Using Technology to Support Diverse Learners

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Targeted Populations / Students with Disabilities / PC/Windows OS

PC/Windows OS

What it is:
Microsoft Windows XP and the new Microsoft Vista both have similar features for people with disabilities.

How does it work:
For people with visual impairment:

Font style, color, and size of items on the desktop
Icon size-make icons larger for visibility.
Screen resolution-change pixel count to enlarge objects on screen.
High contrast schemes-select color combinations that are easier to see.
Cursor width and blink rate-make the cursor easier to locate, or eliminate the distraction of its blinking.
Show location of pointer-quickly reveal the pointer on screen.
Microsoft Magnifier-enlarge portion of screen for better visibility.
ToggleKeys-hear tones when pressing certain keys.
Sound Schemes-associate computer sounds with particular system events.
Narrator Text-to-Speech-Hear window command options and text read aloud.

Windows features for those with physical impairments:

Handwriting Recognition-converts mouse or mouse pen motion into text.
Double-Click Speed-choose how fast to click the mouse button to make a selection.
ClickLock-highlight or drag without holding down the mouse button.
Pointer Speed-set how fast the mouse pointer moves on screen.
SnapTo-move the pointer to the default button in a dialog box.
Reverse the function of the right and left mouse buttons-reverse actions controlled by the right and left mouse buttons.
Character Repeat Rate-set how quickly a character repeats when a key is struck.
Dvorak Keyboard Layout-choose alternative keyboard layouts for people who type with one hand or finger.
StickyKeys-allow one handed typing for key combinations.
FilterKeys-ignore brief or repeated keystrokes and slow down the repeat rate.
MouseKeys-move the mouse pointer using the numerical keypad.
On-Screen Keyboard- a limited version of a virtual keyboard (used with keypad
or mouse).

Windows features for those with a hearing impairment:

ShowSounds-display captions for speech and sounds.
SoundSentry-display visual warnings for system sounds.
Notification-Get sound or visual cues when accessibility features are turned on or off.

Windows features for those with a learning disability:

Font style & color- students with visual processing issues may read more easily using alternate color schemes, such as white on black, or blue on yellow.
Speech recognition - XP and Office XP allow voice input of
text.
Text to Speech- Excel and Word 2003 and XP will read highlighted text.

See how-to directions for XP. Many of these features are available in other versions of Windows, including Windows NT. Microsoft has a great
comparison chart by OS. Tutorials for XP, NT, Me, and Windows 98 are available.

Classroom Examples:
Microsoft will send you a free CD with five video demonstrations of their accessibility options for Windows XP.

Microsoft Word

Visual

Curricular Supports

Targeted Populations


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