Adding Assistive Technology Products


Although the accessibility features included with Windows XP Professional provide some functionality for users with special needs, many users with disabilities might need assistive technology. With the use of hardware and software available through independent software vendors (ISVs) and independent hardware vendors (IHVs), collectively known as assistive technology vendors (ATVs), people with disabilities can enhance their use of the Windows XP Professional operating system.

Add-on Assistive Technology

Microsoft works with independent manufacturers to produce compatible software and hardware for users with disabilities. Independent vendors that manufacture specialized assistive technology help people with disabilities to make better use of Windows XP Professional. Products available from third-party vendors are many and varied and make it possible for people with disabilities to use computers. Available products include the following:

  • Hardware and software that provide alternatives to the mouse and keyboard, such as the following alternative input devices:

    • Tracking devices. These devices enable users who are unable to use standard input devices, such as a mouse or a keyboard, to generate input by moving their eyes or head.

    • Mouthstick. A wooden dowel held in the mouth that allows a user to activate commands by pressing one key at a time.

    • Single-switch. A device that allows a user to scan or select options or text by generating a signal by using a muscle or other controllable movement.

    • Voice-activation device. A type of speech recognition device that allows users with disabilities to control computers with their voices instead of with a mouse or keyboard.

    • Alternative keyboards, such as on screen keyboards, or variously sized or shaped keyboards that can be activated with one s feet, elbows, and so on.

  • Devices that provide synthesized speech or devices that use Braille printers to print out information from the screen for people who are blind or have difficulty reading.

  • Word or phrase prediction software that helps users type more quickly and with fewer keystrokes.

  • Closed-captioning devices for users with hearing impairments.

  • Devices that enlarge or alter the color of information on the screen.

Finding Compatible Hardware and Software

Contact the third-party assistive technology product manufacturer to find products that are compatible with Windows XP Professional. The manufacturer should also be able to provide information about configuring settings to use with Windows XP Professional. Some add on utilities depend on file formats and programming interfaces to interpret data accurately to the user. Such dependencies can change with each new operating system. Before you add assistive technology, it is important to perform compatibility testing with the operating system and the applications you plan to use.

Using SerialKeys for Add-on Hardware and Software

The SerialKeys feature is designed for people who are unable to use a standard user input method, such as a keyboard or a mouse. SerialKeys allows an augmentative/communication device to emulate the local keyboard and mouse. Users who can point, but not click, can use pointing devices or Morse-code input systems on these devices. The interface device sends coded command strings through the computer s serial port to specify keystrokes and mouse events, which are then treated as typical keyboard or mouse input. Enable SerialKeys from the General tab in Accessibility Options.

Microsoft provides a catalog of a wide range of assistive technology products that can be used with Windows XP Professional. Additional information is available about support services and documentation for users who are deaf or hard-of-hearing, and users who have difficulties reading or handling printed materials. This information and the catalog are available from the Microsoft Accessibility link on the Web Resources page at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/reskits/webresources by voice telephone at 1 +(800) 426 9400, or by writing to the Microsoft Sales Information Center, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, Washington 98052 6399.




Microsoft Windows XP Professional Resource Kit 2003
Microsoft Windows XP Professional Resource Kit 2003
ISBN: N/A
EAN: N/A
Year: 2005
Pages: 338

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