Microsoft KB Archive/99381

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Trace Access Pack for Windows 3.0 and 3.1

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Q99381

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Windows versions 3.0, 3.0a, 3.1, 3.11

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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 &quot;bounce&quot; 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. These guidelines were developed in response to section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. This law was written to ensure accessibility for government employees with disabilities.

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.

Additional query words: appnote 3.00 3.00a 3.10 MISC ACCP.EXE deaf handicap disability disabilities accessibility stickeykeys TTY

Keywords : kbenable win31 kbEnableSight kbEnableMove kbEnableHear kbEnableLearn

Issue type :

Technology : kbWin3xSearch kbWin300 kbWin300a kbWin310 kbWin311