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How to Use Mac OS Tiger Accessibility Features

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)

Mac OS is built for computer users of all ages, whether they want to play games and surf the Internet or use their Mac for intense graphics design. Among the more useful aspects of Mac OS Tiger, however, are the accessibility features that make the operating system easy to use for those who have impairments. With a few shortcut keys you can use all of the Mac's accessibility features.

Difficulty: Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Mac OS Tiger
  • Enabled Universal Access features

    Enable Universal Access in Mac OS Tiger

  1. Step 1

    Access the Workgroup Manager from the Finder bar.

  2. Step 2

    Click "Preferences."

  3. Step 3

    Click on one or more users or groups from the directory list. If you do not see the correct directory, click the globe icon above the listing to switch.

  4. Step 4

    Click "Universal Access."

  5. Step 5

    Click the "Options" menu option and select the way in which you wish to enable the accessibility features. You may choose to have them load just for this particular session ("Once") or you can set it to always be active regardless of restart ("Always").

  6. Step 6

    Choose the "Allow Universal Access Shortcuts" option.

  7. Step 7

    Click "Apply Now" to save your settings.

  8. Step 8

    Turn Sticky keys on or off by pressing Shift key five times in a row. Sticky keys makes it possible for those who cannot continue to depress keys while pressing others to do so with a single click of each key.

  9. Use Universal Access Functions

  10. Step 1

    Enable the zoom feature on text, images, and files to see them more clearly. To turn on the zoom feature, press Command-Option-8. You will now be able to zoom in by pressing Command-Option-+. To zoom back out, press Command-Option-(the "-" key). (The "Command" key is the same as the "Open-Apple" key.)

  11. Step 2

    Increase the contrast of the screen by pressing "Command-Option-Control-." To decrease the contrast again, press "Command-Option-Control-,". (In other words, use the period key to increase contrast and the comma key to decrease it).

  12. Step 3

    Press the Option key five times to turn on the Mouse keys feature. Mouse keys lets people who have trouble using a mouse simply use the arrow keys to manipulate the files and folders within Mac OS Tiger.

  13. Step 4

    Press Command-F5 to hear an audible description of items on your desktop or your entire computer.

  14. Step 5

    Invert the colors of your screen by pressing Command-Option-Control-8. Instead of seeing black text on a white background, for instance, you'll see white on black.

Tips & Warnings
  • Invest in better speakers or a bigger monitor to help when your hearing or vision is impaired. A larger viewable desktop will make icons and text easier to read, and better speakers can make hearing less of a challenge by producing greater volume.
  • Since accessibility features can slow your system performance down a bit, you should turn them on and off as needed to save resources.
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