Series: Mac Accessibility 101
Step by step instructions for using the free accessibility options that are built into Mac OS X Leopard.
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Series: Simple accessibility hints
I have realised the need for a series of simple posts explaining the built-in accessibility and usability features of OS X and commonly used Mac programs. These will be tips that anybody can use, things that are simple to do and don’t cost anything; tips for “Accessibility Beginners” if you will. They will probably be [...]
Simple: Enlarging Text
The keystroke ⌘+ (in other words command and shift and equals at the same time) will enlarge the text size in many OS X applications. If you’re using Safari to read this, try typing it now – the text on the web page should get bigger.
Simple: Bigger Mouse Pointer
The default size for the mouse pointer in OS X doesn’t suit everybody. Here’s how to make it bigger and easier to see.
Simple: Alert Sounds You Can See
Mac OS X makes an alert “beep” sound if you try to press a key that’s not recognised or do various other things that confuse it. Here’s how to set it up so you will get a visual screen flash instead of the audio beep.
Simple: The Computer Tells You The Time
It’s easy for anybody to loose track of time when they’re using a computer, and if you have a neurological or attention problem then you may get even more lost than most. Here’s how to get your computer to regularly announce the time.
Simple: Show Icons in open/save dialag box
Did you know that the open dialog and save dialog boxes can show you files as icons just like the Finder can? If you are using Leopard, it even shows the icon previews like Finder. If you have trouble finding the right file with the usual list display, this can be very helpful.
Simple: Zoom in to see screen details more easily
If you have a MacBook with a trackpad or a mouse with a scroll wheel, there’s a very simple way to zoom in to see something small on the screen.
Simple: Word Completion
Mac OS X has a simple type of word completion built right into it! It’s available in nearly every program you use, and nearly every text box you need to type in.
Make iTunes Easier To See and Use
There are lots of very simple things which can improve the accessibility of iTunes for those with low vision and reading impairments. This tutorial will take you through them step by step.
Simple Keyboard Shortcuts To Save You Time
Keyboard shortcuts are a quick way of getting many things done without needing to access the menus or the mouse. If you know to press command-s to save your work, you’ve used a keyboard shortcut. For people who primarily use a keyboard or a switch interface, using keyboard shortcuts can save a lot of time and effort.
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