Guides: How do I find ~ Assistive Technology Resources: Operating Systems

Screen Magnifiers

Screen magnifying enlarges text and graphics on a computer screen, functioning similarly to a magnifying glass moving over a page, following the cursor, and magnifying the area around it. Using a mouse or keyboard commands, users position the cursor on the section of the screen they want magnified or have the cursor move automatically across and down a magnified page at a preset speed. The magnified area may also be emphasized with color and shading, so that users who lose their place on screen may easily locate a magnified area.

There is screen magnification software on all computers in Burke Library.

Operating Systems

On Mac and Windows operating systems, there are numerous ways that you can enable accessibility features and use different applications to enhance your learning experience. These features are built in to Mac and Windows systems or require free app downloads. There are some features that are on both, and some that are not. So, you can decide which operating system to choose based on that or your preference as a Mac or Windows user.

Macintosh Computers

The page https://www.apple.com/accessibility/mac/ contains a lot of information on the accessibility features that Apple provides on their products, including Mac computers.In this section, we’ll focus on computers, but definitely follow the link to learn how you could customize other devices. The main subcategories Apple has identified and organized their resources under are vision, hearing, physical and motor skills, in addition to learning and literacy. While the previous link for Mac computers is good for knowing what accessibility options Apple provides, the following link is great because it provides more specific details and guiding images for you to know how to actually enable those features. Click here https://www.imore.com/accessibility-mac-ultimate-guide. It is divided into these sections and subsections.

VoiceOver

Zoom

Closed Captioning

Visual and Color Accessibility Options

Keyboard accessibility options

Dictation

Windows Computers

Interested in learning more about Windows’ commitment to accessibility? Click here https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/ to explore! This page has a range of different resources and we’ve highlighted some that we recommend and believe will be most useful. The main subcategories are centered around vision, hearing, and mobility.

Vision

ClearType - “ClearType is technology built-in to Windows that can make text more readable on your computer monitor. You’d want to use this feature if your text is appearing blurry to you. Read on to gain more insight into this feature and how it may work for you! Follow this link: https://www.windowscentral.com/how-make-text-easier-read-using-cleartype-windows-10
Color Filters - “Applying a color filter to your computer screen can help you differentiate between different text, images, etc. that differ by color. Here’s how to use it: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4344736/windows-10-use-color-filters”
Adjusting Visual Settings - “The following link will instruct you on how to change settings such as font size and color. There are more changes you can make to adjust the visual settings on Windows computers to your liking so click on: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/27928/windows-10-make-windows-easier-to-see”
Magnifier - “Another tool to use for screen magnification is the feature called Magnifier. This link will tell you how to use it: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/11542/windows-use-magnifier”
Narrator “The Narrator feature allows you to have text read aloud to you. This link directs you to other pages that outline the different capabilities of this feature that give you many options of how to make use of this text-to-speech technology. Click here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/17173/windows-10-hear-text-read-aloud”

Hearing and Speech

Dictation - “Dictation is a tool you can use if you would like to have your speech transcribed into text. Within this guide, there have been multiple options for this. Dictation on Windows may work for you the best! Read more about it here and decide for yourself: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4042244/windows-10-use-dictation
Presentation Translator - “Giving a presentation in a room with multiple language speakers or one that will be available to such an audience? Then this tool could prove useful for you! https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/garage/profiles/presentation-translator/
Microsoft Translator - “If you yourself are multilingual or you’re dealing with multiple languages in a course, for a presentation, etc., this tool would be helpful. This is a free application that can assist you on campus as well as off-campus! Studying abroad? Then see how it can enhance your experience. Click here for more information: https://translator.microsoft.com/”
Adjusting Sound Settings to make Windows easier to hear https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/27933/windows-10-make-windows-easier-to-hear
PowerPoint Captions/Subtitles - “Got a presentation you’re creating in PowerPoint? You can add captions and subtitles to it! This could be an effective way to increase engagement and also be more conscious of different learners in your audience. Clink on this link to learn more about how to add this text to your presentation: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/Add-captions-or-subtitles-in-PowerPoint-DF091537-FB22-4507-898F-2358DDC0DF18”
Setup visual notifications - “Notifications on computers are important and sometimes can impact your work. Visual notifications are a great option to have on your Windows computer if audible notifications will not quite work for you, or if you have a preference. Follow this link to see how you can turn this feature on: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10571/windows-use-text-visual-alternative-sounds”

Mobility

On-Screen Keyboard (OSK) - “An on-screen keyboard is an alternative to the physical, external keyboard. To use it, you’d use your mouse, a single key, or a group of keys to select keys on the screen. This link brings you to a page with more info and a quick video: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/10762/windows-use-on-screen-keyboard