Speech-to-Text Should Be FREE for People with Disabilities

I’ve always been a fast typist, yet recently, with my right hand bandaged up, I’ve had to rely on speech-to-text more than ever. Let me tell you, it’s been an eye-opener.

While my phone and tablet offer built-in voice-to-text features, my computer (where I do most of my work) offers next to nothing. Unless I fork out for premium software or wrestle with clunky online tools, I’m left pecking at the keyboard with my left hand like a one-winged magpie.

This got me thinking: If it’s this frustrating for me temporarily – imagine how it is for people who rely on speech-to-text permanently. And worse yet, why is this technology hidden behind paywalls or only available on mobile devices?

Accessibility Shouldn’t Have a Price Tag

Speech-to-text isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Whether you’re working, studying, or just keeping up with mates, being able to communicate efficiently shouldn’t come with a cost. We’ve made accessibility a priority in other areas—wheelchair ramps, screen readers, closed captions—so why is voice-to-text still treated like an optional extra?

If digital accessibility is truly a priority, charging for a basic assistive tool is like putting a toll booth at the entrance of a public library. It’s gatekeeping at its worst.

The Problem With Paywalls

~ Some companies offer speech-to-text as part of premium packages, locking accessibility behind a subscription fee.
~ Others provide free versions, but they’re riddled with restrictions—short usage times, dodgy accuracy, or the need for an internet connection.
It’s like handing out a wheelchair with three working wheels—technically useful, but not nearly good enough.

Tech giants have the resources to make speech-to-text free, yet many choose not to. Accessibility isn’t just about providing a service; it’s about making sure it actually works for those who need it.

Social Media Needs to Catch Up

One of the biggest frustrations I’ve found is that speech-to-text features are mostly limited to phones and tablets, while computers are left out. Why can I dictate messages effortlessly on my phone, but when I’m on my desktop, I’m expected to type everything manually?

Not everyone finds a phone the easiest tool to use. Some people prefer a full-sized screen and keyboard setup. Others rely on desktop computers because of their specific accessibility needs.

Social media platforms—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn—should all have built-in voice-to-text for desktop users, just as they do on mobile.

Tech companies need to stop assuming that mobile devices are the default and start offering speech-to-text as a standard feature across all platforms and devices.

A Call to Action

If accessibility is a right—and it absolutely is—then speech-to-text should be freely available, fully functional, and integrated into all major operating systems. Governments and tech companies need to step up, prioritise inclusion, and remove financial barriers for those who depend on this technology.

This isn’t about special treatment; it’s about basic fairness. No one should have to pay just to be heard.

And so, as I sit here, painstakingly typing this with my left hand, my blogging microphone stands forlornly to my left—ready, waiting, and utterly useless.

Please either share this to your social media or write your own message to the social media giants asking for free speech-to-text options on computers also!!

BTW: This post was mostly written and created with my non-dominant left hand. At times it was frustrating, but I got there!