Microsoft Visual Basic Accessibility

In addition to the features listed below, Visual Basic provides support for Microsoft Active Accessibility in its Command Bars, aiding client utilities in obtaining information about the user interface.

Enlarging Toolbar Buttons

To enlarge toolbar buttons

  1. On the View menu, click Toolbars.

  2. Click Customize, and then select the Large Icons check box on the Options tab.

Enlarging Text in the Code Window

To enlarge text in the Code window

  1. On the Tools menu, click Options.

  2. Click the Editor Format tab, and then set the font and size you prefer.

Customizing the Keyboard

Visual Basic for Windows supports Dvorak keyboard layouts, which make the most frequently typed characters more accessible.

Rearranging Windows

Windows in Visual Basic can be rearranged to best suit the way you work. You can select the windows you want docked by using the list on the Docking tab of the Options dialog box, available on the Tools menu. When a window is not docked, it becomes an MDI child window, letting you access one window at a time. If you are blind, you may find this setting preferable.

Customizing the Toolbox

You can customize the Toolbox by adding tabs to it or by adding controls to either the General tab or a custom tab, using the Components command on the Project menu.

Providing Visual Cues while Editing Code

Margin Indicators in the Code window enable you to provide visual cues to certain actions while editing your code. The Indicators appear on the left margin of the Code window. You can click to select or clear the Margin Indicator Bar in the Editor Format tab of the Options dialog box (Tools menu).

Adding Prompts for Methods and Parameters

You can also choose to display pop-up windows in the Code window. The pop-up windows can prompt you with available members on the current object and the parameters to complete a function or statement. These pop-up windows can be helpful if you have difficulty typing. However, they do interfere with focus in the code editor, which can be problematic for some users. You can turn off these pop-up windows by clearing Auto List Members and Auto Quick Info in the Editor tab of the Options dialog box (Tools menu).