Make Windows accessible

Because it’s easy to turn on Caps Lock, Scroll Lock and Num Lock by mistake, the Accessibility Wizard can turn on warning messages whenever these keys are pressed. For users who have difficulty using a mouse and would prefer to work via the keyboard, a feature called Extra Keyboard Help shows messages whenever the keyboard can be used to complete a common task.

Anybody who wants to dispense with the mouse altogether can invoke Mousekeys, a facility that turns the numeric keypad on the right of the keyboard into a virtual mouse. Mouse users can switch the functions of the left and right buttons if this makes it easier to use, and because all these settings can be saved on a per-user basis, they don’t interfere with other people working at the same computer.

You can always run the Accessibility Wizard again if your needs change, or if you find the selected options aren’t helping. Alternatively, the settings can be accessed via the Windows Control Panel, which you’ll find by clicking the Start button. Select Accessibility Options to alter individual settings for the keyboard, mouse, display and more.

More help when you need it
A number of organisations can provide help with computing for people who have more debilitating conditions. Some of these are:

RNIB ­ 0845 766 9999
The Royal National Institute for the Blind has an online shop selling adapted keyboards, magnifiers, software and other equipment for the blind and the partially-sighted.

British Computer Association of the Blind ­ 0845 430 8627
A self-help charity actively involved in enabling visually impaired people to access and use information and communication technologies.

Abilitynet ­ 0800 269545
A national charity that helps those with disabilities to use computers by adapting and adjusting the technology.

UCanDoIT ­ 020 7730 7766
A national charity which is dedicated to training blind, deaf and physically disabled people to use computers in their own homes.

Adapt-IT ­ 0845 644 1712
Suppliers of specially adapted computer equipment, software and training for people with special needs.