Windows 8 is looking to make its accessibility features even more accessible. From voice over to screen magnification, the operation system has been improved with all users in mind.
Still working with Windows 7? Have no fear, the Narrator feature will guide you through the upgrading process. Sighted or not so much, a little friendly guidance never hurt anyone.
Windows 8 has snazzy Metro style apps, think colorful tile meets touch screen, and they want to make sure that all users are able to experience them, whether it be on a laptop, desktop or new touch-capable device. This includes people with disabilities who rely on assistive technologies to use his or her PC.
The folks at Microsoft recognize that 49.6 million Americans are living with a disability. Extending beyond our borders, the rate of those with disabilities is increasing due to an aging population and chronic disease. New technologies and designs are often difficult for those with disabilities to use when they are first introduced to the public, because haven’t been made accessible.
After hearing some concerns about pervious versions of Windows, the production team at Microsoft is making sure that anyone can experience Windows 8.
The new accessibility goals in Windows 8 are to:
Improve the assistive technologies that are components of Windows, and provide a good experience with the Metro Style UI.
Provide developer tools that have baseline accessibility built in, so that accessible Metro style apps are available in the Store.
Engage assistive technology vendors (ATVs) to adopt Windows 8 and build upon the accessibility scenarios.
In the past Windows 8 had the following features to help those with disabilities navigate the system.
Narrator: Windows’ built-in screen reader that allows people with visual impairments to interact with their system and applications. User feedback on previous versions of Narrator was consistently referring to the rate of response, the ability to read more controls and support more languages.
Magnifier: A tool to make text and graphics large enough to see for people with low vision. Users said this conflicted with settings for High Contrast colors.
Speech Recognition: Initially shipped in Windows Vista to aid people with mobility impairments to navigate and use their PC. Users said it transcribed voice to text quickly and it is able to handle some uncommon words.
Accessibility Improvements in Windows 8
Newly updated narrator now quickly reads out what you have selected.
More languages and voices have been added to Narrator to support additional users.
For more news about Windows 8 accessibility, check out their blog to read more!
