Computer Accessibility Features for Users with Disabilities

Apple and Microsoft are both devoted to providing computer accessibility to individuals with disabilities. Both of these companies offer a wide variety of features for users with physical disabilities, vision impairments/blindness, and hearing impairments/deafness. Computer accessibility features include:

Keyboard Modifications
Filter (Slow) Keys adjust how long a key can be pressed before it is recognized by the computer. By using slow keys, repeated key strokes or unintentional key strokes are minimized. This directly benefits students with hand tremors, muscle weakness, or fine/gross motor control deficiencies. Click here to watch a video on filter (slow) keys!

Mouse Control
MouseKeys allow users to control the movement of the mouse pointer through the numeric keypad. Students who can use a keyboard but have difficulty using a mouse benefit greatly from this device.

On-screen keyboards display a visual keyboard on the computer screen where users with limited motor control can use the mouse to click on desired keys for typing.



Modifications for Students with Sensory Impairments
Both Mac and Windows 7 provide individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing with visual signals that take the place of auditory prompts when their attention is needed. For example, a flashing caption bar might appear when a user needs to make a selection. In addition, enlarging images on a monitor can be applied on both Mac and Windows 7 for users with low vision. For individuals who are blind, a feature known as voiced feedback can be used. This tool reads items on the screen for its user. Items read aloud include menu bars, icons, dialogue boxes, and text.


Resource: Dell, A., Newton, D., Petroff. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom: Enhancing the school experiences of students with disabilities. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.