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This Fact Sheet is available
in PDF Format. To Access and download this version click here.
Brief Description:
A range of adaptive
computer accessories are available to assist people who experience difficulties
in accessing a computer "mouse" or standard keyboard.
Inclusive Teaching
Practice
Students
using such technology:
- will need access
to a personal computer and power points to run the equipment
- may require the allowance
of additional time to complete tasks, assignments and assessments
- may need rest breaks
from physical tasks. Even for a highly experienced user, operating the
computer may still be a laboriously slow task which is physically tiring.
You can assist your
student by:
- where necessary,
allowing additional time to complete tasks
Inclusive Technology
ADAPTIVE
KEYBOARDS
Who can it assist?
- students with certain
medical conditions (eg. arthritis)
- students with overuse
injury
- students who have
a physical disability
- students who have
limited use of a hand or arm
- Solutions for single handed computer users:
Purpose built keyboards
for single handed users have been on the market for many years. One
of the more commonly used models is the Maltron Single Handed Keyboard
whose ergonomic shape and letter layout:
- take into account
the frequency of use of each key
- minimise finger
stress
- enable the
user to comfortably achieve speeds of at least 40 wpm
Both left, right and
dual handed models are available and keyboards suitable for people using
a head or mouth stick are also produced
- Dual Handed Maltron
Keyboards are particularly useful for people who have overuse syndrome.
- Ergonomic Keyboards
have a layout that is specifically designed to relax the shoulders and
provide inbuilt wrist support whilst typing.
ASSISTIVE SOFTWARE
There are numerous
examples of computer software programs which are designed to assist
the keyboard user. The following are examples of some of the access
features included in generic Microsoft Windows packages:
- Sticky Keys
- For people who
type with a single finger or mouth stick, commands that require the
simultaneous pressing of two or more keys (eg. ALT+TAB) are a problem.
With StickyKeys users can press one key at a time and instruct Windows
to respond as if the keys had been pressed simultaneously.
- FilterKeys
- assists users
who brush against unintended keys
- instructs Windows
to disregard keystrokes that are not held down for a minimum period
of time.
- MouseKeys
- enables users
to control the mouse pointer using the keyboard, including clicking,
double-clicking, and dragging and dropping with both mouse buttons
- Specific typing
tutoring assistance for one handed typists may also assist eg. `Five
Finger Typist’.
MOUSE
ALTERNATIVES
Alternative mouses exist
for people who have difficulty using a standard mouse.
Who can it assist?
- students who have
a physical disability (cerebral palsy, paralysis)
- students with certain
medical conditions (eg. arthritis)
- students who have
limited use of a hand or arm
- students with overuse
injury
Some examples
of the different types of hardware available include:
- Trackballs: A trackball is an upside down mouse. Instead of
moving the whole device, you only move the ball thereby leaving the
body stationary and reducing physical movements.
- Mouse Pen:A device shaped like a pen that can be gripped and
pointed at the screen.
- Foot Mouse: Modified mouse which is larger and designed to
be manipulated by the feet.
- Mouse Pad:Usually contains a series of switches that can be
programmed to perform a variety of functions.
- Joystick: An adaptive mouse where all functions are controlled
by buttons: click, double click, drag, horizontal/vertical only, and
speed.
- Mouth joystick:Operated/controlled
by mouth with mouse button clicks activated by sip and puff movements.
Further information
and assistance can be obtained from:
Disability Advisers/Disability
Liaison Officers (See Fact Sheet 6 for contact
details)
ACCESS & Equity Project
of Northern Group Training Ph. 6334 2266
Independent Living Centre Tasmania
Ph. 6334 5899
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