How to Make your Computer Easier to use

There are simple functions you can change on your computer to make it easier to use for someone with a disability.

Use Shortcuts

Shortcuts are icons on the desktop or taskbar that users can double click to start a program or execute a command. Placing shortcuts on the desktop allows users easy access to the software applications they use most. Rather than navigating menus or through directory structures, a shortcut gives users an instant connection to the program they want to use.

To place a shortcut on the desktop, simply click on the icon for the application for which you are making a shortcut and drag it onto the desktop.

Windows Accessibility Properties

In addition, Windows computers have a number of accessibility options built-in that are intended to make Windows easier to navigate for people with disabilities. Here is a list of some of the features.

Keyboards

FilterKeys allows users to tell Windows to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes, or slow the repeat rate. This is good for people who unintentionally make undesired keystrokes.

StickyKeys allows users to use the "Shift," "Ctrl," and "Alt" keys by pressing only one key at a time. This is helpful for those with mobility impairments.

ToggleKeys allows users to hear tones when pressing "Caps Lock," Num Lock," and "Scroll Lock."

Sound

ShowSounds allows users to tell programs to display captions for the speech and sounds they make. Assists people with hearing impairments.

SoundSentry allows users to tell Windows to generate visual warnings when the computer makes a sound. Assists people with hearing impairments.

Display

High Contrast allows users to view Windows in colors and fonts designed for easy reading. This is great for those with visual impairments as well as those who find the computer screen difficult to understand.

Mouse

MouseKeys allows users to control the printer with the numeric keypad on the keyboard. Good for people who have problems using the mouse or for those with mobility impairments.

General

SerialKey Devices allow alternative access to keyboard and mouse features. This includes the use of alternative keyboards and other alternative input devices.

Accessibility Wizard

Windows 98 has an Accessibility Wizard that can configure all of these options automatically. Windows 98 also offers a magnifying utility for those with visual impairments. In Windows 95, these have to be configured manually from the control panel. Go to Microsoft's website for more accessibility information on Windows 95/NT (http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/win95nt.htm) and Windows 98 (http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/windows98/default.htm).

Other Accessibility Options

In addition to the Accessibility Options explicitly designed for those with disablities, other Windows settings are customizable to meet special needs.

Mouse Properties

In the Mouse properties folder, located in the control panel, users can alter various mouse settings to better suit existing accessibility needs. Customizable items include double-click speed, mouse button settings, pointer selection, speed of motion, and more.

Keyboard Properties

In the "Keyboards" folder in the control panel, click on the language tab and click the properties button. From here users can alter the layout of the keyboard to better suit their accessibility needs. Dvorak keyboard layouts are intended to maximize efficiency by placing the most frequently typed characters on a keyboard closer together. This is helpful for people who have difficulty using the standard "QWERTY" layout. For more information regarding Dvorak Keyboard Layouts, go to http://www.thisistrue.com/dvorak.html.