Chapter 30: Accessibility

Overview

The design of desktop and laptop computers presents special problems and challenges for people whose bodies work differently from the majority of users. Impaired vision, hearing, dexterity, or mobility can make a standard off-the-shelf computer difficult or impossible to operate. Therefore, Microsoft and the designers of many computer peripheral devices and software offer a variety of products that can make a computer more accessible. These include:

• Options and programs that can make objects on the computer screen easier to see

• Features that can make the sounds produced by the computer easier to hear, and programs that display captions and visual warnings as alternatives to sounds

• Text-to-speech and voice-operated input tools

• Adjustable mouse and keyboard options

• Alternative keyboard layouts for users who type with one hand or one finger

• Alternative input devices that do not require use of the hands, or which don't require fine motor skills

• Keyboard shortcuts for many application programs

• Programs for people who have difficulty with reading and writing

This chapter describes many of these features and options and explains how to find and use them.