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Disabled people
Making a computer easier to use
There are many ways to make a computer easier to use by changing its settings. For example, you can increase the size of text and icons on the screen. You can also simplify certain repetitive actions by using keyboard shortcuts.
Changing the settings on your computer
To suit your individual needs, you can change the settings on your computer to:
- increase the size of text
- increase the size of the on-screen mouse 'pointer'
- adjust the speed and sensitivity of the mouse
- adjust the responsiveness of the keys on a keyboard
- change the on-screen colours to improve contrast
- adjust the brightness or contrast on the screen
Often this is done via the 'settings' or 'accessibility options' on your computer. The 'help' section of your computer should show you how to change your computer's settings.
Some software allows you to change the text size by selecting the 'view' option in the top menu bar and altering the text size to 'large'.
Most computers have other basic built-in accessibility options including 'text-to-speech' features and magnifiers, which increase the size of a part of the screen when you point to it.
If you're deaf or hearing impaired, you may value an on-screen display that alerts you when your computer makes an alert sound (for example, when a new email message arrives).
Keyboard shortcuts
If you find a mouse difficult to use, you can carry out most actions on the keyboard. A keyboard alternative to a mouse action is called a keyboard shortcut.
Many common computer programmes come with keyboard shortcuts built in and some also allow you to customise them to your own particular needs.
Computer products and software
Computer products and software are available to help people with particular disabilities, including specialised keyboards or joysticks, screen readers and software that allows you to control a computer through speech.
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