Page 1
SESSION 1: WORKING WITH ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
Relevant Knowledge
Computer Accessibility refers to the user friendliness of a computer system for all,
regardless of their disability. This is mainly a software issue. However, when a
combination of hardware and software, it enables a person with a disability or impairment
to use a computer. It is known as Assistive Technology. In this session, you will learn
about the basic accessibility options available on your computer.
There are numerous types of impairment that impact computer usage. These include:
Page 2
SESSION 1: WORKING WITH ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
Relevant Knowledge
Computer Accessibility refers to the user friendliness of a computer system for all,
regardless of their disability. This is mainly a software issue. However, when a
combination of hardware and software, it enables a person with a disability or impairment
to use a computer. It is known as Assistive Technology. In this session, you will learn
about the basic accessibility options available on your computer.
There are numerous types of impairment that impact computer usage. These include:
• Cognitive impairments and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism.
• Visual impairment such as low-vision, complete or partial blindness, and color
blindness.
• Hearing impairment including deafness.
• Motor or dexterity impairment such as paralysis, cerebral palsy, or carpal tunnel
syndrome and repetitive strain injury.
Accessibility Options in Control Panel are used to customize the way your keyboard,
display, or mouse function. Many of these features are useful for people with disabilities
as discussed earlier. In this session, you will learn to use accessibility options in Windows
XP.
Launching Accessibility Options
• To launch accessibility options in WindowsXP, Click
Start > Control Panel > Accessibility Options.
The Accessibility Options window appears.
Keyboard Tab
Sticky Keys
StickyKeys is an accessibility feature to help
computer users with physical disabilities, but it is
also used by others as a means to reduce repetitive
strain.
StickyKeys allows the user to press and release a modifier key, such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, or
the Windows key, and have it remain active until any other key is pressed.
To enable StickyKeys, select Use StickyKeys.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
The Sticky Keys icon appears in the system tray (figure 2).
Figure: 1
Page 3
SESSION 1: WORKING WITH ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
Relevant Knowledge
Computer Accessibility refers to the user friendliness of a computer system for all,
regardless of their disability. This is mainly a software issue. However, when a
combination of hardware and software, it enables a person with a disability or impairment
to use a computer. It is known as Assistive Technology. In this session, you will learn
about the basic accessibility options available on your computer.
There are numerous types of impairment that impact computer usage. These include:
• Cognitive impairments and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism.
• Visual impairment such as low-vision, complete or partial blindness, and color
blindness.
• Hearing impairment including deafness.
• Motor or dexterity impairment such as paralysis, cerebral palsy, or carpal tunnel
syndrome and repetitive strain injury.
Accessibility Options in Control Panel are used to customize the way your keyboard,
display, or mouse function. Many of these features are useful for people with disabilities
as discussed earlier. In this session, you will learn to use accessibility options in Windows
XP.
Launching Accessibility Options
• To launch accessibility options in WindowsXP, Click
Start > Control Panel > Accessibility Options.
The Accessibility Options window appears.
Keyboard Tab
Sticky Keys
StickyKeys is an accessibility feature to help
computer users with physical disabilities, but it is
also used by others as a means to reduce repetitive
strain.
StickyKeys allows the user to press and release a modifier key, such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, or
the Windows key, and have it remain active until any other key is pressed.
To enable StickyKeys, select Use StickyKeys.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
The Sticky Keys icon appears in the system tray (figure 2).
Figure: 1
After having enabled Sticky Keys, you W’II now practice and see its effect.
• Start Notepad. To do so, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad.
• Type some text (3 - 4 lines at least) and place the cursor at the beginning of the
text.
• Press CTRL key on your keyboard.
• Press letter A on your keyboard.
Notice the entire text gets selected. This action is equivalent to pressing CTRL+A
simultaneously!
To disable Sticky Keys, uncheck Use Sticky Keys and then click on Apply > OK.
Filter Keys
Filter Keys is a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an accessibility function that tells the
keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, making typing easier for people with
hand tremors.
• To enable Filter Keys, check Use Filter Keys.
• Click Settings under Filter Keys and check “Ignore Repeated Keystrokes”.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
The FilterKeys icon appears in the system tray (figure 3).
After having enabled FilterKeys, you will now practice and see its effect.
• Start Notepad and type some repeated characters.
Notice that the repeated characters are ignored
To disable FilterKeys, uncheck Use FilterKeys and then click on Apply > OK.
