Accessibility Features.

What are accessibility features?

Accessibility features are special computer functions that help people with disabilities use technology more easily. For example, a text-to-speech feature may read text out loud for people with limited vision, while a speech-recognition feature allows users with limited mobility to control the computer with their voices. In this lesson, we'll introduce you to some common accessibility features and show you how to find and activate them on your computer or mobile device. We'll also discuss assistive technology that you can attach to your computer for additional accessibility.

Common accessibility features

Although some accessibility features require special software downloads, many are built into the operating system of your computer or mobile device. Here are just a few types of accessibility features you may already have on your device:

• Features for blind or low-vision computer users: Features such as text to speech allow blind users to hear what's on the screen instead of reading it. Other features, such as high-contrast themes and enlarged cursors, make it easier for users with limited vision to read the text themselves.
• Features for deaf or low-hearing computer users: Closed-captioning and replacing sounds with visual cues convey audio information to deaf users in visual form. Mono audio systems transmit right and left audio signals through both earbuds and headphones, so users with limited hearing in one ear will not miss part of what they are listening to.
• Features for limited-mobility computer users: Keyboard shortcuts are convenient for many people, but they are especially helpful to those with difficulty physically manipulating a mouse. For users who have difficulty pressing several keys at once, sticky keys allows them to press keys one at a time to activate a shortcut.