hard of hearing to learn with the micro:bit (Monday, 21st Sep 2026), which explores practical strategies for supporting learners in the classroom.
We will continue working with educators, accessibility specialists and young people to improve the experience of learning to code and create with the micro:bit.
At the Micro:bit Educational Foundation, we are focused on increasing the accessibility of digital learning environments and empowering more children with the skills and knowledge they need to shape their own digital futures.
We welcome feedback from educators, students, parents and accessibility specialists as we continue working to make coding and digital creativity more accessible to all learners.
Get involved
- Explore our accessibility webpages
- Share your feedback through our online form
- Contact us at accessibility@microbit.org
- Join our research community
- Become a micro:bit volunteer translator to reach even more people
Check out the official MakeCode blog to find out about the other updates in this release, such as internal search (use the 'Search' button to find tutorials, videos and other resources), tutorial sharing and more.
