Access Pack for the Microsoft Windows operating system is a
software utility that provides features which make it easier for users with
movement or hearing disabilities to use Microsoft Windows.
The
latest version of Access Pack for Microsoft Windows replaces the version that
shipped on the Windows 3.0 Supplemental Driver Library.
This article
is divided into the following subsections:
- Product Overview - Describes Access and its development.
- Functions - Provides a brief description of each function
provided in this package.
- Access Pack and Government Regulations - Describes the
Government regulations that the package meets or exceeds.
- Specifications - Describes the product contents.
- System Requirements - Describes the minimum configuration
that you need to use this product.
- Ordering Information - Describes ordering options for
Access Pack.
PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The Microsoft Windows family of products is designed to make
computers easier to use for everyone, including those users with disabilities.
Access Pack for Microsoft Windows is a set of utilities that make it easier for
users with motion-related disabilities to use the keyboard and mouse. Users who
have hearing disabilities can use Access Pack to configure their system to
provide visual feedback, rather than sounds.
Note: A machine with
Access Pack installed can be used by those individuals who require its
additional features and those who do not.
Access Pack for Microsoft
Windows was developed through a cooperative effort with the Trace Research and
Development (R&D) Center at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, with
funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research.
FEATURES
Access Pack for Microsoft Windows contains the following features
that make Windows systems more accessible for those with motion and
hearing-related disabilities.
These features can be used alone or in
combination to best suit your needs and environment. The features can also be
customized to allow you to be most productive. In addition, once the Access
Pack has been installed, you can access any feature without requiring special
assistance. When all features are turned off, the computer uses its default
configuration, and Access Pack is invisible if you do not require its
functionality.
StickyKeys
Many software programs require you to press two or three keys
simultaneously. This is impossible if you type with a headstick or mouthstick.
StickyKeys allows you to press one key at a time and instructs Windows to
respond as if the keys had been pressed simultaneously.
SlowKeys
The sensitivity of the keyboard can be a major problem,
especially if you strike keys accidentally. SlowKeys instructs Windows to
disregard keystrokes that are not held down for a certain period of time.
RepeatKeys
Most keyboards allow you to repeat a key just by holding it down.
If you can't lift your fingers off the keyboard quickly enough, this can result
in unintentionally repeated characters. RepeatKeys lets you adjust the repeat
rate or disable it altogether.
BounceKeys
You may "bounce" keys, resulting in double strokes of the same
key or other similar errors. BounceKeys instructs Windows to ignore unintended
keystrokes.
MouseKeys
This feature lets you use the keyboard to control the cursor as a
mouse would. You can thus select menus and commands, and perform other
convenient mouse functions, from the keyboard. MouseKeys also helps to give you
finer control than can a standard mouse can. Note that a mouse is not required
for this feature to work.
ToggleKeys
ToggleKeys provide audio cues (high and low beeps) to tell you
whether a toggle key is active or inactive. It applies to the CAPS LOCK, NUM
LOCK and SCROLL LOCK keys.
SerialKeys
This feature, in conjunction with a communications aid interface
device, allows you to use alternative input devices to control the computer as
if you were using a standard keyboard and mouse.
SoundSentry
Windows emits a beep when it wants to signal you, but this is not
useful if you have a hearing impairment or you work in a noisy environment.
SoundSentry tells Windows to send a visual cue, such as a blinking title bar or
screen flash, in addition to a beep. You can then see the message that may not
have been heard.
TimeOut
TimeOut turns off Access Pack's functionality after the system
has been idle for a certain period of time, and returns the system to its
default configuration. This feature is useful on machines shared by multiple
users.
ACCESS PACK AND GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS
With Access Pack for Windows and third-party products that make
Windows accessible to people with visual impairments and Microsoft's
documentation in electronic form, Windows meets recommendations in the
Government Services Administration guidelines relating to software
accessibility.
Access Pack for Windows can also help employers
accommodate individuals with disabilities, as required under the Americans with
Disabilities Act.
SPECIFICATION
Access Pack consists of three keyboard drivers and a mouse driver
that replace the standard Windows drivers. In addition, the package includes
the following:
- The Access Utility (ACCESS.EXE) for controlling and
customizing Access Pack functions
- Online documentation in both Microsoft Windows Write and
formatted text file formats
- Online Help
Access Pack comes with the following files:
Filename Contents
-----------------------------------------------------------------
ACCESS.EXE The Access Utility for customizing settings and
viewing online help
ACCESSU.DLL Access Pack library
ACCESS.TXT Documentation in Windows Write format
ACCESS.WRI Documentation as ASCII text format
ACCESS30.HLP Help file for Windows 3.0
ACCESS31.HLP Help file for Windows 3.1
IBMMKEYS.BMP MouseKeys chart used by online help
SKWIN.BMP SerialKeys chart used by online help
AP-KBD.DRV Access Pack driver for standard keyboards
AP-KBDHP.DRV Access Pack driver for HP keyboards
AP-KBDOL.DRV Access Pack driver for Olivetti keyboards
AP-MOU.DRV Access Pack driver for Microsoft or IBM mouse
INSTALL.TXT Installation instructions
OEMSETUP.INF Used for installing Access Pack
LICENSE.TXT Windows Driver Library license agreement
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS
The Access Pack software is fully compatible with most Microsoft
Windows 3.0 or 3.1 systems and with keyboards supported by Windows 3.0 or 3.1.
It can also be used with a Microsoft Mouse, an IBM(R) PS/2(R) mouse or no
mouse.
ORDERING INFORMATION
Access Pack for Microsoft Windows is available from Microsoft
Product Support Services (PSS) by calling Microsoft Product Support Services at
(425) 637-7098. Customers who have hearing disabilities can call the text
telephone (TTY) number at (425) 635-4948. Customers outside of the United
States should contact the Microsoft subsidiary in their country.