As a student with low vision studying Computational and Data Sciences, I was exposed to several programming languages as part of my coursework, though many of my classes revolved around the Python programming language. Since I primarily access information visually, it was important that I use accessible Python IDEs for writing code that would support options for large print and labeling information by color, as well as options for text-to-speech and screen reader access for secondary audio access if needed. Here is a list of options for accessible Python IDEs for low vision users that can be used for learning Python and working with Python in a professional context, along with examples of how I worked with my professors to use these tools in the classroom setting.
It’s worth noting that there is no one software on this list that offers universal accessibility for all potential users with visual impairment (inclusive of blindness, low vision, and cerebral/cortical visual impairment). My goal in writing this post is to share a list of tools that offer a variety of accessibility settings so that students and their support teams can choose an option that will work for their own needs.
Enlarge text with browser zoom: Jupyter Notebook
Many of my professors would use Jupyter Notebook with Anaconda 3 to display in-class exercises and assignments. Jupyter Notebook files are opened in the web browser and can be used to display code blocks, text content, images, and other files in a single column layout, which can be enlarged with browser zoom or screen magnification. Instead of using a screen reader, I would use the Read Aloud tool in my web browser to read questions out loud on the page, as screen reader accessibility is still a work in progress for the Jupyter team.
For my quantitative research course as a PhD student, my professor would use Google Colab to host Jupyter Notebooks. Also known as Google Colaboratory, Google Colab is a free cloud-based platform that allows users to write and execute Python, R, or Julia from the web browser, with the option to share their code with others. Similar to Jupyter Notebooks, Google Colab notebooks can combine code, text, and visualizations into a single file, with the option to add other content such as HTML, LaTeX, or images. Colab also offers numerous computing resources and access to machine learning libraries, along with other paid features available for premium users. No downloads are required to access Colab, and all Colab files are synced to Google Drive.
In the classroom setting, my professors would post copies of Jupyter notebooks on the class website so students could view them on their own device. On the lab computers, I would turn on invert colors/screen inversion within display settings to make it easier to read text if the bright white display was painful to look at.
Related links
- Download Anaconda Distribution | Anaconda
- Project Jupyter Documentation
- Google Colab Low Vision Accessibility
- How To Use Invert Colors With Low Vision
- Low Vision Accessibility Settings For Windows 11
iPad IDE with customizable font: Pythonista
For students that find it easier to read text from a slanted display or prefer a touch screen interface, Pythonista for iOS provides options to write and run Python scripts directly from an iPad or iPhone. Pythonista provides access to multiple libraries and has several display customization options, including changing the font style, font size (up to 32), using sound effects/auditory feedback, and typing with either a touch screen or hardware keyboard. Pythonista is available for iOS 12.0 and later for a one-time purchase of $9.99 USD.
Since I prefer to read through the lined bifocal in my glasses and sometimes need to hold the screen close to my face, Pythonista provides a flexible option for doing in-class exercises and assignments when leaning in closely to see the computer is uncomfortable or not an option. Another option for increasing the display size is to connect the iPad to a smart TV or external monitor, which I used in office hours with one of my professors so we didn’t have to hover over a screen.
Related links
- Pythonista 3 on the App Store
- Five Apps I Use In Statistics Classes As A Low Vision Student
- Choosing An iPad Keyboard For Low Vision
- How To Make iPad Accessible for Low Vision
- Tips For Screensharing With Low Vision
Browser-based option: Replit or Visual Studio Code for the Web
Repl.it is a browser-based IDE that allows users to write code and create programs directly from their browser, without any additional downloads or configurations required. Repl.it can be used on any operating system or internet connected device and allows users to save programs to a free account (up to 3 public repls with 2 GB storage), as well as connect to GitHub and similar platforms. Replit offers several options for large print access, customizing the display of information, and can be used with text-to-speech as well. Replit has changed a lot since I used it during undergraduate studies, and I don’t use any of their AI features. Since it is displayed within the web browser, it can be used on any device and can be helpful for displaying code samples or taking screenshots.
