Members Who Have Low Vision

"The best thing about using computers is that you can enlarge text easily. AOL makes it so easy to set your preferences, you can change the text size and even the color. This means you can get information at the same time everyone else does."
Dmitri Belser, Executive Director for the Center for Accessible Technology and an AOL member who uses large fonts

This section provides tips specifically to help AOL members who use assistive technology that enlarges icons and text. The following information will help make the AOL service easier to use.

There are different options available to enlarge text on the different AOL products and services, including the Internet, E-mail, Instant Message, and Chat. The four options below include tips on how to enlarge the text for your favorite Product Features including E-mail, Instant Message, and Chat.

General Tips for Enlarging Text

Microsoft Accessibility Wizard - Make Bigger Option 1
Set the Font Preferences - Make Bigger Option 2
Set Text Preferences -Make Bigger Option 3
Use the Text Styling Toolbar - Make Bigger Option 4

"Make AOL Bigger" Option 1
Use the Microsoft Accessibility Wizard to select font sizes and other settings.
The Microsoft Accessibility Wizard allows you to change many features within your computer and the AOL service to help you see or read the screen easier. For example, by using the settings in your Microsoft Accessibility Wizard, you can:

· Reset your "screen resolution" so that everything on your computer, including AOL is bigger;

· Open the Microsoft Magnifier which will let you self-select any thing on AOL or the Internet that you want to get a closer look at; and

· Make the scroll bar on your AOL e-mail and Internet larger so that it is easier to move up and down the page.

Use the following four steps to reach the Accessibility Wizard.
1. Go to the Start Menu on the Windows menu bar.
2. Click on Programs and navigate to Accessories.
3. Click on Accessibility and navigate to Accessibility Wizard.
4. Complete the Accessibility Wizard based on your personal needs.

"Make AOL Bigger" Option 2
Set the Font Preferences at AOL Keyword: Preferences
On AOL you can choose the font sizes for text in E-mail, Instant Messages and Chat ranging from as small as 8 point font to as big as 72 point font. This will make it easier for you to see what you type and for others to see what you type. See examples of font sizes:

Write your E-mail, Instant Messages and Chat in 8 point font

Write your E-mail, Instant Messages and Chat in 12 point font

Write your E-mail, Instant Messages and Chat in 20 point font

You can also choose different fonts, for example: Arial, Times New Roman and Tahoma.

Follow these steps to make your font size bigger on E-mail, Instant Messages and Chat:
1. Visit AOL Keyword: Preferences
2. Select the "Font, Text, and Graphic" option
3. Follow the "Font Preferences" instructions provided

Tip: By setting your font size at AOL Keyword: Preferences, you will more easily be able to read what you write and people you write will receive your messages in the font size you selected. It will not control the font sizes of messages you receive. You can enlarge the text of your e-mail by following these instructions:
1. Open e-mail
2. Select Ctrl A to "Select All" the text in the e-mail
3. Select Ctrl C to "Copy All" the text
4. Select Ctrl N to "create a new" Window
5. Select Ctrl P to Paste the e-mail text into the new Window

"Make AOL Bigger" Option 3
Set Text Preferences at AOL Keyword: Preferences

On AOL you can make text bigger on certain AOL screens that display content and information. Follow these steps to make your font size bigger on E-mail, Instant Messages and Chat:
1. Visit AOL Keyword: Preferences
2. Select the "Font, Text, and Graphic" option
3. Select "Medium or Large" text under the Text Preferences option

"Make AOL Bigger" Option 4
Use the Text Styling Toolbar

The Text Styling Toolbar is located in three places: the E-mail message screen, the Instant Message screen and the Chat screen. It is located just above the box where you type your message. This Toolbar contains a number of formatting features, from text color to centering to bolding. The changes you make using the Toolbar will only apply to that message.

If you want to make the Font, Text & Graphics changes permanently in all your E-mails, Instant Messages, and Chat sessions, follow the instructions listed in "Make AOL bigger" Option 2 by going to AOL Keyword: Preferences.

Tip: Use the following shortcuts for accessing the Text Styling Toolbar while in the text box, the area in which you will type your E-mail message, Instant Message or Chat message:
CTRL + B = Bold
CTRL + T = Italics
CTRL + U = Underline

The formatting features for Bold, Italics and Underline are the only features with keyboard shortcuts, all other features must be activated using your mouse. Or, if you have a right mouse click option on your keyboard, you can activate the menu that allows you to use many of these options. Some of the available formatting features are: font, bold, underline, left align, center, color of text, background color, insert a hyperlink and stationery.

For additional help on any AOL feature, visit AOL Keyword: AOL Help.

We welcome your participation, suggestions and feedback. Please send us an e-mail at AOLAccessibility@aol.com.