Simple Changes to Hardware

• Change to a large computer monitor (24”-31”). A large monitor can also be added to a laptop computer.
• Use large print keyboards, keyboard stickers, or keyboard overlays in various color combinations to provide the best contrast and clarity. ViewFinder has a large selection of these products.

Microsoft Windows Accessibility Features

Windows operating systems have an accessibility feature called Ease of Access. It can be found in the control panel in Windows XP and Windows 7 and in the Settings App in Windows 8 and 10. The settings in Ease of Access will allow the user to:

• Increase font size
• Change the default font to a clearer font such as Arial or Verdana
• Change the size of the scroll bars and window borders
• Change the size of the desktop icons from normal to large to extra large
• Change the contrast of the display to 4 different high-contrast settings including white letters on a black background or black letters on a white background
• Change the size and color of the mouse cursor
• Open a floating magnifier that enlarges part of the screen. Easily access this feature by pressing the Windows "Start" button on and the keyboard and "+".
• Use the key combination "Ctrl +" to zoom in on anything displayed on the screen. This feature also works by pressing "Ctrl" and scrolling with the mouse wheel or the touchpad on a laptop.

For more information on Windows Accessibility features, go to: www.microsoft.com/enable

Changing Email Settings

• Microsoft Outlook and Outlook Express allow changes in font, font size, and font color that is applied to all incoming and outgoing emails. These settings are found in Options under the File dropdown menu.
• Always set the default font to a clear, easy to read font such as Arial or Verdana.

Changing Internet Settings

• All web browsers (Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, etc.) have the option to change the default font and font size.
• Extensions are available from third-party companies that add special features to your web browser. These extensions are found under your web browser's Settings and they include:
  • Menus with easy access to most-visited websites and bookmarked pages
  • Changes in menu designs, colors, and fonts
  • Applications such as large clocks, calendars, note pads, calculators, and many more

Screen Magnification and Speech Input Software

• There are several computer programs available for both Windows and Apple computers that will allow the user to enlarge all of the material on the screen, read aloud any text, use voice commands to access programs, and save voice recordings. Ask the ViewFinder staff for demo software and demonstrations of these programs.

The staff at ViewFinder can provide basic computer assistance and can refer clients to computer technology experts for more advanced technology and training.

Simple Changes to Hardware

• Change to a large computer monitor. Apple offers iMac computers with a 21.5" or a 27" display. They also carry several LG display monitors compatible with Macbooks. Additional adapters are also available through Apple to connect any non-Apple branded monitor to your laptop or desktop computer.
• Use large print keyboards, keyboard stickers, or keyboard overlays in various color combinations to provide the best contrast and clarity. ViewFinder has a large selection of these products.

Apple OS X Accessibility Features

Apple's current operating system, OS Sierra, has many accessibility features located under Settings that will allow the user to:

• Increase the size of the desktop and application dock icons, as well as the font size
• Adjust the keyboard brightness to illuminate the keys
• Change the color of menu bars and highlighted text
• Invert colors and/or enhance the contrast of the display
• Increase the mouse cursor size
• Open a floating magnifier that will enlarge any part of the screen
• Enable the Dictation feature and any words spoken will be turned into text wherever it is allowed.
• Enable the VoiceOver feature which will provide spoken descriptions of items on the computer screen and allows control of the computer through the use of the keyboard.
• Enable Siri which lets you control your computer, open applications, read emails, change settings, all by asking.

There are many other helpful features available with all of Apple's products. More information can be found at: www.apple.com/accessibility or by visiting any Apple retail store.

Changing Email Settings

• Apple OS's default Mail application allows changes in font, font size, and font color that is applied to all incoming and outgoing emails. This is done through the Preferences dialogue box.
• Microsoft Outlook also allows changes in font, font size, and font color for all incoming and outgoing emails. These settings are found in Options under the File dropdown menu.
• Always set the default font to a clear, easy to read font such as Arial or Verdana.

Change Internet Settings

• All web browsers (Safari, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.) have the option to change the default font and font size.
• Extensions are available from third-parry developers that add special features to your web browser. These extensions are found under your web browser's Settings and they include:
  • Menus with easy access to most-visited websites and bookmarked pages
  • Changes in menu designs, colors, and fonts
  • Applications such as large clocks, calendars, note pads, calculators, and many more

Screen Magnification and Speech Input Software

• There are several computer programs available for both Apple and Windows computers that will allow the user to enlarge all of the material on the screen, read aloud any text, use voice commands to access programs, and save voice recordings. Ask the ViewFinder staff for demo software and demonstrations of these programs.
• There are also many free and low-priced apps in the Apple App Store that offer helpful tools such as magnification, text-to-speech, object and color identification, and large print utilities such as calculators, calendars, and note pads.

The staff at ViewFinder can provide basic computer assistance and can refer clients to computer technology experts for more advanced technology and training.

Note: While these instructions are specific to the Apple iPad and iPhone, most brands of smartphones and tablets have similar settings.

Changes to Hardware

When purchasing a new iPad or iPhone, purchase the model with the largest screen size. A larger screen size allows you to see more when you increase the magnification.

iOS Accessibility Feature

The iOS operating system for Apple's iPhone and iPad has many accessibility features located under Settings. To access many of these features, open the Settings app, scroll down to General, then scroll down to Accessibility. The first section under Accessibility is for vision settings.

VoiceOver - A screen reader that lets you know what's happening on your screen and helps you navigate it, even if you can't see it. When turned on, touch the screen to hear what's under your finger, then use gestures to control your device.

Siri - Helps you do the things you do on your phone every day. Siri can send messages, place phone calls, schedule meetings, and turn settings on and off. You can even ask where the nearest drug store or gas station is and Siri will use your location to find it. When Siri is turned on, hold down the home button or say "Hey Siri" to activate her.

Speak Screen - If you have a hard time reading the text on your device, use Speak Screen to read your email, iMessages, web pages and books to you. Turn on Speak Screen and swipe down from the top with two fingers, or just tell Siri to Speak Screen, and have all of the content of the page read back to you.

Dictation - Lets you talk anywhere you would type. Tap the microphone button on the keyboard, say what you want to write, and your device converts your words into text.

Zoom - A built-in Magnifier that works with whatever screen you are viewing on your device. When Zoom is turned on, double-tap the three fingers to open the magnifier. Drag three fingers to move around the screen. Double-tap with three fingers and drag to change the magnification. Triple-tap with three fingers to open zoom settings. You can still use all of the familiar gestures to navigate your device. Zoom works with VoiceOver so you can better see and hear what's happening on your screen.

Font and Contrast Adjustments - You can increase the font size and choose bold text inside several built-in apps including Calendar, Contracts, Mail, Messages, Notes, and Music. Some third-party apps may change as well. If a higher contrast or lack of color helps you better see your display, you can invert the colors or enable grayscale onscreen. Once this is set, the settings apply to every app on your phone, even videos and photos.

Braille Displays for iOS - More than 50 Bluetooth wireless braille displays work right out of the box with iPhone and iPad. iOS also includes braille tables for multiple languages.

There are many other helpful features available with all of Apple's products. More information can be found at: www.apple.com/accessibility or by visiting any Apple retail store