Accessibility in Office 2003

Accessibility in Office 2003

Microsoft® Office 2003 includes many powerful and useful accessibility features to make things easier to see on screen and easier to access with the mouse and keyboard. You can also choose sound and speech options that help you work with your documents more effectively. Find more information at www.microsoft.com/enable/products/office2003/.

Overview of Accessibility Features in Office 2003

Feature	Description
Zoom for readability	Zoom in on your files (available in most Office 2003 programs) to make information more readable on the screen. You can also choose to view in high contrast to improve legibility.
Reading Layout view	Helps increase readability of documents by displaying just the Reading Layout and Reviewing toolbars in the view—all others are hidden.
Keyboard shortcuts	Using keyboard shortcuts (or shortcut keys) can help you complete some tasks faster and easier. Many features and commands in Office 2003 programs are available directly from the keyboard using keyboard shortcuts (pressing two or more keys simultaneously). Or, you can assign custom keyboard shortcuts to a command, macro, font, AutoText entry, style, or commonly used symbol. To find a list of keyboard shortcuts or learn how to assign custom keyboard shortcuts, open the Help menu in Office 2003 programs (press F1), and type "keyboard shortcuts."
Customize toolbars and menus	Customize toolbars and menu commands in most Office 2003 programs to put the most used commands within easy reach. For example, you can create a toolbar that contains only the buttons and menus you use most often, or, create a custom toolbar button or menu command.
Automate tasks	Reduce keystrokes in most Office 2003 programs by automating them to perform repetitive tasks. This helps you copy the look and style of text from one section to another; correct capitalization and spelling as you type; and format punctuation marks, symbols, and lists as you type.
Scroll with your mouse	If you use the Microsoft IntelliMouse® or Microsoft IntelliMouse TrackBall pointing device, or other products with similar technology, you can scroll and zoom directly by using the mouse—reducing required motion.
Speech Recognition	Speech Recognition is installed in all Office programs by initially using the feature in Word 2003, or by doing a custom installation. For details see the Help topic, "Install and Train Speech Recognition."
Narrator	Use Microsoft Narrator, a text-to-speech program in Windows XP, while using Word to read aloud menu commands, dialog box options and more—including announcing events on screen and reading typed characters.
Create accessible Web sites	Microsoft FrontPage® 2003 enables Web site creators to create Web sites that are more accessible for people with disabilities. FrontPage 2003 allows Web site creators to easily add alternative (ALT) text to images (which provides a description for people who cannot see images), apply style sheets (important for allowing the user to customize fonts and colors), and create accessible image maps (to make links within images more accessible). FrontPage 2003 also includes an Accessibility Checker to identify accessibility problems in a Web site. See Creating Accessible Web Pages and Accessibility Features in FrontPage.
Build accessible forms	InfoPath™ 2003, supports any customer-defined Extensible Markup Language (XML) schema and integrates with Web services. With InfoPath 2003 you can gather and share organizational information by designing and using forms. The user interface of InfoPath 2003 supports the accessibility features of Windows XP with some restrictions.

Selecting Assistive Technology Products for Students

Beyond the features built into the Windows operating system and other software, it is often essential to find specialty software and hardware products designed to provide additional accessibility support for students with disabilities. Microsoft works closely with educators, educational organizations, and industry partners to expand the world of learning through assistive technology.

Improving the learning experience can mean different things to different individuals: having a multisensory experience of audio paired with a visual representation may benefit one student, while reducing visual and auditory distractions may be better for another. Since there are hundreds of types of assistive technology availableand finding products that are compatible with a computer’s operating system and programs is critical the best place to start is to identify assistive technology needs through a needs assessment tool or assistive technology consultation.

To determine the best mix of accessibility features and assistive technology products to use to improve individual learning, remember that not all technology experts are knowledgeable in assistive technology (AT) products. Expert AT consultants who understand disabilities and the latest assistive technology products are the best source to help with accessibility assessment and to find solutions for students.

