70-526 MCTS

So, what can you do? The remarks section of the AccessibleObject Class (MSDN) has this to say -

"For users who are visually impaired, you can adjust software and operating system features to comply with their needs. For example, you can enlarge text and images and render them with a contrast. In addition, you can accommodate color-blindness with the appropriate use of colors. For users who are severely visually impaired, computers are accessible with screen review aids that translate on-screen text to speech or to a dynamic, refreshable, Braille display.

For users who are hard of hearing, you can design programs that use visual cues, such as a flashing toolbar; or you can display spoken messages as text. For example, when turned on, the SoundSentry feature, an accessibility option in Control Panel, provides a visual warning whenever the system makes an alarm sound.

For users with motion disabilities, you can design controls that refine or eliminate keyboard and mouse use, thereby improving computer accessibility. Control Panel offers assistance. For example, one alternative is to use the numeric keypad instead of the mouse for navigation. Another option, called StickyKeys, enables users who cannot hold down two or more keys at a time (such as CTRL+P) to get the same result by typing one key at a time.

For users with cognitive and language disabilities, you can design software programs to better accommodate their needs. For example, using conspicuous or cued sequencing, uncomplicated displays, fewer words, and a reading level targeted to elementary school standards can benefit these users.

For users with seizure disorders, you can design software programs to eliminate seizure provoking patterns."

— © Microsoft Corp.

Another Microsoft article details the five important requirements that an application should meet. This is detailed in the article entitled Walkthrough: Creating an Accessible Windows-based Application (MSDN).

• Support Control Panel size, colour, font, and input settings. The menu bar, title bar, borders, and status bar will all resize themselves when the user changes the control panel settings. No additional changes to the controls or code are required in this application.

• Support High Contrast mode.

• Provide documented keyboard access to all features.

• Expose location of the keyboard focus visually and programmatically.

• Avoid conveying important information by sound alone.

MSDN references