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Accessibility Options in Windows 95

(The following information was extracted from the Window 95 Help System. It is included here for ease of access to information specifically for people with visual impairments.)

The Accessibility Options provided with Windows 95 make it easier to control the keyboard and mouse when using Windows 95. These features are designed primarily for individuals with motion-related disabilities who may have difficulty using the computer keyboard or mouse, and for individuals who prefer visual feedback in place of sounds. However, many of these features can be useful to everyone.

The Windows 95 Accessibility Options provides the following features:

ToggleKeys for Audio Cues on the Key's State

People with visual impairments may not be able to see the lights on the keyboard that indicate caps lock, num lock and scroll lock status. ToggleKeys provides audio cues — high and low beeps — to tell you whether these keys are active or inactive. If ToggleKeys is enabled, when you press one of these keys and it turns on, you will hear a high beep. When you press one of these keys and it turns off, you will hear a low beep.

• To adjust ToggleKeys settings:
  • In Control Panel, choose the Accessibility Options icon.
  • On the Keyboard tab, select the Use ToggleKeys option.
  • To turn the hot key on or off, choose the related Settings button. Then select the Use Shortcut Key option. If this option is selected, the shortcut key is on.
  • Choose OK.
• To turn ToggleKeys on or off by using an emergency hot key, hold down the NUM LOCK key for eight seconds.
• When ToggleKeys turns on, you will hear a rising siren if sound is turned on.

ToggleKeys is especially useful for people who accidentally press the caps lock key instead of the tab key, because it provides immediate feedback when they make such a mistake. ToggleKeys also functions with keyboards that do not have the status indicator lights for the caps lock, num lock, and scroll lock keys. The audible low and high beeps can be very useful for all users with this style of keyboard.

High-Contrast Mode for People with Low Vision

Many people with low vision require a high degree of contrast between foreground and background objects, in order to distinguish the objects. For example, some people may not be able to easily read black text on a gray background, or text drawn over a picture. By setting a global flag, you can now instruct Windows 95 and programs to display information with a high degree of contrast. Activating high-contrast mode automatically selects your preferred color scheme.

• To turn on high-contrast mode and adjust settings:
  1. In Control Panel, choose the Accessibility Options icon.
  2. On the Display tab, make sure the Use High Contrast check box is selected.
  3. Choose the related Settings button.
  4. Choose the contrast scheme that you want to use.
• To turn on high-contrast mode by using the keyboard, press the left ALT, left SHIFT, and PRINT SCREEN keys simultaneously.

Windows 95 color schemes enable you to choose from several well-designed sets of screen-color options, designed both to match users' individual tastes and to meet their visual needs. The new color schemes in Windows 95 include high-contrast colors, such as white text on a black background, or black text on a white background. These high-contrast color schemes optimize the visibility of screen objects for people with visual impairments.

Adjusting Display Properties to Improve Visibility

Setting Size and Color Schemes

Windows 95 enables you to adjust the size and color of most screen elements, such as window text, menus, and caption bars. This can make the system easier to use and can reduce eyestrain. The following procedures describe how to customize these elements.

• To change the appearance of screen elements:
  1. In Control Panel, choose the Display icon. Or use the right mouse button to click an empty place on the desktop, and then choose Properties.
  2. On the Appearance tab, select a scheme from the Scheme list. You will see a preview of what the scheme will look like.
  3. Choose OK.
• To customize a desktop scheme or create a new scheme:
  1. In Control Panel, choose the Display icon.
  2. On the Appearance tab, select the scheme you want to start with.
  3. To change the appearance of each screen element, click that element in the Item list, or click the depiction of that element in the preview. Then change the settings in the Size and Color areas for Item and Font.
  4. To save the custom settings, choose Save As…, and then type a name for the scheme. That name will appear in the Scheme list, so you can choose the settings again any time.
  5. Choose OK.

Adjusting Screen Font Size

Depending on the capabilities of your display adapter, you may be able to choose between two sizes for the Windows system font or specify a custom font size to scale text and other items on screen.

You cannot choose a system font larger than the two choices offered, because many dialog boxes would then stretch off the screen, making some items, such as OK buttons, unusable. However, if Font Size choices are not available, or if the font still isn't large enough for you, consider using a commercial screen magnification utility. Such utilities provide pan and zoom capabilities to enable you to view a virtual desktop that is larger than your actual display.

The system font is used to display information in some programs and dialog boxes. The system font is always available, even in low-memory situations and critical error conditions, so it cannot be scaled. You can select either a large or small font appropriate for your display settings.

• To choose a large or small system font:
  1. In Control Panel, choose the Display icon.
  2. On the Settings tab, select either the large or small font option in the Font Size list.
  3. Choose OK. You will need to restart the computer for the change to take effect
• If the large system font provided isn't large enough or is an inappropriate size, try using the Custom button to specify a scaled display.

The Custom Font Size feature enables you to scale most information on the screen by a certain percentage. In essence, you are redefining an inch to be a larger or smaller number of pixels; thus when a program draws a letter at a certain height in inches, it is proportionately larger than when this feature was not in use.

• To increase the size of most information on the screen:
  • In Control Panel, choose the Display icon.
  • On the Settings tab, choose Custom.
  • Drag the controls until the sample shows the size you want, and then click OK.
    For devices that are not Plug and Play, you must shut down and then restart Windows 95 for the changes to take effect.
• Note: Both the Font Size and Custom Font Size features may only be available for high-resolution displays. You can change the screen resolution using the Settings tab in the Display properties. However, not all monitors and display adapters support high-resolution mode.

Adjusting the Icon Size

If you have difficulty seeing or recognizing the various icons that are displayed, you can adjust the display so that they are larger. You can increase the number of points used to display each icon using the "Large Icon view." Normally, icons are displayed 32-points wide and 32-points high. Icons are always square.

• To adjust the large icon size:
  • In Control Panel, choose the Display icon.
  • On the Appearance tab, select the scheme you want to start with.
  • In the Item list, select Icon.
  • In the Size box, select a larger size.
  • To save these settings, choose Save As…, and then type a name for the scheme. That name will appear in the Scheme list, so you can choose the settings again any time.
  • Choose OK.

Adjusting Window Borders for Changing Window Size

If you have trouble positioning the mouse on a window border so that you can adjust the window size, or if you cannot see the border of windows, you can increase the window border width.

• To adjust the window border width:
  • In Control Panel, choose the Display icon.
  • On the Appearance tab, select the scheme you want to start with.
  • In the Item list, select Active Window Border.
  • In the Size box, select a larger size.
  • To save these settings, choose Save As... and type a name for the scheme. That name will appear in the Scheme list, so you can choose the settings again any time.
  • Choose OK.

Adjusting the Text Size of Windows 95 Messages

You can adjust the font size in regular messages displayed by Windows 95.

• To change the font size in Windows 95 messages:
  • In Control Panel, choose the Display icon.
  • On the Appearance tab, select Message Box in the Item list.
  • In the Font, Size, and Color lists, select the settings you want.
  • Choose OK.

Adjusting Mouse Properties to Improve Visibility

If you have difficulty seeing or following the mouse pointer, you can set the following characteristics to improve its visibility:

• Pointer size
• Pointer color
• Pointer speed
• Visible trails of pointer movement
• Pointer animation

Windows 95 also features an animated hourglass pointer for better viewing.

Note: Windows 95 supports multiple pointing devices working in combination. This enables you to add alternative pointing devices, such as head-pointers or eye-gaze systems without replacing or disabling the mouse.

Using Mouse Pointer Schemes for Better Visibility

Windows 95 allows for custom mouse pointers. There are 14 different mouse pointers used. For example, the default pointer for when the system is busy is an Hourglass symbol. To make setting up pointers easier, Windows 95 includes 5 mouse pointer schemes. They are:

• 3D Pointers
• Animated Hourglasses
• Windows Standard
• Windows Standard (Extra-Large)
• Windows Standard (Large)

If the mouse pointer schemes are not shown, you must install them depending on the type of media used to install Windows from:

• CD-ROM or Network Installation:
  • On the Start menu, select Settings, and then choose Control Panel.
  • Choose the Add/Remove Programs icon.
  • Click on the Windows Setup tab
  • In the list of Components, select Accessories.
  • Press alt-d or click the Details button.
  • Scroll down and select the Mouse Pointers check box.
    Note: if Mouse Pointers isn't available under Accessories, follow the directions for the floppy disk installation below.
  • Press enter or click OK to close the Accessories details dialog box.
  • Choose OK, and then follow the instructions on your screen.
• Floppy Disk Installation:
  • On the Start menu, select Settings, and then choose Control Panel.
  • Choose the Add/Remove Programs icon.
  • On the Windows Setup tab, choose Have Disk.
  • Insert the Supplemental Disk into drive A or B.
  • In the Install from Disk dialog box, choose the correct disk drive and press enter.
  • Follow the instructions on your screen from that point on.
• To adjust the appearance of the mouse pointer:
  • In Control Panel, choose the Mouse icon.
  • On the Pointer tab, select the appropriate scheme, and then choose OK.

Using Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer enables you to navigate through files and other objects in your computer or the network. It provides a consistent interface on all types of objects and can be an easier way to navigate to objects on the desktop than standard keyboard techniques.

To open a window by using Windows Explorer, on the Start menu, select Programs, and then choose Windows Explorer. You can also click a folder by using your right mouse button, or select a folder and then press shift+f10, and then choose Explore.

Windows Explorer enables you to choose from several different views of folders and files, including single-column or multiple-column lists. The Details view can be easier to navigate for people who have difficulty navigating within complex groups of objects.

The following summarizes some shortcuts for using Windows Explorer and other common navigational elements in Windows 95.

• To copy a file, press CTRL while you drag the file to a folder. Or use the Copy command on the File menu.
• To create a shortcut, press CTRL+SHIFT while you drag the file to the desktop or a folder. Or use the New command on the File menu.
• To close the current folder and all its subfolders, press SHIFT and click the Close (X) button on the folder.
• To move among tabs in a properties dialog box, press CTRL+TAB or CTRL+SHIFT+TAB. Or press tab until the focus is on the tab itself, and then use arrow keys to select other tabs.

Shortcuts for Managing Folders and Windows Explorer

Shortcuts in Windows Explorer

The following shortcut keys work in the left-hand pane of the Windows Explorer:

Shortcuts in the Common Open and Save Dialog Boxes

Modifying the Start Menu

You can modify the contents of the Start menu to present a simplified view or to provide more convenient access to frequently used commands.

• To add menu items to the Start menu:
  • On the Start menu, select Settings.
  • Select Taskbar, and then select the Start Menu Programs tab.
  • Select Add, and then select Browse….
  • Locate the program you want to add, and then select it. Or type the program name in the Command Line box.
  • Choose Next, and then select the menu on which you want the program to appear. Or select the menu, and then choose Next.
  • Type the name that you want to see on the menu, and then choose Finish.
  • If Windows prompts you to choose an icon, choose one, and then choose Finish.

You can also add a program to the top of the Start menu by dragging the program's icon onto the Start button.

• To remove menu items from the Start menu:
  • On the Start menu, select Settings.
  • Choose Taskbar, and then select the Start Menu Programs tab.
  • Choose Remove, and then locate the program you want to remove.
  • Select the program, and then choose Remove. Although this deletes the shortcut from the Start menu, the original program remains on your computer.

For more information on customizing the Start menu, see the section "Using Custom Configurations For Individuals" earlier in this document.

Using the Desktop

You can customize the desktop by adding shortcuts to your favorite programs, documents, and printers, and by changing its look to fit your mood and personality.

To adjust settings such as desktop color and background, use your right mouse button to click anywhere on the desktop, and then click Properties.

Assigning Hot Keys for Programs

You can assign "hot keys" to frequently used programs, documents, or folders, and then use that hot key to open the object or make it the active window.

• To assign a hot key:
  • Press tab key until the Start Menu button has focus(it will have a dotted rectangle outline).
  • Use the application key to bring up an alternative menu (this is the same as right clicking the Start Menu button).
  • Select Explore from this menu. You are now in the Windows/Start Menu Explorer.
  • Arrow down until Programs is selected and all available programs will open in the right side pane.
  • Press the Tab key one time to jump to the right side of the pane.
  • Use the up and down arrows to select the folder or application you want to create a hotkey; If it is a folder you will need to press the Enter key to then select the application.
  • Once the application is selected, press Alt + Enter to open the Properties dialog box for that icon.
  • You will now be in a dialog box with two tabs similar to file folders, if the Shortcut tab is not in front you will need to press CTRL + TAB to select it.
  • Press ALT + K or the TAB key twice to move the selection to the Shortcut Key text box. By default, this box reads "None".
  • Press the keys you want to assign to open the application. Such as CTRL + ALT + W for Microsoft Word, or CTRL + ALT + I for Internet Explorer, or CTRL + ALT + J for JAWS. The keystroke will now appear in the box which read "None".
  • When you have finished and are satisfied with the key combination you have selected, press Enter to accept the changes. Don't forget to make a list of Hotkeys for reference.

Customizing Microsoft Windows 95 for Individuals with Disabilities Microsoft Documentation in Alternative Formats

People who have difficulty reading or handling printed documentation can obtain many Microsoft publications from Recording for the Blind, Inc. Recording for the Blind distributes these documents to registered, eligible members of their distribution service, either on audio cassettes or on floppy disks. The Recording for the Blind collection contains more than 80,000 titles, including Microsoft product documentation and books from Microsoft Press. You can contact Recording for the Blind at the following address or phone and fax numbers for information on eligibility and availability of Microsoft product documentation and books from Microsoft Press:

Recording for the Blind
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540

Phone: (609) 452-0606
Fax: (609) 987-8116

The Windows 95 product documentation is available from Recording for the Blind. Many of the Windows 95 documents are also available on a CD-ROM that comes with the package.

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