Windows 7 features a significant upgrade is accessibility, including a
full-screen Magnifier that can be accessed by holding down the Windows key and
pressing the '+' key. This full-screen magnifier means that in many cases,
people who are vision impaired will no longer have to purchase expensive
assistive technology products to do the same thing.
However, one issue that has emerged is that a user cannot use this magnifier
features with a high contrast black colour scheme. The reason for this is that
the full-screen magnifier is Aero-dependent, and the high contrast colour scheme
only works in classic mode. If a user chooses 'high contrast black' while
running the full-screen magnifier, the magnifier defaults back to the magnifier
'strip' at the top of the screen, as it is in Windows XP and Vista.
The solution to this problem: create a colour scheme like the classic 'High
contrast black' as an Aero theme.
The challenge: Windows 7 only provides a limited number of options to be changed
within the OS. As such, a developer will need to create an Aero theme that
provide true high contrast, changing all the elements in Windows to a black
background, white text and a mid-range selection colour.
The successful creation of this theme will mean that people who are vision
impaired around the world will be able to enjoy the benefits of affordable
computing by using the full-screen Magnifier.
Media Access Australia will pay an
active role in the successful theme's distribution.
Any questions about the requirements for the theme can be directed to admin@sdnug.org.
The developer/ designer who submits a high-contrast aero theme deemed acceptable
by
Media Access Australia will receive
a copy of Windows 7 Ultimate.
Updates will be posted on this page.
Those looking to enter the contest can use the
90-day trial version of Windows 7 to develop and test the theme.