Instead of using Repl.it as a browser-based IDE, I prefer to use Visual Studio Code for the Web if I need a free, zero-install IDE that offers high contrast themes, keyboard shortcuts, text-to-speech and screen reader support, or other options for displaying code on any device. Similar to Repl.it, Visual Studio Code has a free tier and can connect to GitHub and similar platforms. While there are some AI features in the form of Copilot, these can be turned off and are easier to hide in my experience compared to Repl.it.
Related links
- How I Use Repl.it IDE With Low Vision
- Pre-Teaching Programming Languages To Visually Impaired Students
- How I Document Accessibility Preferences With Low Vision
- Recording Video Lectures For Visually Impaired Students
Free from Microsoft: Visual Studio Code
Also known as VS Code, Visual Studio is a multi-platform IDE from Microsoft that can be used with several programming languages, including Python. VS Code offers several accessibility features for low vision access, including a high contrast display, options for zooming in on content, and color customization. VS Code also offers a large selection of accessibility features for screen reader access and keyboard navigation, which is further documented on the accessibility page linked below.
I didn’t use VS Code in any of my data science classes, but I have used it for other projects. Visual Studio Code is commonly recommended for nonvisual programming with a screen reader when used in conjunction with GitHub, and is a great option for blind students looking for an accessible IDE for Python.
Related links
- Accessibility in Visual Studio Code
- Visual Studio Code – Code Editing. Redefined
- How To Make Mouse Pointers Easier To See in Windows
SQLite with Python: SQLiteStudio
SQLiteStudio is a free open-source software that is primarily used with SQL, though it offers a Python plugin and options for using SQLite with Python. SQLiteStudio provides options for customizing accessibility features via the configuration dialog, including keyboard shortcuts, font styles/sizes, and color customization.
I used SQLiteStudio on my personal computer with large print customizations, and often relied on color as a way of helping me to proofread or locate items of interest. When it came to accessing the program on a lab computer, I would use screen magnification in the docked view and position the magnification window on the bottom of the screen so I could read it through my bifocals.
Related links
Screen reader support and customization: PyCharm
PyCharm is a Python IDE developed by JetBrains that offers free accounts for students and educators with an annual plan starting at $99 USD for individuals. PyCharm offers full support for screen readers on Windows and Mac, as well as options for customizing colors (including scroll bar opacity), font styles and sizes, high contrast themes, zoom levels, and keyboard navigation.
I don’t have much experience with using PyCharm, but one of my friends made me promise to include it in this post because they love it so much. Depending on the size of the computer monitor, users who need large print sizes will want to experiment with adjusting font sizes vs zoom levels to increase the size of information on the screen.
Related links
- Accessibility features | PyCharm Documentation
- PyCharm: the Python IDE for data science and web development
Text editor: Notepad++
Also known as NPP, Notepad++ is a free and open-source text editor for Windows that supports multiple programming languages, including Python. Unlike the other resources on this page that focus on IDEs, writing in NPP is more like writing in a text document, and it offers several options for keyboard access, custom font styles/sizes (up to 28 pt), and display themes. It can be used for writing Python, pseudocode, and several other programming languages.
Notepad++ is a fixture in many of my programming classes, and not just for Python. I often have to use screen magnification to enlarge menus and orient myself to the page, as well as read through dialog boxes. For students who dislike writing in an IDE or that want to read through code that others wrote, Notepad++ provides a flexible option that can be used with large print or screen reading software.
Related links
More resources on accessible Python IDEs for low vision
- To make it easier to open programs on my computer, I use custom keyboard shortcuts and icons for several programs. Learn more in How To Create Custom Keyboard Shortcuts in Windows and How To Customize Icons For Windows
- Instead of pressing the space bar to create white space, users should use the Tab key to create uniform spacing. Learn more about choosing a keyboard in Mainstream Technology and Low Vision: Keyboards
- Want to learn more about high contrast modes and color schemes for low vision? Read High Contrast and Low Vision
- My academic background is in data science and assistive technology, so I have several posts on accessible data science/data analytics resources for students. Browse Data Science Archives | Veronica With Four Eyes (veroniiiica.com)
Published December 10, 2019. Updated December 2025