Section 508 This chapter introduces you to accessibility in the GNOME Desktop. All software products should incorporate accessibility features to enable people with disabilities to use the software easily and efficiently. Recent legislation such as Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act heightens awareness of the need to provide accessible software. The GNOME Desktop is easy to use and incorporates many accessibility features. Every supported application and utility in the GNOME Desktop is designed with accessibility and usability in mind. Users with physical disabilities such as low vision or impaired motor skills can use all of the functionality of the GNOME Desktop thanks to the customization tools that are available. These customization tools enable you to fine-tune the appearance and behavior of the desktop. The ability to easily customize the GNOME Desktop contributes greatly to the accessibility of the desktop. This guide describes the various options available to meet your particular needs.

To jump to a specific topic, follow these quick reference links: To hear screen elements spoken to you, see the Orca section. If you need large print, read about Choosing Themes and Customizing Fonts. To have some or all of the screen magnified, see the Magnifier section. If you prefer a pointing device over the keyboard, you can configure an on-screen keyboard for point-and-click typing; see the GNOME Onscreen Keyboard (gok) section. If you can only press one key at a time, see the Sticky Keys portion of the Configuring an Accessible Keyboard section. If you tend to press keys for too long a time (normally causing inadvertant extra keys), see the Slow Keys portion of the Configuring an Accessible Keyboard section. If you tend to press keys multiple times (normally causing inadvertant extra keys), see the Bounce Keys portion of the Configuring an Accessible Keyboard section. For further mouse- or pointer-based accessibility support, see the MouseTweaks and Configuring an Accessible Keyboard sections. These tools supply several accessibility aids for pointer devices and keyboards.