ToggleKeys
ToggleKeys is also a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an accessibility function which
is designed for people who have vision impairment or cognitive disabilities. When
Page 4
SESSION 1: WORKING WITH ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
Relevant Knowledge
Computer Accessibility refers to the user friendliness of a computer system for all,
regardless of their disability. This is mainly a software issue. However, when a
combination of hardware and software, it enables a person with a disability or impairment
to use a computer. It is known as Assistive Technology. In this session, you will learn
about the basic accessibility options available on your computer.
There are numerous types of impairment that impact computer usage. These include:
• Cognitive impairments and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism.
• Visual impairment such as low-vision, complete or partial blindness, and color
blindness.
• Hearing impairment including deafness.
• Motor or dexterity impairment such as paralysis, cerebral palsy, or carpal tunnel
syndrome and repetitive strain injury.
Accessibility Options in Control Panel are used to customize the way your keyboard,
display, or mouse function. Many of these features are useful for people with disabilities
as discussed earlier. In this session, you will learn to use accessibility options in Windows
XP.
Launching Accessibility Options
• To launch accessibility options in WindowsXP, Click
Start > Control Panel > Accessibility Options.
The Accessibility Options window appears.
Keyboard Tab
Sticky Keys
StickyKeys is an accessibility feature to help
computer users with physical disabilities, but it is
also used by others as a means to reduce repetitive
strain.
StickyKeys allows the user to press and release a modifier key, such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, or
the Windows key, and have it remain active until any other key is pressed.
To enable StickyKeys, select Use StickyKeys.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
The Sticky Keys icon appears in the system tray (figure 2).
Figure: 1
After having enabled Sticky Keys, you W’II now practice and see its effect.
• Start Notepad. To do so, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad.
• Type some text (3 - 4 lines at least) and place the cursor at the beginning of the
text.
• Press CTRL key on your keyboard.
• Press letter A on your keyboard.
Notice the entire text gets selected. This action is equivalent to pressing CTRL+A
simultaneously!
To disable Sticky Keys, uncheck Use Sticky Keys and then click on Apply > OK.
Filter Keys
Filter Keys is a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an accessibility function that tells the
keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, making typing easier for people with
hand tremors.
• To enable Filter Keys, check Use Filter Keys.
• Click Settings under Filter Keys and check “Ignore Repeated Keystrokes”.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
The FilterKeys icon appears in the system tray (figure 3).
After having enabled FilterKeys, you will now practice and see its effect.
• Start Notepad and type some repeated characters.
Notice that the repeated characters are ignored
To disable FilterKeys, uncheck Use FilterKeys and then click on Apply > OK.
ToggleKeys
ToggleKeys is also a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an accessibility function which
is designed for people who have vision impairment or cognitive disabilities. When
ToggleKeys is turned on, computer emits sound cues when the locking keys (Caps Lock,
Num Lock, or Scroll Lock) are pressed. A high sound is emitted when the keys are
switched on and a low sound is emitted when they are switched off.
• To enable ToggleKeys, Check Use ToggleKeys.
• Click Settings under ToggleKeys. • Click Apply
• Click OK.
Having enabled ToggleKeys, you can see its effect by any one of the following keys NUM
LOCK, CAPS LOCK or SCROLL LOCK. Notice that on doing so, you hear a beep.
To disable ToggleKeys, uncheck Use ToggleKeys and then click on Apply > OK.
Sound Tab
Select the Sound Tab. A window with options to configure
accessibility options for sound is displayed (figure 4).
SoundSentry
SoundSentry is designed to help users with auditory impairments. SoundSentry generates
visual warnings, such as a blinking title bar or a flashing border, whenever the computer
generates a sound.
• To enable SoundSentry, Check Use SoundSentry under Sound Tab. Doing so
activates a drop down list wherefrom you can choose the type of visual warning
desired.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
For understanding SoundSentry, you need to create an error!
• Click Start> Run. Type note instead of notepad and press Enter.
• Type some repeated characters in the notepad. Notice that the desktop will flash for a
fraction of second along with visual error sound code.
To disable SoundSentry, uncheck Use SoundSentry and then click on Apply > OK.
Page 5
SESSION 1: WORKING WITH ACCESSIBILITY OPTIONS
Relevant Knowledge
Computer Accessibility refers to the user friendliness of a computer system for all,
regardless of their disability. This is mainly a software issue. However, when a
combination of hardware and software, it enables a person with a disability or impairment
to use a computer. It is known as Assistive Technology. In this session, you will learn
about the basic accessibility options available on your computer.
There are numerous types of impairment that impact computer usage. These include:
• Cognitive impairments and learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, attention deficit
hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism.
• Visual impairment such as low-vision, complete or partial blindness, and color
blindness.
