Help with using your computer

Most people with sight impairments have difficulty seeing the text on a computer screen. Everyone with sight impairments has different needs when it comes to accessing their computer.

Listed below are some of the more common ways to make it easier to use your computer.

Microsoft Windows has what are known as 'Accessibility Options'.

• In some older versions of Windows they have a slightly different name and sometimes the icon is a wheelchair symbol.

• Depending on the age of your computer you can use the accessibility wizard to change the size of your icons and the contrast of your text.

• You can also change the mouse pointers, making them much more distinctive.

• Pointer trails can also be added so the pointer can be seen moving across the screen.

Most versions of Microsoft Windows newer than Windows 95 have an onboard magnifier.

• This allows you to enlarge certain sections of the screen.

• Although some people find this very useful, it can be difficult to use and control.

• Windows also has a Narrator that is able to read what is on the screen.

• KAB AT Workers can advise on the accessibility wizard and other options to assist sight impaired people see the screen.

What if the built-in products don't help?

• If you need additional help there is magnification equipment that can be installed.

• Magnification software purchased separately has the advantage of being easier to control than that found within the Microsoft package. However, it can take longer to learn how to use it.

• There are many different types of magnification equipment available, so please discuss with a KAB AT Worker which one would suit you best.

• In certain circumstances you may be entitled to have the use of a specialist programme free of charge. Again, you should discuss this with your KAB AT Worker.

• Some of the more expensive magnification programmes can change the colour of the background or text colours to create increased contrast or reduce glare.

What about if the magnifier still does not let me see the screen?

• It's possible to install software on to your computer that reads the information that is on the screen.

• The speed and pitch of the voice can be changed to give greater clarity.

• If you think you may receive long messages from people on your computer, listening through speech software is much easier than using magnification.

How do I type words onto the computer?

• Most people type via a keyboard. Keys on the keyboard can be adapted to make this easier for you.

• For touch typists the J and F keys normally have a ridge to allow the fingers to navigate the keyboard.

• Sheets of larger, high contrast stickers can be obtained, such as black on yellow or white on black.

• Large keyboards can be purchased in alphabetical and QWERTY styles.

• Large print keyboards are the same size as standard keyboards just with larger print of each key. Keyboards are available in black letters with white or yellow backgrounds, and white letters with a black background.

• Large key keyboards have buttons around twice the size of a standard keyboard. Because this makes the size of the keyboard larger these are not recommended if you plan to learn to touch-type.