Accessibility Experts and Assessment Tools

A network of Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers is located throughout the U.S. that helps schools and businesses discover accessible technology solutions available on today's computers. These centers have AT experts who can help assess a student's accessibility needs, recommend products, and some centers provide trial products through lending libraries. Centers also provide training on assistive technology products and presentations at schools. For information about where centers are located, visit www.microsoft.com/enable/centers.

The Alliance for Technology Access (www.ataccess.org/) and the Assistive Technology Act Programs (www.ataporg.org/) are other U.S. national networks dedicated to providing information and technology support services to children and adults with disabilities.

The Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America, known as RESNA, (www.resna.org) offers certifications programs for assistive technology practitioners. RESNA is another source for identifying AT experts who can assist schools in North America.

Assistive Technology Product Guide

The following table lists a variety of assistive technology products, some of which are generic product types and some of which are products produced by a specific company. The products in this table were suggested as possible accessibility solutions for students with disabilities by Microsoft Accessibility Resource Center representatives.

This table is presented to give you specific examples of the assistive technologies discussed in this guide. The table is by no means exhaustive or an endorsement of these products for your students; many other similar products are on the market, and can be explored through your AT assessment or consultant.

Additional sources of information about assistive technology products can be found on the Microsoft Accessibility Web site at www.microsoft.com/enable/at/, where you can get links to company Web sites about each assistive technology product listed. The Enablemart Web site (www.enablemart.com) is one source where you can purchase assistive technology for your schools.

