Set up accessibility features
Published: September 7, 2006
Though Microsoft wants everyone to be able to use Microsoft Windows XP, not all users interact with their computers in the same way. Therefore, the accessibility features in Windows XP are especially designed to help people with disabilities or special needs to see, hear, or control their computers.
To set up Windows XP to meet your needs, start by running the Accessibility Wizard. The Accessibility Wizard interviews you to identify your needs and then automatically configures your text size, system sounds, and keyboard and mouse settings.
To launch the wizard using a pointing device, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Accessibility, and then Accessibility Wizard.
To launch the Accessibility Wizard using your keyboard, press Window logo key + R, type ACCWIZ, and then press ENTER.
Using the Accessibility Wizard is self-explanatory. Depending on your needs, the Accessibility Wizard will configure three tools:
| • | Magnifier
The Magnifier uses the top portion of the screen to display a close-up of the area around your cursor. This makes it easier to read text without lowering the resolution of your monitor. To launch the Magnifier using a pointing device, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Accessibility, and then Magnifier. To launch the Magnifier using a keyboard, press Window logo key + R, type MAGNIFY, and then press ENTER. 
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| • | Narrator
Using a computer voice, Narrator verbally reads English text that appears on your screen. To launch Narrator using a pointing device, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Accessibility, and then Narrator. To launch the Narrator using a keyboard, press Window logo key + R, type NARRATOR, and then press ENTER. |
| • | On-Screen Keyboard
The On-Screen Keyboard allows users who prefer a pointing device rather than a keyboard to enter text by clicking a virtual keyboard. Different typing modes allow you to select a key by clicking, hovering over a key for a specific number of seconds, or using a joystick. To launch the On-Screen Keyboard using a pointing device, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Accessibility, and then On-Screen Keyboard. 
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While the Accessibility Wizard automatically configures accessibility tools, the Utility Manager enables you to manually control Magnifier, Narrator, and the On-Screen Keyboard. With the Utility Manager, you can configure each accessibility tool to start automatically when you log on.
To launch the Utility Manager using a pointing device, click Start, All Programs, Accessories, Accessibility, and then Utility Manager.
To launch the Utility Manager using a keyboard, press Window logo key + U.
Additionally, to make text and pictures larger, you can lower the resolution of your monitor. For detailed information about accessibility in Windows XP, read the Windows XP Accessibility Tutorials.
