Chapter 7 -- Using the Accessibility Features

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Chapter 7

Microsoft Windows offers a wide range of features to make computer use more accessible for people with disabilities. Whether the issue is impaired vision or hearing or an inability to use both hands for typing, Windows has a solution.

And you'll find that these features are not only for people with disabilities. If you work in a noisy environment or it's not convenient to use the mouse, for example, the accessibility features can help. Following are some of the available options. You can

• Use a special high-contrast appearance scheme throughout your Windows-based programs.
• Increase the size of icons, system text, scroll bars, and your mouse pointer.
• Use Magnifier to increase the size of everything in the current window.
• Use Narrator to read on-screen text aloud.
• Use visual cues instead of sounds to alert you to system events.
• Turn on StickyKeys, which enables you to use Ctrl, Alt, and Shift key combinations without having to hold down more than one key at a time.
• Use the keyboard instead of the mouse to click, double-click, and drag.
• Attach an alternate SerialKey input device to your serial port if you are unable to use a standard mouse or keyboard.

This chapter covers these and other accessibility features. You'll learn how to use each option, in what situations it might be appropriate, and tips for effective use.