Table 3-1. Assistive Technology Product Guide
Item	Definition	Benefit	Need for Training	Negative Impact
Articulating keyboard/ mouse trays	An appliance that provides an adjustable surface for a computer keyboard or mouse.	Enables enhanced access to a keyboard or mouse for those with range of motion issues.	Minimal	None
CCTV	A video camera placed above a desk surface to capture and enlarge printed material.	Enables those with low vision problems to read printed or written material.	Minimal	None
HP scanner	Hardware that connects directly to a PC or to a PC through a network and converts paper documents into e-documents using additional software.	Allows electronic access to printed materials for those who have limited use of their hands.	2 hours	None
IntelliKeys USB	An intelligent programmable keyboard.	Provides access to the computer for persons who have difficulty using a mouse or standard keyboard. Optional Popular Software Overlays (available separately) benefit a wider range of students, including special needs students and struggling learners.	Minimal	None
IntelliMouse	Mouse with scrollable wheel between the buttons.	Allows for one-handed control of scrolling.	None	None
IntelliTools Classroom Suite	Cross-platform, network-ready integrated award-winning tools: IntelliPics Studio, IntelliMathics, and IntelliTalk.	Aids in exploring math, enhancing writing, and working with multi-media for students through grade eight.	~ 4 hours	None
Joystick mouse	Upright mouse in a joystick configuration.	Allows user to rest hand on mouse and use natural grip position.	Minimal	None
Kurzweil 3000	Software program designed to help struggling readers and writers of all capabilities create, read, view and check text.	Integrated with Microsoft applications, with particular emphasis on Microsoft Word.	~ 4 hours	None
Large monitor	Enlarged viewing area allowing for more material to be viewed simultaneously or for larger text.	Can be used for clients with vision impairments or range of motion issues.	Minimal	None
Magnifier (such Microsoft Magnifier or Zoomtext)	Software that magnifies all or part of the screen up to 20 times.	Allows those with partial sight the ability to see and interact with the visual image presented on the monitor.	8 hours for the average user. Typical training costs are $70 to $150 per hour.	None
Microsoft Natural Keyboards	Split keyboard with a soft key action.	Allows more natural approach to the keyboard; might lessen discomfort for those with cumulative trauma or static posture issues.	Minimal	None
Monitor glare guard	A shield that prevents glare and reflection from overhead lights and windows.	Enables those with low vision and other visual impairments to focus on the monitor.	None	None
Optical character recognition system	Software that converts scanned documents into a word processing format, so the document can be “read.”	Allows electronic access to printed materials for those who have total or partial sight impairments.	4 hours	None
Portable magnifier	Accessory that is hand-held, desktop or headband style to aid in seeing images on screen.	Allows those with partial sight the ability to see and interact with the visual image presented on the monitor.	Minimal	None
Refreshable Braille display	Peripheral with moving pins emulating the Braille translation of a line of text on the monitor.	Enables people who have low vision or who are blind to read otherwise inaccessible text.	Minimal provided the client knows Braille.	Temporary productivity costs.
Screen reader (JAWS for Windows or Window-Eyes)	Software operating as a screen reading program, reading and converting text to verbal language.	Allows full utilization by people who are blind or visually impaired of computer output and operations.	16 to 24 hours for the average user. Typical training costs are $70 to $150 per hour.	Temporary productivity costs
SOLO	Software tool set that builds learning skills in reading, writing, planning, organizing, revising and editing for students in grades 3 to 12. Contains: Read:OutLoud®, Write:OutLoud®, Draft:Builder® and Co:Writer®.	Builds skills independently by helping students practice research-based reading and essay writing strategies in curriculum coursework.	~ 4 hours	None
SpeakQ	Software program that combines the power of speech recognition with concurrent access to other technologies.	Can be bundled with WordQ; both products are available with group licenses.	~ 2 hours	None
Specialty keyboard and numerical keypad	Split and/or sloped keyboards with a detached numerical keypad that can be moved to either side of the keyboard.	Allows more natural approach to the keyboard; might lessen discomfort for those with cumulative trauma or static posture issues. Enables those with cumulative trauma or static injury to utilize their opposite hand when keying numbers.	Minimal	Temporary productivity loss while adjusting to new style of typing
Speech recognition/ voice dictation	Software that recognizes and creates general text from normal continuous speech. The user speaks to a computer at a natural, conversational pace, and words, sentences, and paragraphs immediately appear on the screen. Documents are created by speaking, and are then printed and/or cut-and-pasted into other applications.	Allows full utilization of computer operation by people with impairment, but requires some hand usage.	9 to 12 hours for the average user. Typical training costs $70 to $150 per hour. Windows Vista includes Windows Speech Recognition with a free tutorial for speech training.	Temporary productivity costs–depending on the work type, can be a productivity enhancer.
Telephone software	Phone and software that puts the telephone console in a window within a Windows operating system.	Enables users of voice-activated software hands-free access to all phone functions.	4 hours	None
Texthelp Read&Write software	Award-winning reading and writing tool with integrated dictionary, synonyms, syllables, audible spell checking, along with word prediction, to facilitate both reading and writing improvement and assistance.	Gives an added boost to people who need support with reading, writing and learning by making support tools available right at their fingertips.	~ 2 hours	None
Toggle switch (with optional foot switch)	A foot-operated toggle switch enabling the operator to switch back and forth between the computer and the telephone.	Enables those with upper extremity range of motion problems to use one headset to access both the phone and a voice-activated computer.	2 hours	None
Touch pad	Touch pad mouse device.	Allows mouse control without grip.	Minimal	None
Trackball	Roller mouse.	Allows mouse control without grip.	Minimal	None
Wireless headset with wheelchair battery	An alternative to a telephone handset or a wired headset connected to a voice-activated computer system.	Allows greater mobility within the office space for those who use wheelchairs.	Minimal	None
WordQ	Software tool to use with standard writing software. It suggests words for you to use and provides spoken feedback to help you find mistakes.	Can be bundled with SpeakQ; both products are available with group licenses.	~ 2 hours	None
WYNN Reader	Software literacy tool designed to enhance success for individuals with reading challenges and writing difficulties.	Developed with the help of special educators and individuals with learning difficulties; uses a bi-modal approach — simultaneous highlighting of the text as it is spoken.	~ 4 hours	None

Assistive Technology Decision Tree

When a student is identified as needing assistive technology, you can use a decision tree or graphic decision-making tool, such as the one developed by UnumProvident, shown in Figure 3-2. By asking questions regarding the extent and type of impairment (including range of motion, quadriplegia, back impairment, visual impairment, hearing/auditory impairment, speech impairment, and psychological impairment), the decision tree narrows down technology assists that might be helpful for an individual. You will find a list of available assistive technology products in Table 3-2 on the next page.

