Tag Archives: built-in accessibility features

Moving the Screen to Follow the Mouse Accessibility Feature of ChromeOS

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The “Move Screen Continuously as Mouse Moves” option within the Full-Screen Magnifier feature of ChromeOS on a Chromebook is particularly beneficial for users of screen magnification to navigate more effectively. When enabled, it automatically moves the magnified area in the direction of the mouse cursor, creating a seamless and more intuitive navigation experience. This dynamic movement allows users to explore different parts of the screen without needing to constantly adjust the magnified area manually.

To access this feature, open the Settings on the ChromeOS device. Navigate to the ‘Advanced’ section and select ‘Accessibility.’ From there, choose ‘Manage Accessibility Features.’ Under the ‘Display and Magnification’ section, find the option for the Full-Screen Magnifier. Enable it, and then toggle on the ‘Move Screen Continuously as Mouse Moves’ feature. This unlocks a smoother and more accessible user interface, catering to those who use magnification to interact with their device effectively.Screenshot of the Display and Magnification Full-Screen Magnifier Feature

Inverting Colors on a Chromebook

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Color inversion is a feature in the Display and Magnification Accessibility section of ChromeOS, designed to enhance the visual experience for users. This feature flips the colors of the display, turning light backgrounds to dark and dark text to light. It’s particularly beneficial for those with certain vision impairments, like light sensitivity or low vision, as it reduces glare and increases contrast, making it easier to read text and view images. Moreover, color inversion can be a boon for users working in low-light conditions or for prolonged periods, as it can reduce eye strain and improve overall comfort.

The feature is not just limited to aiding those with visual impairments. It also appeals to anyone preferring a darker interface for aesthetic or practical reasons. For instance, it’s ideal for users who find traditional bright screens disruptive in dark environments, such as individuals using the Chromebook at night. Additionally, some users simply find inverted colors less harsh, which can be helpful during extended use. ChromeOS’s color inversion feature exemplifies the operating system’s commitment to accessibility and user comfort, catering to a diverse range of needs and preferences.

To enable this feature click on the time located at the bottom-right corner of the screen to open the system menu. Then, select the gear icon to open the Settings menu. In Settings, navigate to the “Advanced” section and then click on “Accessibility.” Here, find the “Display and magnification” options. Within this menu, look for the “Color inversion” option and toggle it on.Screenshot of the Color Inversion Feature

Using the Accessibility Checker in Microsoft Office

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Microsoft Office tools have a built-in accessibility checker. Under the Review tab is a Check Accessibility button. Check Accessibility on the ribbon Circled

Selecting the button checks the document for accessibility errors and considerations displaying suggestions about how to rectify or resolve the concerns. Consider checking every document for accessibility before publication.

Screenshot of sample of the accessibility checker displaying suggestions to add alternative text to an image of cupcakes with text above them saying Happy Birthday.

Example of suggestions from the Accessibility Checker

Immersive Reader Added to Schoology

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Immersive Reader Button on a Schoology Course Page

Schoology is the primary learning management system used in Loudoun County Public Schools. A recent update added Immersive Reader to all Course pages and Schoology Course Assignments. Look for the Immersive Reader button on the top right corner to activate. The text on the Course page will open in Immersive Reader which provides a variety of functions including all of the following: 

How to Change the Cursor on a Computer Running Windows 10 To Improve Usability

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There are browser extensions that can change mouse cursor color, size, and shape when using the Internet. However, these only work when you’re using an Internet browser. There are other options built into Windows that allow a user to change their cursor no matter what software is being used.

Changing the cursor appearance can help make it easier to see for you, the operator of the computer, and anyone to whom you are sharing your screen. It also comes in handy when making screen recordings.

To change the color and size of a cursor when using a computer running Window 10, click the Windows icon in the lower left-hand corner of the screen and go to Settings.

Settings in Windows

Then scroll to find Ease of Access.

Ease of Access

Then select Cursor and Pointer.

Ease of Access

From there, the slider can make the mouse arrow bigger. Another option is to select a new color for the mouse arrow and cursor, and make the cursor thicker and easier to see!

Cursor Settings

To learn how to do the same thing on a Chromebook, watch this video.

 

Improving Visibility of Content Displayed on iOS Devices

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Display & Text Size

Display & Text Size in Accessibility Settings

Whether using an LCPS provided or personal Bring Your Own Technology device, iPhones and iPads have a number of useful features helpful for those who need assistance seeing the content on the screen which can be accessed through the Settings application. Some features include changing the contrast, increasing the font size, and bolding the text. The site Adjust the display and text size on iPhone explains each feature listed on the Display & Text Size menu embedded with the Accessibility portion of the Settings menu. The video Apple iOS Display and Text Size explains how to use a few of the more commonly used display options. Explore the different settings to see which adjustments should be made to improve the visibility and the usability of the content displayed on the screen.