Using the System for Accessibility

To follow on the Enable in Microsoft Windows post, let's talk about a few of the features that you might not ordinarily think about as aids for seniors.

First the screen. Simply changing the screen resolution to something like 800 x 600 pixels will increase the size of the icons and related screens. Yes, you'll lose desktop space, but the screen will be easier to navigate for seniors and those with low vision. Switching to Larger Fonts will also help. Both of these options can be changed under display options.

Second (and this is always a big issue with seniors), it's easy to lose the cursor (mouse pointer to most people). There are several different options you can try. First change the size of the mouse pointer itself - there are several different larger different colored mouse sizes you can select. You can also click an option to use the CTRL key to locate the pointer.

Third, for someone who has never used a tracking device or mouse before, double click is a hard skill to master (if you want to have fun with an experienced user have them triple-click a paragraph in Word.) you can go to the button option under the Mouse and slow down the double click speed.

These options can be accessed from the control play, display and mouse respectively.