DiverseAbility.Net

Windows Accessibility Features and Utilities to Enhance Diverse User Needs:
A Reference Tool for Universally Designed Information Technology

Features and Utilities For Users With Visual and/or Hearing Impairments

(Note: Select "Open" or "Run" from Browser File Download Menu, if this appears.)

Accessibility Options: In Settings/Control Panel

• "Sound" Tab for Showing Sound Controls:
  Assists users with hearing impairments by providing visual cues for sound warnings and captions for sounds made by the computer system.

• "Display" Tab for Contrast Control
  Assists users with visual impairments to control the color contrast of the screen background/foreground.

Display Properties: located in Settings/Control Panel, this feature can change the background, fonts, contrast, and icons for users with visual impairments.

• Select "Appearance" tab. Can also do adjustments to the background with the "Theme" and "Desktop" tabs
• The "Settings" tab is useful to control the monitor resolution, color, and hertz (flicker) rate (in the "Advanced" button) to accommodate problems with visual perception and individuals with seizure disorders.

Magnifier Utility for Low Vision Needs: located in Programs/Accessories/Accessibility menu, this feature allows limited control of displayed size of various windows on the desktop.

Word Processor Zoom: located in Microsoft Word's menu bar, under the "View" tab.

Browser Text Size: Under the "View" tab with Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser, you will find this feature that will allow users to adjust the size of the fonts in display.

Accessibility Wizard: located in Programs/Accessories/Accessibility. Q&A references for font, contrast and other screen property adjustments.

XP’s Accessibility Info: located in Help and Support Center. (In Start Menu)

Note: With XP "Start Menu" and "Desktop", it is recommended that Windows "Classic View" be used for ease of background & icon use.

• With "Start" Icon on the Desktop, Right Click/Choose Properties/Select "Classic Start Menu".
• With "Desktop", Select Display Properties In Control Panel ; Then Select "Themes" Tab and Choose "Windows Classic"; Select "Desktop" Tab and Choose "backgrounds"(recd. None); Select "Appearance" Tab and Choose "Windows Classic Style" in Windows and buttons

For a list of individualized, stand alone, assistive technology solutions to meet specific user needs, please Review other Full Featured Software Options.

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DiverseAbility.Net is a resource of the Disability Law Resource Project and New Mexico Technology Assistance Program . All are federally funded by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services, U.S. Department of Education.

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