Seniors interested in getting comfortable with the Internet can be hampered by physical characteristics of computers. A sophisticated world of "assistive devices" exists, primarily for people with physical disabilities, and some of these software programs and systems and devices can cost into the thousands of dollars.
For garden-variety declines in eyesight and dexterity, however, there are far less expensive enhancements that can mean the difference between happily engaging with the wired world and not. Listed below are a few -- some of which are tucked inside the computer's operating system. Microsoft has lots of how-to information at www.microsoft.com/enable.
And for those who are comfortable searching the Internet for downloadable software, there are utilities similar to those below that are free ("freeware") or inexpensive ("shareware").
Visual Aids
Larger type: Users of the Outlook Explorer browser can, right within the Explorer program, enlarge (or decrease) words that appear on Web sites. On the menu bar at the top of the home page, click on View, then scroll down and click on Text Size. Choose from five sizes, Smallest to Largest. But note that only unformatted text will shift in size. For general Windows use, a quick search under "Help" on the Start menu will provide more information about other accessibility options.
Whole screen magnification: BigShot Screen Magnifier 2.1 software by Ai Squared can enlarge on-screen images up to 200 percent. Works with Windows XP, ME, 2000, NT4, 95 and 98; it's $99 at www.activeandable.com.
ZoomText 8.1 Magnifier software, also by Ai Squared, can enlarge on-screen images up to 16 times; also features color, cursor and pointer enhancers. Works with Windows XP, ME, 2000, NT4 and 98; it's $395 at www.activeandable.com.
Better light: Dimmed room lights enhance computer-screen brightness but can obscure the keyboard. The Feather-Touch Keyboard Light sits on the work surface, its long wand-like fluorescent bulb illuminating the keys. It's $28 from www.goldviolin.com.
Larger letters and numbers on the keys: Large-print peel-and-stick vinyl keyboard labels to fit IBM-compatible keyboards, from 20/20 Type, are $9.95 from www.goldviolin.com. A sheet of large labels from the Key Connection (black on ivory, black on yellow or white on black) is $24.95 at www.customkeys.com.
Oversize cursors: Biggy software, by RJ Cooper & Associates, provides a choice of double-size, playful, ultra-visible cursors and pointers (including the Windows hourglass and the Mac watch face) for all programs. Works with all Windows editions, also Macintosh OS X, OS 9 and earlier; it's $109 at rjcooper.com/biggy.
Large-print keyboard: VisiKey keyboards, some designed specifically for Net surfing, are $59 to $99 at www.atestore.enablemart.com.
Dexterity Aids
Larger trackballs: BIGtrack says that, at three inches across, it's the largest trackball available, requiring less fine motor control than the standard. Works with Windows; it's $75 from www.atestore.enablemart.com. (Can be bought at this site in combination with BigKeys Plus keyboard, below.)
Oversize keyboard/keyboard keys: BigKeys Plus is a standard-size, simplified keyboard with one-inch-square, colorful keys. Available as a traditional QWERTY or ABC layout. For Windows, it's compatible with 286, 386, 486 and Pentium processors; Mac-compatible with a USB adapter. All versions are $159, or $180 in combination with BIGtrack trackball (above) at www.atestore.enablemart.com. Similar BigKeys LX keyboard is $149 at www.activeandable.com.
Key modifications: In the Windows Control Panel, click on Accessibility Options, where there are ways to modify the contrast, sound and even use of keys. Enabling StickyKeys allows the user to perform functions requiring Shift, Ctrl or Alt in tandem with another key by pressing one key at a time. Enabling ToggleKeys produces a tone when hitting Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock.
-- Nancy McKeon
