Google Drive is a file storage and synchronization service. Google Drive allows users to store files on their servers, synchronize files across devices, and share files.

Get help

• Contact the DoIT Help Desk for general assistance or to report an accessibility or usability barrier.

• Contact the Google Disability Support Team for answers to questions regarding accessibility features, functionalities, and assistive technology in Google products.

Additional resources

• For more information regarding Google Drive and Google Workspace, refer to Get Started with Google Drive and the UW-Madison Google Apps KnowledgeBase.

Accessibility and usability barriers 

The following information is provided to help people with disabilities know what potential barriers may exist within Google Drive. 

Some keyboard navigation barriers may be difficult for people with vision or motor disabilities

In several instances, the focus style, which shows the keyboard navigating user where the navigation has moved to, is low contrast or invisible. Also, the focus indicator moves in an incorrect order in some situations. 

Magnification and interface barriers may be difficult for people with low vision

Student and instructor pages do not reflow when the page is magnified, making it difficult for users with low vision who need to increase magnification for readability.  While the screen is magnified, the sidebar content is missing. Users are forced to use horizontal scrolling and the banner has a fixed position. 

Some screen reader barriers may be difficult for people with vision disabilities

Some content is missing auditory feedback which is necessary for users who are blind or have low vision and are using a screen reader or other assistive technology.  Content has missing and skipped heading levels which makes it difficult for users with visual disabilities to navigate via screen reader or other assistive technologies. Some buttons and check boxes are missing tags or are tagged incorrectly, which provide a barrier to navigation as well. Additionally, some hidden elements with no content exist on the page which may cause confusion for those navigating via screen reader or other assistive devices. 

Color contrast barriers may be difficult for people with color blindness

Some icons, links, and buttons have low color contrast and may be difficult for some users to navigate and read if they have low vision or color blindness.