Session 314 Computer Accessibility for All
Dan Gilman & Francine Faucher
Assistive Technology Program, federally funded, in Department of Aging & Independent Living, in Agency of Human Services
Computers have built in accessibility features. Can try those before moving on to more sophisticated software and devices.
Mr. Gilman described and demonstrated built-in technology.
In Windows 7, have folder, “Ease of Access”, with four big features. And can go into Control Panel, find screen for Ease of Access, with speech recognition and Access Center. Tutorial and settings recommendations.
Keyboard features:
Sticky keys: for limited dexterity typists.
[On Mac, in System Preferences, have Universal Access settings for ”Seeing, Hearing, Keyboard, Mouse and Trackpad”.]
Magnifier for screen.
Icons in lower right of screen for status.
Narrator. Speaks each keystroke, for confirmation
High Contrast
Speech Recognition—controlling computer without mouse or keyboard. Built in in Windows 7 is better than previous, but still not as sophisticated or user friendly intuitive as commercial versions.
Navigation by voice, using “Mousegrid”.
Using the on-screen keyboard to type.
Handout included links to Microsoft tutorials for use of the Windows access features, including videos.
www.microsoft.com/enable/demos
www.microsoft.com/enable/training/windows7
There are also videos for the MAC Universal Accessibility features, at