Sticky Keys – A simple and effective solution for some users

September 9, 2007

Sticky KeysSticky Keys is a very simple solution for users who, for whatever reason, are unable to press two keys at a time. In MS Windows, it is usually set through Accessibility Options. It means that they can easily access capital letters by pressing SHIFT THEN K to get a capital “K” , rather than  SHIFT AND K together.

It does not stop there. The keyboard short cuts or keypress combinations, used to control computer functions can be accessed this way. Look at this list for combinations which can be very useful, and easier than using the mouse for someone with motor difficulties.

It is best to choose the option to have the above symbol on the desktop taskbar, so that you can see that it is working. This tell the user that CTRL and SHIFT have been pressed. Sticky Keys in Use

The other keys are; ALT and The Windows Key.

A very useful combination is ALT and F4 to close the current window. Much easier than using  a mouse for some users.


Keyboard Shortcuts

September 3, 2007


It is possible to carry out almost any operation on a Windows computer without using a mouse. However, these operations are rarely taught in school. It is far easier to teach the mouse clicks and menus that are required. However certain users are likely to benefit from being taught the keyboard shortcuts as standard.

These include visually impaired users who probably cannot see the pull down menus well, if at all. Also some users with fine motor difficulties find it easier to control the computer through the keyboard.
Here is a guide to some of the more useful shortcuts.
Here is one created for visually impaired users.
For all users, an operation like cut and paste can be carried out more swiftly.
Ctrl+C – Copy to Clipboard
Ctrl+V – Paste from Clipboard


Just a reminder about the Windows clipboard

August 30, 2007

Clipboard Picture

Just a reminder of the features of the clipboard in Windows. It can be used to copy and paste text or pictures within a document or between documents. This can include using text and pictures from a website in your own documents.

Here’s a useful, one page sheet of documentation that shows you how to do it.
www.educationict.org.uk/ictsan/docs/clipboard_in_windows.pdf