Assistive Technology and the Windows Operating system

Included in newer versions of Windows OS: (XP, 7)

Utility Manager

Controls all accessibility options

Narrator

Reads what is displayed on the screen, the contents of the active window, menu options, or text that has been typed. This feature works with NotePad, WordPad, Control Panel programs, Internet Explorer, and some parts of Windows 2000 setup. This is helpful for the user who has vision, learning, or cognitive impairment or who is learning to read or write English. Found in the Accessibility Accessory

On-Screen Keyboard

This keyboard that appears on the screen accessed with a mouse, trackball or alternative pointer. It works in conjunction with a word processor. It may be helpful for the user who needs to use a pointing device rather than a keyboard to type. Found in the Accessibility Accessory.

Windows ME

All of the above plus automatic installation of all accessibility options and an expanded Accessibility Menu and Wizard plus:

Cursor Width Option

This option adjusts the width of the editing cursor. This is helpful to the user who has vision impairments. Found in the Display Control Panel

IntelliPoint Features

‘Clicklock’ allows highlighting or dragging without holding down the mouse button. ‘Snapto’ automatically moves the pointer to a default button in a dialogue box. Mouse Pointer Visibility Options adjusts how the pointer is displayed. These are helpful for the user who has vision and/or fine motor impairments. Found in the Mouse Control Panel.

Windows XP

All of the above plus automatic installation of all accessibility options and an expanded Accessibility Menu and Wizard plus:

For more information please visit the Accessibility page on the Microsoft website.