Operating System-Based Accessibility Settings and Services


Introduction:

This ADE will provide you with a quick introduction to specific accessibility features available in Windows: Magnifier, On-Screen Keyboard, and Narrator.

At the end of this ADE, you will have gained knowledge of some of the various settings available in Windows and be able to discuss how these settings can be used to improve the accessibility of Windows.

Note: This ADE is intended to be completed using Windows 10.

Note: The "hand-in requirements" are intermixed with the "what to do" and are numbered rather than lettered or otherwise bulleted.

Note: This ADE requires the use of headphones or speakers.


What to Do (and Hand-in):

  1. To begin, please view the Accessibility Features on Windows 10 video.

  2. Open Microsoft Word and start the On-Screen Keyboard.  You will type your report for this ADE using the On-Screen Keyboard.
  3. Turn on Magnifier.  You will use magnifier at the same time to type your report using the On-Screen Keyboard.
  4. Turn on Narrator.
  5. Using Narrator and Microsoft Edge, explore the University of Saskatchewan home page http://www.usask.ca/.

    1. Describe your experience using Narrator. (what worked, what did not work, where you had some trouble, where you had lots of trouble, etc.)

  6. Turn off Narrator.  Using the Magnifier window only:
    1. Use Edge to explore this big graphic (3 MB).

      1. Using the Magnifier alone, can you easily identify what the graphic is supposed to be?  Why?

    2. Use Edge to explore this small graphic (1 kB).

      1. Using the Magnifier alone, can you easily identify what the graphic is supposed to be?  Why?

  7. Explore the Windows interface for a bit using the Magnifier.  Given the distortion created by Magnifier:

    1. Describe an instance where using the Magnifier might make it difficult for someone to use a software user interface.

    2. What could you do to improve the user interface in this case to make it more user-friendly for someone who is using the Magnifier?

  8. Thus far, you have been writing your report using the On-Screen Keyboard with Magnifier turned on.

    1. Is this a very efficient way to type?

    2. Why might someone use the On-Screen Keyboard?

    3. Describe an instance where using the On-Screen Keyboard might make it difficult for someone to use a software user interface.

    4. What could you do to improve the user interface in this case to make it more user-friendly for someone who is using the On-Screen Keyboard?

  9. Feedback

    1. What were your expectations of this ADE?

    2. Did this ADE meet your expectations? Provide a rating between 1 and 7, where 1 means not at all, 4 means somewhat, and 7 means absolutely. Please explain your choice.

    3. Did you feel that the video(s) for this ADE was appropriate? Why or why not? Provide a rating between 1 and 7, where 1 means not at all, 4 means somewhat, and 7 means absolutely. Please explain your choice.

    4. Do you have any suggestions for other possible videos?

    5. Did you feel that the questions above got you to think about the real and serious issues regarding this ADE? Provide a rating between 1 and 7, where 1 means not at all, 4 means somewhat, and 7 means absolutely. Please explain your choice.

    6. If you have any suggestions on how to improve this ADE, please include it here.


What to Hand-in:

Hand-in a report that answers the nine questions listed above.