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Assistive technology as defined in the Access IT website is technology that makes it possible for those with disabilities to perform functions they otherwise might not be able to do. In 1998, the Assistive Technology Act (AT Act) mandated assistive technology. (Access IT, 2012). However, accessibility must be available to all, which is the principle of universal design. Apple has many features of //universal access// built in into their computers. Universal access features help with: Apple’s Website offers more detailed descriptions of their [|universal access tools]. [|ATLA]  also has descriptions of their [|universal access]  tools. (Mac – Built in Features, n.d.). To configure your Apple computer for universal access: **References ** Access It. (2012). What is assistive technology? Retrieved from http://www.washington.edu/accessit/articles?109 Apple. (2012). //Accessibility.// Retrieved from http://www.apple.com/asia/accessibility/ ATLA. (n.d.). //Mac – built in features//. Retrieved from []
 * Universal Access Features on Apple Computers **
 * [|**vision**]**: **Some Apple tools are <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">[|Voice Over] <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">, Talking Alerts, Text to Speech, Talking Clock, Screen Magnification, Cursor Magnification, Screen Reading, a plug and play support for Braille and more.
 * [|**hearing**]**<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">: **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Some of these tools are Visual Alert, iChat, and Closed Captioning.
 * [|**physical and motor skills**]<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">: If using a mouse is a challenge, use Spotlight search technology to launch applications, find files, or go to the Internet. This is accomplished by simply using the keyboard. Other tools include Automator, Speech recognition, Inkwell, Onscreen Keyboard, Mouse Keys, and more.
 * [|**literacy and learning**]**<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">: **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">To support literacy and learning, uses tools like dictionary**,** spell check, grammar check, text to speech, iChat, and Grapher.
 * <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">PC peripherals like keyboards, headphones, and mice that use a USB port.
 * 1) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Click the Apple Icon on the upper left.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Locate and click System Preferences in the drop down menu.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">In the row labeled “System,” find the **Universal Access** icon . Click to enable Voice Over, Zoom, Display, and Access for Assistive Devices.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">While you are still in System Preferences, click **Speech** to access **Speech Recognition** and **Text to Speech**.
 * 5) **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Speech Recognition: **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">To calibrate your computer to recognize your voice, click Calibrate. Here is a <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">[|YouTube tutorial] <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;"> to demonstrate its use.
 * 6) **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Text to Speech **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;"> is used for any word or PDF document. Once in Text to Speech, click “Speak selected text when key is pressed.” Then click “Set Key,” this allows you to use or create a keystroke command. This <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">[|YouTube tutorial] <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;"> demonstrates its use.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">To adjust **input and output sound**, go to **Sound** in System Preferences to adjust.
 * 8) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">In System Preferences you can also set preferences for **universal access using keystrokes**. In the Hardware row, select Keyboard & Mouse, then Keyboard shortcuts. You can find keyboard shortcuts for:
 * 9) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Voice Over for example, is turned off and on by pressing the Apple/Command key and F5.
 * 10) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Zoom on or off
 * 11) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Contrast
 * 12) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Character Palette
 * 13) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Dictionary
 * 14) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Spotlight
 * 15) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Display brightness
 * 16) <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">For **translation in multiple languages**, use Sherlock from the dock. In the search bar, type //assistive technologies//. From the menu, access **Translation** to find translation for multiple languages.
 * 17) **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;">Right clicking **<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 16px;"> is another aspect of universal access for those who are accustomed to it. Go to System Preferences, select Keyboard & Mouse, then Mouse. Select the box that says, “Tap trackpad using two fingers for a secondary click.”