Accessible via Control Panel and Ease of Access, the ease of Access Center is one of the major accessibility improvements introduced in Windows Vista and the successor of the Accessibility Wizard and the Utilities Manager from the previous versions of the operating system. "The new Ease of Access Center in Windows Vista provides a centralized location where you can get quick access to adjust accessibility settings and manage assistive technology programs," revealed Microsoft.

Microsoft promises that accessibility tutorials and demonstrations for Windows Vista will be made available by the end of 2006, with Vista scheduled for general availability on January 30, 2007. "The accessibility settings and programs in Windows Vista are particularly helpful to people with visual difficulties, hearing loss, pain in their hands or arms, or reasoning and cognitive issues," added Microsoft.

Via the Ease of Access Center panel, Vista users can access the Magnifier, Narrator, On-Screen Keyboard and High Contrast options. These tools once activated, "will remain on until you log off. Also, the Quick access section is read aloud while it is highlighted allowing you to select a tool by pressing the SPACEBAR when the tool name is either read or highlighted," said Microsoft.

Users will additionally be able to fill in a questionnaire under the "Get recommendations" section. As a result, the user will be presented with personalized accessibility settings and programs designed to ease his use of Vista.

The Ease of Access Center also enables Vista users to explore all accessibility settings from "Use the computer without a display" to "Make it easier to focus on tasks." These settings will start automatically with every Windows log on.