Warm-up (90 seconds): Think of someone you know who might find it hard to use a computer. What could make it easier for them?

Today you'll explore your computer's built-in accessibility features — tools that help people with visual, hearing, motor, or cognitive challenges use technology comfortably. These aren't just for people with disabilities; features like zoom and high contrast help everyone work better in different lighting or when focusing.

Why accessibility matters

Accessibility features make computers usable by more people. Many people (around 1 in 5) have some form of disability that affects how they use technology. Features like screen magnification help people with low vision. High contrast helps in bright rooms or with visual processing differences. Dictation helps people who find typing difficult.

Basic system controls

• Volume: Controls speaker output
• Brightness: Adjusts screen light level
• Keyboard: Repeat rate, sticky keys for one-handed use

Accessibility features we'll try

• Zoom/Magnifier: Enlarges part of the screen
• High Contrast: Makes text and buttons stand out
• Dictation: Speak to type text

Follow these instructions to locate your system's settings and test three accessibility features. This guided exploration shows you where to find the controls on any computer.

Your Digital Portfolio addition: Create an Accessibility Audit page documenting the feature you tested. Open your Digital Portfolio folder from Lesson 1 and create a new document called '07_Accessibility_Audit'.

Your page should look similar to this example:

How to build your audit document:

1. Create new document: Microsoft Word: {{menu:File -> New -> Blank document}}; Google Docs: {{btn:+ New -> Google Docs}}
2. Take screenshot: Windows: {{kbd:Windows+Shift+S}}; Mac: {{kbd:Cmd+Shift+4}}; Chromebook: {{kbd:Ctrl+Show Windows key}}. Click your accessibility feature settings page, then paste with {{kbd:Ctrl+V}} (Cmd+V on Mac)
3. Save both formats: {{menu:File -> Save As}} → name it '07_Accessibility_Audit.docx' → save. Then {{menu:File -> Save As}} → choose PDF format → '07_Accessibility_Audit.pdf'

Success criteria (complete audit page requirements):

• Screenshot of your chosen accessibility feature turned ON
• 2 clear sentences: (1) What does this feature do? (2) Who would benefit from it?
• Answers to the 3 reflection questions (5-7 sentences total): Which feature did you try and how did it change your screen? Who you know would find it helpful? How could you use this knowledge in your Something Real project?
• Your name and Lesson 7 date

Common Issues

• Issue: Can't take a screenshot
  Solution: Windows: {{kbd:Windows+Shift+S}}; Mac: {{kbd:Cmd+Shift+4}}; Chromebook: {{kbd:Ctrl+Show Windows}}
• Issue: Settings look different
  Solution: Search 'Accessibility' in the Settings search bar
• Issue: Feature doesn't work
  Solution: Restart your device, then try again

Reflect (2 minutes): Answer these in your Accessibility Audit document (these complete your success criteria):

1. Which accessibility feature did you try? How did it change how your screen looks or works?
2. Who do you know who would find this feature helpful? (family member, classmate, yourself?)
3. How could you use accessibility knowledge when designing your Something Real project materials?