Product and Price
Microsoft is making the computer easier to see, hear, and use by building accessibility into our products and services. Specifically:
Windows 8. One of the most significant changes in Windows 8 is the introduction of touch-only devices. With touch devices, you can directly interact with everything on your screen, including managing accessibility options in the Ease of Access Center.Magnifier can be used with touch on the desktop as well as in apps. The built-in text-to-speech program, Narrator, reads aloud what is selected and is now available in more languages and voices. On-Screen Keyboard includes text prediction which speeds up typing and can be resized to make it easier to see. With Speech Recognition you can control your computer by voice, allowing hands-free use of the device. Built-in support for USB peripherals like head mice, joysticks, headsets, and input switches provides access for people with even the most severe disabilities.
Office 2013. Microsoft Office 2013 includes accessibility features that both make it easier for people with disabilities to use it, and, for content creators to make more accessible documents, presentations, and other materials. Notable features includeAccessibility Checker, Read Mode for a cleaner, easier-to-read view, ALT text support for pictures, shapes, tables and graphics, and SharePoint Services accessibility support.Internet Explorer 11. Internet Explorer 11 includes accessibility settings to help all users,
Everyday tools like computers, telephones and other aids can all present barriers”(“About the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act”, 2005). Technology is rapidly growing, and is changing. Making the lives of people better and changing how people communicate, and function day-to-day . However, there is a minority of people who cannot access this technology, or utilize it due to disability. The AODA sets out to ensure that accommodation is met across the board, for disabled people to be able access and utilize services, access facilities, and be embraced as functioning members of
In order to comply, there are particular methods for ensuring that web sites are ADA compliant. When considering visually impaired person one must use text colors that are easy to read with the right combinations of colors as well as the right contrast adjustments. Additionally, color blindness must be considered. There must be an alternative to images for individuals who cannot view them in their browsers as well (for example, <alt=”text”>). In addition, the use of screen reading capabilities must be taken into account due to users that are visually impaired. For persons with hearing impairments, audio content must have a text alternative provided, besides this, for users who use alternative speech inputs, there should be a text equivalent. Web designers should also direct their attention to other disabling conditions such as the need for alternative navigation elements for people with learning disabilities or lower motor skills.
Windows has the option to change its background and also font size for those who are visually impaired, another notable function is the ability to increase icon size to make it much easier to see and read.
There’s a law that relates to the Rehabilitation act that was enacted in 1973 and revised in 1998 that states, according to Section508.gov “requires Federal agencies to make their electronic and information technology (EIT) accessible to people with disabilities. The law (29 U.S.C. § 794 (d)) applies to all Federal agencies when they develop, procure, maintain, or use electronic and information technology. Under Section 508, agencies must give disabled employees and members of the public access to information that is comparable to the access available to others. The United States Access Board discusses the Section 508 law and its responsibility for developing accessibility standards for EIT to incorporate into regulations that govern Federal
Microsoft Corporation in their endeavors to enhance everyone’s life with the aid of computing software has developed output hardware for the blind or visually challenged. Windows also offers a function such as video narrator, that provides audio descriptions of videos (http://Windows.Microsoft.com).
With new technology comes new ways to let disabilied people use more items. An example is, voice recognition screen readers can help peole who are blind. For instance, eye-tracking programs can make using computers simple for people who can´t move their hands.
This may be harder than it looks. For many people the internet may be their only way of communicating, working, and everything else they may not be able to do like the rest of the world. I would even say that peoples with disabilities may depend on the internet more than people without disabilities. On top of that, many government agencies have switched to a paperless, virtual environment. This saves both money and time. With that said, that can make it even harder for peoples with disabilities to take care of their day to day business. Joseph J. Lynett and John A. Snyder for the American Bar Association (2013) write, "As it appears the DOJ is preparing to issue standards governing web accessibility under the ADA, covered entities should assess with their IT professionals and attorneys whether their websites are accessible to individuals with disabilities and whether doing so would as a legal matter pose an undue hardship or fundamentally alter the nature of the goods or services provided. Based on the assessment and any accessibility barrier discovered, covered entities should map out a plan to make their websites accessible even in advance of the looming regulatory action from the DOJ. Covered entities whose websites are inaccessible to individuals with disabilities may be the targets of lawsuits filed; therefore, it behooves employers to review the accessibility features of their websites and Internet-based services consistent with the accessibility issues outlined above." (para
Websites are used by people with all abilities; a visit to the Royal National Institute for the blind (RNIB) gives an insight into people with visual
Microsoft Office is used on a daily basis in the home and in the office. This software is the basic for communicating to clientele through emails and etc. Assistive technology helps communicate with colleagues as well in other locations and departments. Assistive technology has been proven to be the key to success on the job.
The City of London Accessibility Plan, for the case, assumes a controlling part in executing the administrative necessities which were proposed to expulsion existing hindrances and anticipated potential obstructions to the Londoners with incapacities. Accessibility components are intended to individuals with disabilities utilizes innovation all the more effortlessly. For instance, a content to-discourse highlight may read the message so everyone
Providing tools to help employees with disabilities- Putting in physical, technological and attitudinal accessibility will help business increase productivity among workers with disabilities, and Improve and expand its customer base to people with disabilities by eliminating barriers that may prevent or deter them from accessing the services and products
Individuals with sight problems can adjust color and brightness to assist them in viewing programs. Children with hearing problems can adjust volume controls and replace noise commands with visual commands. For example, if a child clicks on a program that is unable to open, they can program the computer to respond with a verbal message informing them of the inaccessible program, as opposed to the usual noise response. “Laptop computers can provide high-tech tools for note taking because of their mobility”(Barfield, 2003, p. 1). Customized computers also offer many different options for individuals depending on their needs. Touch screens, and touch pads enable an individual to use a computer by simply touching a screen or pad with his/her finger. “This often allows students who have fine motor problems, inaccurate keyboard skills, or problems with spelling to complete programs without frustration (Olson, 2000, p. 344). Voice activated computers allow students to use a microphone to enter information into the computer. Positions of buttons and switches can also be changed to accommodate an individuals certain needs. Other parts of the computer can also be altered to aid an individual with special needs. For example, individuals with limited motor control often use a key guard. “A keyguard is a keyboard overlay with holes positioned over each key. This assists in stabilization of finger, hand, or stick movement (Ray, 1995, p.
Accessibility is taken for granted by most until such person is unable to perform the same act with the same efficiency. This is the problem with accessibility it is thought as of an action that is done with no ease for those with the ability to do so, but that is not the case for peoples with disabilities. The United Nations Convention on the rights of peoples with disabilities and the United Nations Convention on the right to education both state that education is a fundamental right that all are equally eligible to obtain.
Microsoft are situated within the top 20 largest companies functioning in the world, with turnover figures of 60-70 billion dollars a year (E-how, 2011).
The student learner was to pick a publicly traded company and perform a financial analysis based on the company’s financial statements. The student learner chose Microsoft Corporation. The student learner will obtain, analyze, and determine Microsoft’s financial well-being. Microsoft has better return on assets, but they can improve in other areas. Microsoft can increase profit margin, asset management and based on Microsoft 's assets, and capital they can focus on making themselves more profitable.