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Assistive Technology and Computer Access

Set in front of a background of blurred tulips, the Optalex ClearView+ is magnifying a picture of tulips.

Optalec ClearView+ (Electronic Video Magnifier)

Location: King Library at 3rd Floor Service Desk and Berryessa Branch at Internet Cafe

The ClearView+ is an electronic video magnifier that magnifies and enhances text, objects and images in different colors, brightness and contrast. It features auto-focus and a movable reading table so users can move objects and text beneath the camera, as well as an adjustable monitor.

Microsoft Accessibility Settings

Location: Available on all computers at all SJPL Library locations.

Open the Accessibility Settings

Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings window.

Click on Accessibility (or Ease of Access in older versions).

  1. In Windows 10: Find "Ease of Access" under the main settings menu.
  2. In Windows 11: "Accessibility" is directly listed in the Settings menu.

Display Settings

  • Text Size: You can adjust the size of text across the system without changing the display resolution.
    • Go to Text size in Accessibility > Display.
    • Use the slider to increase the size of text.
  • Color Filters: Helpful for colorblind users.
    • Turn on Color filters to adjust the colors on your screen.
    • You can choose from filters like Grayscale, Red-Green, or Blue-Yellow.
  • High Contrast: Makes text and background colors stand out more.
    • Turn on High Contrast to use a more vibrant, easy-to-read color scheme.
    • You can also adjust individual contrast themes.
  • Invert Colors: Inverts all colors on the screen, which is often helpful for those with visual impairments.
    • Toggle the option under Display > Invert colors.

Narrator

  • Narrator is a built-in screen reader that reads aloud text on your screen.
    • Go to Narrator in Accessibility.
    • Toggle it on to start it.
    • You can customize voice settings, speed, pitch, and more.
    • This also lets you navigate your system using keyboard shortcuts.

Magnifier

  • Magnifier allows you to zoom in on parts of your screen for a closer view.
    • Go to Magnifier under Accessibility.
    • Turn it on and use the + and - keys to zoom in and out.
    • Adjust the magnifier settings to customize how it works (e.g., full-screen, lens mode).

Speech Settings

  • Speech Recognition: Helps you control your PC with voice commands.
    • Go to Speech in the Accessibility menu.
    • Turn on Speech Recognition to set up voice commands for tasks like typing, opening apps, and navigating.
  • Speech-to-Text: Dictate text into documents or emails.
    • Use Windows + H to activate dictation.
    • You can also set up the Speech recognition settings for personalized use.

Keyboard Settings

  • Sticky Keys: Allows you to press keys one at a time for keyboard shortcuts (instead of pressing multiple keys at once).
    • Go to Keyboard in Accessibility > Sticky Keys.
    • Toggle Sticky Keys on and set up the behavior.
  • Filter Keys: Ignores brief or repeated key presses to help people with tremors or similar conditions.
    • Toggle Filter Keys on in the Keyboard
  • On-Screen Keyboard: Displays a virtual keyboard on your screen, which can be used if you can’t physically type.
    • Enable it in Keyboard

Mouse Settings

  • Mouse Pointer: Increase the size or change the color of your mouse pointer to make it easier to see.
    • Go to Mouse in Accessibility.
    • Adjust Pointer size and color.
  • Mouse Keys: Allows you to control the mouse pointer using the keyboard’s number pad.
    • Toggle it on under Mouse

Closed Captions & Subtitles

  • Closed Captions: Customize closed captions and subtitles for videos or other media.
    • Go to Closed Captions under Accessibility.
    • Turn it on and choose font size, color, and background options.

Sound Settings

  • Mono Audio: Combines left and right audio channels for users with hearing loss in one ear.
    • Toggle Mono Audio on under Sound
  • Visual Sound Alerts: If you’re hard of hearing, you can convert system sounds into visual notifications.
  • Focus Assist: Limits notifications so you can stay focused on tasks.
  • Live Captions: Displays captions for any audio or video playing on your PC, similar to closed captions.
  • Pin settings to your taskbar for easy access.
  • Create shortcuts for specific features, like Narrator or Magnifier, on your Start menu or desktop.

 

Shortcuts for Common Accessibility Features

  • Windows + U: Opens the Accessibility settings directly.
  • Windows + +: Zoom in using Magnifier.
  • Windows + Esc: Exit Magnifier.
  • Windows + Ctrl + Enter: Turn on or off the Narrator.
  • Windows + I: Open Settings.
  • Alt + Left Shift + Print Screen: Turn on or off Sticky Keys.
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