Figure 3-2. Assistive Technology Decision Tree

Figure 3-2. Assistive Technology Decision Tree

Figure 3-2. Assistive Technology Decision Tree

Figure 3-2. Assistive Technology Decision Tree

Table 3-2. Overview of assistive technology by category and cost

	Range of motion	Quadriplegia	Back problems	Visual impairments	Hearing impairments	Speech impairments	Psychological impairments	Average product cost in U.S. dollars (approximate)
Alternative mouse or pointing device								$150
Braille display								$3500
Ergonomic keyboard								$150
Foot mice								$500
Graphical idea trees								$150
Hands-free telephone								$800
High-resolution monitor								$500
Macro writing software								$200
Monitor glare guard								$50
Movable numeric keypads								$100
Multiple mice								$50
One-handed keyboard								$600
Optical character recognition system								$750
Over/undersized keyboard								$200
Oversized monitor								$1200
PDA								$400
Scanner and software								$300
Screen magnifier								$1000
Screen readers								$1200
Speech recognition/ voice dictation								$600
Talking calculators								$300
Task organizer software								$300
Touch screens								$150
Voice synthesizer (computer)								$500
Word prediction software								$400

Resources


Resources from Microsoft

The following resources from Microsoft provide information about accessibility in Microsoft products

and other products available on the Windows platform.

• 
  Microsoft Accessibility www.microsoft.com/enable/
  Learn about accessibility features already in your Microsoft products, technology, tutorials and training to guide you, and read about how others have successfully integrated accessibility.
  
• 
  Accessibility Update Newsletter www.microsoft.com/enable/news/subscribe/
  This free e-mail newsletter provides information about resources to help make the computer easier to use with accessible technology solutions.
  
• 
  Accessibility in Microsoft Products www.microsoft.com/enable/products/
  Information about accessibility features built into popular Microsoft products, both new and older versions.
  
• 
  Accessibility Tutorials www.microsoft.com/enable/training/
  Step-by-step tutorials introduce you to some of the most commonly used accessibility features in Microsoft products. The instructions show you how to use the mouse or keyboard to navigate, select options, and change settings.
  
• 
  Accessibility Training Demos www.microsoft.com/enable/demos/
  Run video demonstrations of the accessibility features built into Windows Vista and Windows XP.
  
• 
  Assistive Technology Catalog www.microsoft.com/enable/at/
  Search for assistive technology products compatible with your Windows operating system. Assistive technology products are specialty products designed to provide additional accessibility to individuals who have physical or cognitive difficulties, impairments, and disabilities.
  
• 
  Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers www.microsoft.com/enable/centers/
  Microsoft Accessibility Resource Centers throughout the U.S. show you what's possible with accessible technology solutions. Find a center nearest you.
  

Additional Resources and Annual Conferences

• 
  Embracing Diversity: Toolkit for Creating Inclusive, Learning-Friendly Environments www2.unescobkk.org/elib/publications/032revised/index.htm
  This toolkit published by UNESCO provides activities about embracing diversity in the classroom.
  
• 
  Annual Conferences about Accessible Technology
  The following organizations host annual accessible technology conferences.
  
• 
  Assistive Technology Industry Association (conference held each January)
  www.atia.org
  
• 
  Technology and Persons with Disabilities Conference at CSUN (conference held each March)
  www.csun.edu/cod/conf/
  
• 
  Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of North America (conference held each summer)
  www.resna.org
  

Directory: download
download -> Performance Tuning Guidelines for Windows Server 2008 May 20, 2009 Abstract
download -> Northern England’s set-jetting locations
download -> Bbc archives: Beyond the programme download
download -> Occupational health and safety
download -> Dynatest 3031 lwd light Weight Deflectometer
download -> Forth coming competitive exams
download -> English Olympiad Tasks: 10 th form Аудіювання, 10 клас. Текст
download -> Brush High School Morning Announcements Friday, September 05, 2014 all school
download -> Year 9 The Arts — Music
download -> Years 7 and 8 standard elaborations — Australian Curriculum: Music draft