Keyboard use

• keyboard tuning - adjusting keyboard responses to slow or cancel the repeat rate - for example StickyKeys accessibility feature for single digit users
• different sized physical keyboards, compact keyboards for example can more easily fit between the arms of a wheelchair allowing lap use
• keyboard guards, to provide support for hands while typing (possibly useful for users with tremors)
• prediction, phrase saving, templates, autocorrect, word banks – all ways to help produce text more easily or quickly
• synonyms, spell checkers – very useful for expanding and checking written work
• keyboard stickers – for visually impaired users or those with dyslexia

Mouse (pointing device)

• mouse tuning – adjusting the speed of the pointer on screen
• swapping buttons to left handed use!
• different physical hardware: ergonomic mice, trackballs, touch-pads, joystick mice etc.
• MouseKeys accessibility feature – move the pointer and click using the keyboard
• keyboard shortcuts – use the keyboard instead of the mouse

Display

• think about physical display issues – positioning relative to external windows to reduce reflections and glare, size of display, CRT versus TFT flatscreens and lighting
• check the cleanliness of the screen
• change the screen resolution
• reduce screen clutter
• adjust the mouse pointer to a larger size
• change Windows system fonts to a larger, clearer font (such as Arial)
• in Microsoft Word – switch to 'Normal' view, Zoom the document up to '500%' and wrap the text around the width of the magnified screen
• double space text
• change screen colours to suit individual's preferences
• consider appropriate screen magnification for visually impaired users
• consider appropriate screen reader software for blind users – reads back the entire screen environment

Text-to-speech (TTS)

• consider simple TTS – such as ReadPlease
• explore talking word-processors and web browsers
• install utility programs to support dyslexic users – combines TTS with other literacy support
• use a full screen reader for blind users

You may want to install voice recognition software, which works extremely well for dictating text. It's important to note though that there is a considerable overhead in learning to use the software effectively and to get it working well.

Step-by-step skillsheets for adjusting the above settings are available at www.abilitynet.org.uk/myway

May 2005

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