Keyboard And Text Accessibility Input
A keyboard is the most common way many users choose to use as their primary way of entering text and navigating their device. However, to some, this is not an option due to sight or dexterity issues. ChromeOS has several tools built in to assist with those who need additional support.
Enable sticky keys (to perform keyboard shortcuts by typing them sequentially)
Sticky keys are often used by those with dexterity issues that prevent them from holding down multiple keys to perform certain actions, such as holding the shift key + a letter to make an upper case letter. With sticky keys active, you can press and release the shift key and then the letter to create an upper case letter.
Enable on-screen keyboard
ChromeOS Convertibles and Chromeblets will automatically launch an on-screen keyboard when in tablet mode. However, some users may wish to always have an on-screen keyboard to use their mouse to select letters instead of using the device keyboard. All ChromeOS devices including Chromebases, Chromebooks, Chromebits and Chromeboxes can use the on-screen keyboard regardless of if their device has a touchscreen or not.
Enable dictation (speak to type)
Dictation will allow you to type via voice instead of using your keyboard. This feature was intended for use for those with dexterity issues, however it is also useful for those who have to type a lot of text, such as authors and those writing long reports.
Highlight the object with keyboard focus when it changes
When this option is enabled, the text field that the input from your keyboard will be sent to will be highlighted when selected by your mouse or via touch. Not all applications may support this feature. However, when enabled at a global level, it will automatically be turned on with any application that supports it.
This option also highlights options in dropdown boxes, other elements, to assist in the usability of several websites and services.
Highlight the text caret when it appears or moves
This option will assist users in being able to track the text cursor as it moves in a document or page. The caret is the name of the vertical "|" cursor that indicates your position in a document.
Navigate pages with a text cursor
Also known as "caret browsing" is a feature in Chrome that allows a user to move around a Web page and highlight selections with the keyboard rather than a mouse or touchpad. Often users unaccustomed to using a laptop touchpad can often find caret browsing easier to use for selecting text. The caret is the name of the vertical "|" cursor that indicates your position in a document.
Switch Access (control the computer with just one or two switches)
Switch access allows users to navigate ChromeOS with either their keyboard or via dedicated hardware devices that can be connected to your device via USB or Bluetooth.
If you wish to use your keyboard, the tab button on your keyboard is used to move the on-screen selection between possible options and the enter key is used to select the item that is highlighted.
Open keyboard device settings
This is a shortcut to the keyboard settings menu that is located on the ChromeOS control panel.