• Hearing impairment including deafness.
• Motor or dexterity impairment such as paralysis, cerebral palsy, or carpal tunnel
syndrome and repetitive strain injury.
Accessibility Options in Control Panel are used to customize the way your keyboard,
display, or mouse function. Many of these features are useful for people with disabilities
as discussed earlier. In this session, you will learn to use accessibility options in Windows
XP.
Launching Accessibility Options
• To launch accessibility options in WindowsXP, Click
Start > Control Panel > Accessibility Options.
The Accessibility Options window appears.
Keyboard Tab
Sticky Keys
StickyKeys is an accessibility feature to help
computer users with physical disabilities, but it is
also used by others as a means to reduce repetitive
strain.
StickyKeys allows the user to press and release a modifier key, such as Shift, Ctrl, Alt, or
the Windows key, and have it remain active until any other key is pressed.
To enable StickyKeys, select Use StickyKeys.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
The Sticky Keys icon appears in the system tray (figure 2).
Figure: 1
After having enabled Sticky Keys, you W’II now practice and see its effect.
• Start Notepad. To do so, click Start > All Programs > Accessories > Notepad.
• Type some text (3 - 4 lines at least) and place the cursor at the beginning of the
text.
• Press CTRL key on your keyboard.
• Press letter A on your keyboard.
Notice the entire text gets selected. This action is equivalent to pressing CTRL+A
simultaneously!
To disable Sticky Keys, uncheck Use Sticky Keys and then click on Apply > OK.
Filter Keys
Filter Keys is a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an accessibility function that tells the
keyboard to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, making typing easier for people with
hand tremors.
• To enable Filter Keys, check Use Filter Keys.
• Click Settings under Filter Keys and check “Ignore Repeated Keystrokes”.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
The FilterKeys icon appears in the system tray (figure 3).
After having enabled FilterKeys, you will now practice and see its effect.
• Start Notepad and type some repeated characters.
Notice that the repeated characters are ignored
To disable FilterKeys, uncheck Use FilterKeys and then click on Apply > OK.
ToggleKeys
ToggleKeys is also a feature of Microsoft Windows. It is an accessibility function which
is designed for people who have vision impairment or cognitive disabilities. When
ToggleKeys is turned on, computer emits sound cues when the locking keys (Caps Lock,
Num Lock, or Scroll Lock) are pressed. A high sound is emitted when the keys are
switched on and a low sound is emitted when they are switched off.
• To enable ToggleKeys, Check Use ToggleKeys.
• Click Settings under ToggleKeys. • Click Apply
• Click OK.
Having enabled ToggleKeys, you can see its effect by any one of the following keys NUM
LOCK, CAPS LOCK or SCROLL LOCK. Notice that on doing so, you hear a beep.
To disable ToggleKeys, uncheck Use ToggleKeys and then click on Apply > OK.
Sound Tab
Select the Sound Tab. A window with options to configure
accessibility options for sound is displayed (figure 4).
SoundSentry
SoundSentry is designed to help users with auditory impairments. SoundSentry generates
visual warnings, such as a blinking title bar or a flashing border, whenever the computer
generates a sound.
• To enable SoundSentry, Check Use SoundSentry under Sound Tab. Doing so
activates a drop down list wherefrom you can choose the type of visual warning
desired.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
For understanding SoundSentry, you need to create an error!
• Click Start> Run. Type note instead of notepad and press Enter.
• Type some repeated characters in the notepad. Notice that the desktop will flash for a
fraction of second along with visual error sound code.
To disable SoundSentry, uncheck Use SoundSentry and then click on Apply > OK.
ShowSounds
ShowSounds instructs applications that convey information by sound, to also provide
information visually, through text captions or informative icons.
• To enable ShowSounds, Check Use ShowSounds under Sound Tab.
• Click Apply.
• Click OK
Display Tab
Select the Display Tab. A window with options to
configure accessibility options for display is displayed.
High Contrast
High Contrast is an accessibility feature to assist people
with vision impairment. You can change the size and color
of fonts and the background for ease of viewing.
• To enable HighContrast, Check Use HighContrast
• Under Display Tab (figure 5).
• Click Apply.
• Click OK.
Notice the difference on your monitor as the High Contrast option is enabled.
To disable High Contrast, uncheck Use High Contrast > Apply > OK.
Cursor Options
Cursor Options is also an accessibility feature that assists people with vision impairment
by changing the blink rate and width of the cursor.
• To change the speed of the cursor blink, move the Blink Rate slider back and forth.
Notice the cursor blinking at various speeds.
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