The major Personal Computer (PC) platforms come with accessibility features either built into the operating system itself or as default options that the user can customise at any time.
Microsoft have accessibility guides for various types of difficulties and impairments. Each guide provides a list of assistive technology products and highlights how to access the relevant assistance for each difficulty. Please note these will open to external links in a new window:
Apple also have accessibility options for the following disabilities for their operating system, mobile phones and mp3 players. Please note these will open to external links in a new window:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
Adjusting an individual's operating system to meet their individual needs can enable them to work independently and more productively.
Adjustments that can be made on most operating systems include:
- adjusting the speed of the mouse or cursor
- changing the contrast
- screen magnification
- slow keys - assistance for difficulty with initial or repeated strokes
- sticky keys - assistance for difficulty with pressing more than one key at a time
- visual cues to replace audio cues
- voice over facilities
For further information on computer use see the links below:
References
Apple 2010, Accessibility, Apple Inc, Cupertino California, viewed 21 July 2010, <http://www.apple.com/accessibility/>.
Microsoft Accessibility 2010, Guides by Impairment, Microsoft Corporation, Australian Headquarters – North Ryde, viewed 21 July 2010, http://www.microsoft.com/enable/guides/default.aspx.