Universal+Access+with+Apple+Computers

**Universal Access Features on Apple Computers **

Assistive technology as defined in the Access IT website is technology that makes it possible for those with disabilities to perform functions they otherwise might not be able to do. In 1998, the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) mandated assistive technology (Access IT, 2012). However, accessibility must be available to all, which is the principle of universal design.

Apple has many //universal access// features built in into their computers. Universal access features help with:
 * [|**vision**]**: **Some Apple tools are [|Voice Over], Talking Alerts, Text to Speech, Talking Clock, Screen Magnification, Cursor Magnification, Screen Reading, a plug and play support for Braille and more.
 * [|**hearing**]**: **Some of these tools are Visual Alert, iChat, and Closed Captioning [[image:cc.jpg width="30" height="25"]].
 * [|**physical and motor skills**]: If using a mouse is a challenge, use Spotlight search technology to launch applications, find files, or go to the Internet. This is accomplished by simply using the keyboard. Other tools include Automator, Speech recognition, Inkwell, Onscreen Keyboard, Mouse Keys, and more.
 * [|**literacy and learning**]**: **To support literacy and learning, uses tools like dictionary**,** spell check, grammar check, text to speech, iChat, and Grapher.
 * PC peripherals like keyboards, headphones, and mice that use a USB port.

Apple’s Website offers more detailed descriptions of their [|universal access tools]. [|ATLA] also has descriptions of their [|universal access] tools (Mac – Built in Features, n.d.).

To configure your Apple computer for universal access: > **a. Speech Recognition: **To calibrate your computer to recognize your voice, click Calibrate. Here is a [|YouTube tutorial] to demonstrate its use. > b. Use **Text to Speech** for any word or PDF document. Once in Text to Speech, click “Speak selected text when key is pressed.” Then click “Set Key,” this allows you to use or create a keystroke command. This [|YouTube tutorial] demonstrates its use. > a. Voice Over for example, is turned off and on by pressing the Apple/Command key and F5. > <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">b. Zoom on or off > c. Contrast > d. Character Palette > e. Dictionary > f. Spotlight > g. Display brightness
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Click the Apple Icon [[image:apple.jpg width="30" height="35"]]<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> on the upper left.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Locate and click System Preferences in the drop down menu.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">In the row labeled “System,” find the **Universal Access** icon [[image:universal access icon.jpg width="30" height="30"]]<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">. Click to enable Voice Over, Zoom, Display, and Access for Assistive Devices.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">While you are still in System Preferences, click **Speech** to access **Speech Recognition** and **Text to Speech**.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">To adjust **input and output sound**, go to **Sound** in System Preferences to adjust.
 * 2) In System Preferences, you can also set preferences for **universal access using keystrokes**. In the Hardware row, select Keyboard & Mouse, then Keyboard shortcuts. You can find keyboard shortcuts for:
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">For **translation in multiple languages**, use Sherlock [[image:sherlock.jpg width="32" height="32"]]<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> from the dock. In the search bar, type //assistive technologies//. From the menu, access **Translation** to find translation for multiple languages.
 * 2) **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Right clicking **<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;"> is another aspect of universal access for those who are accustomed to it. Go to System Preferences, select Keyboard & Mouse, then Mouse. Select the box that says, “Tap trackpad using two fingers for a secondary click.”

**<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">References **

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Access It. (2012). What is assistive technology? Retrieved from http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Apple. (2012). //Accessibility.// Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/asia/accessibility/

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">ATLA. (n.d.). //Mac – built in features//. Retrieved from []