Further to previous responses, you won't know what will help this chap without
more information - unless he knows himself - or without carrying out an
assessment of his needs. The Windows 95 accessibility options can be very
helpful to some, but particularly watch screen colours, contrast etc - spend at
least half an hour with him trying out all the options to find out what is most
comfortable for him. You may find simply inverting back and foreground colours
is enough, or a 17" or larger screen, or task lighting....
Font types as well as sizes can make an enormous difference - a sans serif
font [eg Ariel] may be more easily read than, say, Times.
If he's OK with Windows accessibility options he might want additional help
with the mouse: we use BigMouse for many of our students. If not, we have
several software programs but tend to recommend Lunar as often as not for
those who need additional magnification.
Also bear in mind that particular eye conditions have very different effects: he
may have pretty good vision centrally, so would not benefit particularly from a
large screen or text magnification. His vision may be patchy or he may be
photphobic. Overally, and generalising dreadfully, unless the eye condition
dictates otherwise, a large screen and Windows accessibility options are a
reasonably good bet!
Take into account [minimum]: lighting [including task and windows!],
workstation position and ergonomics, desktop copyholders, etc etc, to say
nothing of the actual tasks they will be working on, and software compatibility!!!!
If I can help further, please contact me direct.
Best of luck
Karen Ball
ACCESS Centre
The Royal National College for the Blind
College Road
HEREFORD
HR1 1EB
Tel: 01432 265725
Fax: 01432 353478
email: [log in to unmask]
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