Operating System Solutions
The Windows and macOS operating systems offer multiple keyboard solutions and tools that are built into your computer's operating system. While these may not offer the same level of functionality and customization available from commercial or open-source assistive technology solutions, they can provide a basic level of access that may be suitable for some students.
Narrator (Windows)
Windows Narrator is a screen-reading software provided as a part of the Windows operating system. Narrator’s features are more limited than features of JAWS and NVDA and, so far, it has a very limited number of users. Narrator, however, has one important feature: it allows blind users to install Windows operating system independent of sighted assistance.
VoiceOver (macOS)
VoiceOver is a computer and mobile screen-reader program for Mac and iOS. VoiceOver functions on Mac, iPhones, and iPads, and supports gestures, keyboards, and braille displays. It supports more than 35 languages, including multiple voice options. VoiceOver is built into Apple products, so there are no additional costs or downloads. VoiceOver supports Safari and Opera, email, PDFs, and all built-in Mac apps.
Magnifier (Windows)
Windows Magnifier allows for three different magnification methods: full screen (magnifying the entire screen); lens (superimposes a magnifying lens on the screen that the user can move around and resize); and docked (a set, docked portion of the screen is magnified). The program works with touch-screen and allows for a variety of keyboard shortcuts.
Zoom & Display Options (macOS)
Zoom for macOS allows for a magnified view of the desktop environment as well as applications. Zoom options include the ability to follow the keyboard focus, speak items under the pointer, and use gestures to increase or decrease the magnified viewport.
The macOS Display Options provides the capability to invert colors and modify contrast settings for the desktop environment. The Display Options also offer the option to switch the view to grayscale as well as reduce the screen transparency.
High-Contrast Mode (Windows)
Windows high-contrast mode is intended for use by individuals with low vision and/or color-blindness. It applies specific color schemes to on-screen content to make text easier to read.
On-Screen Keyboard
Windows On-Screen Keyboard (referred to as the Accessibility Keyboard for Mac) allows the individual to use a computer without an external keyboard. Using either a touch screen, pointer device (e.g. a mouse), or assistive device (e.g. a switch device), they can interact with a standard keyboard visually displayed on-screen, producing the same results as would an external keyboard. This can be very helpful for individuals with physical and/or cognitive impairments.
Sticky Keys
Sticky keys is available on both the Windows and Mac operating systems. It allows users with physical impairments to press a single key at a time, in sequence, to perform commands that otherwise require pressing multiple keys at once (e.g. CTRL+ALT+DEL to launch the Task Manager on Windows or Cmd+T to open a new tab on MacOS).
Mouse Keys
Mouse Keys is available on both the Windows and Mac operating systems. It allows users to move their cursor with their keyboard number pad rather than a mouse.
FilterKeys & Slow Keys
Windows FilterKeys and Slow Keys for Mac allows users to customize the length of time a key must be pressed before the system reads the keyboard input. This function allows short or repeated keystrokes to be ignored, an accessibility function for users with hand tremors.
Accessibility Keyboard
The Accessibility Keyboard (referred to as the On-Screen Keyboard for Windows) allows an individual to use a computer without an external keyboard. Using either a touch screen, pointer device (e.g. a mouse), or assistive device (e.g. a switch device), they can interact with a standard keyboard visually displayed on-screen, producing the same results as would an external keyboard. This can be very helpful for individuals with physical and/or cognitive impairments.
Switch Control
Switch Control for macOS allows users to interact with their computer using an adaptive external device, such as a joystick or sip-and-puff switch, or a keyboard key or mouse button. Users can customize the interaction with their device to enter text, communicate with on screen items and apps, and otherwise command their Mac.
Windows Speech Recognition
Windows Speech Recognition is a feature that gives access to most computer features with the use of voice. Users can set up a short voice profile to be used for dictation through various programs and applications. For more information view the resources below:
macOS Voice Control
With Voice Control, you can navigate and interact with your Mac using only your voice instead of a traditional input device. Users can setup custom commands and vocabulary for dictation.
Voice Control uses the Siri speech-recognition engine to improve on the Enhanced Dictation feature available in earlier versions of macOS. For more information view the resources below:
Google Docs
Voice Typing in Google Docs is available for anyone who has a microphone and a drive account. This is only used for dictation and does not allow for control of the computer in general. Voice typing can be used on a computer or mobile device. For more information view the resources below:
