Configuring Windows for people who are blind or have impaired vision

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Configuring Windows for people who are blind or have impaired vision

Using Display in Control Panel, people who have impaired vision or are blind can select larger fonts and icons, increase the size of screen elements by using a lower screen resolution, or change the size of windows and window borders. Using Mouse in Control Panel, you can adjust mouse properties to display larger or more visible mouse pointers and control the speed and animation of the mouse pointer.

When using Windows-based programs, you can change font sizes and colors, background color, and window size. In some programs, you can magnify the elements that are displayed in the program's window.

Using the Properties or Default dialog boxes in MS-DOS programs, you can change font types, sizes, and colors, background color, and the size of the cursor and program window.

The following tools are available with Windows.

  • High Contrast
    Using High Contrast, you can specify that Windows uses colors and fonts that are designed for easy reading.
  • Magnifier
    Using Magnifier, you can magnify a portion of your screen to make it more easily readable.
  • Narrator
    Narrator is a text-to-speech program that reads aloud the text that is displayed on your screen.
  • ToggleKeys
    ToggleKeys causes tones to sound when you press CAPS LOCK, NUM LOCK, and SCROLL LOCK.

The accessibility tools that ship with Windows are intended to provide a minimum level of functionality for users with special needs. Most users with disabilities will need utility programs with more advanced functionality for daily use.

See Also

Other Resources

Windows XP Professional: Accessibility Options overview