Options at Your Fingertips
By Wood, Tara; Quest, Vol. 11, No. 5Publication Date: September/October 2004
Article describes accessibility features that are often built in to computer operating systems. Microsoft and Apple both incorporate accessibility features into their operating systems, including applications that benefit people with visual, mobility, hearing, and fine motor disabilities. For example, a computer user can choose to move the cursor by using the numeric keypad or a designated cluster of keys instead of a mouse. Users can also enlarge images and text, and dramatically change the contrast of the screen to make it easier to read. An application from Apple called VoiceOver Spoken Interface is discussed, which provides computer access through speech, audible clues, and keyboard navigation. Besides allowing access for people who are blind or have low vision, VoiceOver can also assist people with learning disabilities by providing voice output access to screen text. VoiceOver is included with Apple’s operating system at no extra cost.
Published by: Muscular Dystrophy Association (Website:http://www.mdausa.org)
Link to text: http://www.mdausa.org/publications/Quest/q115options.cfm
