Visual Impairment

Many of you have been asking me how to adjust your computer screen to account for poor eyesight and failing vision. I've been researching the topic and was pleased to see that there are a number of options available.

First, in Windows Display Properties the Font Size, Contrast and Display settings can be changed to create a much more readable screen. When I teach in front of an audience, I use both large fonts and modified high contrast to counteract the effects of bright lighting in hotel conference rooms and allow those sitting in the back rows to see clearly. These techniques can be applied in all versions of Windows for amazing results.

All versions of Windows allow for enhancements to your screen. Windows XP goes even further and I'd encourage you to consider upgrading if you suffer from vision problems. In XP, Microsoft enhanced it's Accessibility features through the addition of the accessibility wizard, user friendly display settings, and the introduction of Narrator.

Narrator is a text to speech program that reads your text to you. You can set it to read each keystroke or to read events on the screen. The Accessibility features will walk you through some of the general display settings that increase the size of text and menus on the screen. Quite often, however, adjustments to color and contrast will work even better. I strongly recommend a good solid training session here to become familiar with all your options.

Unfortunately the tools that ship with Windows are intended to provide a minimum level of functionality. You may need to consider utility programs with more advanced features for daily use. There are, however, many devices available such as:

· Screen readers that to read the text to you in a synthesized voice
· Screen enlargers magnify a page for better viewing

Central Coast Assistive Technology Center (www.ccatc.org) in San Luis Obispo has an excellent links page on their website that takes you to a host of available resources for enhancing your computer experience go to www.ccatc.org/links.html.

Those with severe vision problems should take note of CCATC. Located in San Luis Obispo trains individuals 55+ with visual impairments to use electronic devices to read printed material or have printed material read to them. Their goal is to train and educate seniors on the use of equipment that is available for purchase. They also provide information about agencies that may help in funding the purchase of the equipment. The equipment includes both screen readers and screen enlargers that display printed materials on computer monitors or television screens.