877-GEEK-AID®
(877-433-5243)

Adaptive Technology: Windows Accessibility

Summary: This 2-3 minute blog explores Windows accessibility features and how they can be helpful tools for all users. Contact GEEKAID Computer and Network Support, the IT experts, at https://www.geek-aid.com/ to discuss all of the home and SMB functions you perform and analyze how to make your system work better for you.

Windows 11 Accessibility Features For Everyone!

Microsoft Development has been focusing on Windows features that can be adapted to users' unique needs. For people who are challenged by disabilities, this is excellent news. From Windows Narrator to the Magnifier, the system software has been expanded to afford disabled users powerful new tools to assist their computing experience.

Over the last few years, Microsoft has made great strides toward making Windows more accessible to a broader audience. As a result, Windows 11 includes a dedicated Accessibility section to help users adapt the OS's display and behavior according to their needs. This section is beneficial for users with visual impairments, hearing loss, or a physical disability—but anyone can use these accessibility features to improve their Windows 11 experience. Here are some features worth highlighting:

Adjust The Default Size and Then Zoom In

Before using the Magnifier feature, there is a simple setting you can use to make everything in Windows 11 larger:

Quick Zoom Using the Magnifier

Any time you want The Magnifier to zoom in, all you need to do is Press Windows and the Plus Key simultaneously. (+) to enlarge and (–) to reduce. Once you are done, press Windows and Escape to disable the Magnifier feature.

Increase the Size and Change the Color of Your Cursor

You can change the mouse cursor by going to Settings > Accessibility > Mouse Pointer.
To adjust the text cursor, go to Settings > Accessibility > Text Cursor.

High Contrast Themes

If transparent and translucent display elements make reading more difficult, Windows allows you to switch to a High Contrast Theme to make everything a little crisper to see.

“Night Light” Cuts Down on Blue Light Emissions

Although the jury is still out on the medical effects of blue light from monitors, Windows offers a Windows Night Light feature available in the WiFi menu of the Windows taskbar to mitigate any possible effects of blue light.

Voice Typing

The Windows 11 Voice Typing Tool allows users to generate text from their speech. In addition, the Azure Speech component provides for the generation of punctuation, thereby increasing the accuracy of the speech-to-text transmission. It is a simple process:

Auto-Captioning

Windows 11 has excellent automatic captions that will work with a wide variety of media, from television to videos to movies. Autocaptioning is easily enabled:

Windows Narrator

The Windows 11 Narrator allows users to complete many basic tasks without the use of a mouse. Users who are blind or vision impaired, can use Narrator to read anything on the screen, including texts, links and buttons. Get started by going to:

Home Technology Consultants

Unfortunately, many users do not avail themselves of all the Windows Accessibility features available. Whether you work from a company office or remotely from your home, there are many computer functions you might not be aware of without the assistance of a professional IT Consulting Service. IT professionals can assess your specific needs and all aspects of your computer system and network, recommend solutions and keep your system running smoothly from the start. A modest investment in professional IT assistance is a smart way to protect and get the most out of computers, networks, mobile devices and all your data while freeing up your time to concentrate on more substantial business or personal tasks.

GEEK-AID® Computer and Network Support provides world-class IT consulting services and specializes in customized network design and support, computer repairs, installations, updates, and maintenance for homes and small to midsized businesses. GEEK-AID®'s team of experts is comprised of top specialists in different areas of IT services, serving clients on-site and remotely for Macs, PCs and all your connected devices, including new ones that are part of the ever-expanding IoT. They can answer all your IT questions, from “Can I use voice commands on my computer?” to “When do I need to upgrade my company’s hardware?” More importantly, when your home or business computer goes down, they will perform on-site computer repairs if required. And the GEEK-AID® team doesn't clock out at five o'clock on Friday. They are available to you 24/7, remotely or in person, to ensure your computers, network and data stay up-to-date, healthy and secure. As your business grows, expands its network and adds more devices such as smart controls, smart devices, wireless access and remote access, your network's cybercrime vulnerability and need for cyber security will grow, too. In addition to maintaining the hardware, software and security, employee training and regular IT support should be ongoing, including learning how to access the most features your computer can offer. In addition, new users and devices will require additional training to use those devices efficiently and securely. Inter-related concerns include hardware and software installation and maintenance, repair, cyber security and network protection. These concerns must be addressed consistently and proactively to best support the seamless operation of your system, minimizing costly and time-consuming mistakes.

Call (877) GEEK-AID (877-433-5243) to discuss how they can secure, install, repair and maintain your home or SMB computer network and all its devices.