Vista - Using the Ease of Access Center

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Using the Ease of Access Center

The new Ease of Access Center in Windows Vista provides a centralized location where you can get quick access to adjust accessibility settings and manage assistive technology programs.

The Ease of Access Center includes:

• Quick access to common tools. Start Magnifier, Narrator, On-Screen Keyboard, and High Contrast and they will remain on until you log off. Also, the Quick access section is read aloud while it is highlighted allowing you to select a tool by pressing the SPACEBAR when the tool name is either read or highlighted.
• Get recommendations. This questionnaire asks about routine tasks and provides a personalized recommendation of the accessibility settings and programs that are likely to improve your ability to see, hear, and use your computer.
• Explore all settings. The Ease of Access Center also lets you explore seven categories of accessibility tools and options. When you select these tools and options, they will automatically start each time you log on.

Using the Ease of Access Center

1. Open the Ease of Access Center, by selecting:

• Start.
• Control Panel.
• Ease of Access.
• Ease of Access Center.

2. Under Quick access to common tools, select to start:

• Magnifier
• Narrator
• On-Screen Keyboard, and/or
• High Contrast

The tools you select will remain on until you log off.

3. Under Not sure where to start?, select:

• Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use.

4. Under Get recommendations to make your computer easier to use:

• Insert check marks in the check boxes next to any statements that apply to you.
• Select Next to move to the next screen.
• Repeat steps above until you reach the final screen.
• Select Done.

5. Under Recommended settings:

• Select the options you want to turn on.
• Select Save.

6. If you want to look at settings by category, select one of these topics under Explore all settings.

• Use the computer without a display.
• Make the computer easier to see.
• Use the computer without a mouse or keyboard.
• Make the mouse easier to use.
• Make the keyboard easier to use.
• Use text or visual alternatives for sounds.
• Make it easier to focus on tasks.