Return-Path: <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id h1JHTsP12500; Wed, 19 Feb 2003 12:29:54 -0500 (EST) Date: Wed, 19 Feb 2003 12:29:54 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <80479351-442D-11D7-B8E6-0030656A26C8@worlded.org> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: Jeff Carter <jcarter@worlded.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-technology@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-TECHNOLOGY:2730] "Hidden" Accessibility Settings X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit X-Mailer: Apple Mail (2.551) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Status: O Content-Length: 1510 Lines: 37 Folks, A February 16 article in the Boston Globe on assistive technology in the workplace made this interesting point: > [S]ometimes, helpful technologies can be hidden from even the > tech-savvy. Increasingly, computer operating systems come equipped > with accessibility settings that control the size of the cursor to > help those with vision problems, or provide keyboard shortcuts needed > by people who have trouble using a mouse. > > Still, while doing a usability study last fall, Microsoft discovered > that some of its own disabled employees were unaware of these > features, said Madelyn Bryant McIntyre, head of the Accessible > Technologies Team at Microsoft. ''We were surprised,'' she said. ''It > means that the discoverability of these features is too low.'' I'm curious whether those on this list are aware of these features. Which of these accessibility settings do you find useful, either as a teacher or learner? I've noticed that sometimes programs have a substantial investment in some big tech product or products, but staff and learners are not really given the chance or experience to learn effective computer operation, such as understanding the tools built right into the operating system that might working with the technology mush easier, especially for the many folks who may have a disability... Jeff Jeff Carter World Education Boston, MA (617) 482-9485 -------------- e-mail: jcarter@worlded.org <http://literacytech.worlded.org> <http://www.worlded.org>
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