Adaptations Do Not Have to Be Difficult
By Mundl, Jen; Redepenning, Sue; Closing the Gap, Vol. 26, No. 3, pp. 28-30Publication Date: August/September 2008
Article provides overview of low-tech keyboard and mouse alternatives for computer users with disabilities. The use of typing tutorial software such as Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing and Typing with Garfield in the assessment of users in need of input alternatives is discussed. Alternative keyboards that accommodate users with a variety of needs are described including the Evoluent, PC Mini Compact, BAT, and Half QWERTY keyboards for one-handed keyboarding; the Maxim and Gold Touch split keyboards that can be adjusted to accommodate unusual hand positions; IntelliKeys and Big Keys, with larger keys and features allowing alternative key layouts; and Maltron, which can be customized for two hands, one hand, or mouthstick configurations. Mouse adaptations discussed include Mouse Keys, a program built into MacIntosh and Windows systems, which changes the number pad into a mouse; Cruise Trackpad, which allows the user to control the speed and direction of the cursor with the touch of its control ring; and the Ergonomic 3M Mouse, with a vertical-grip design in the shape of a joystick. Also discussed are trackballs, stationary mice which allow the users to move the cursor with the aid of a ball, such as the large, sturdy Evolution Mouse Trak, Kensington Expert Track ball, and BIGtrack; the ergonomic cordless Trackman Wheel; the miniature Fellows Micro Track and Marble Mouse; and the Traxsys Roller Plus with features such as drag lock, horizontal and vertical lock, and cursor speed control. A product list including Internet links is appended.
Assistive Products Discussed: EVOLUTION MOUSE TRAK
GOLDTOUCH & GOLDTOUCH FOR MAC ADJUSTABLE KEYBOARD
MAXIM KEYBOARD
BIG KEYS
MALTRON HEAD / MOUTH STICK KEYBOARD
MALTRON SINGLE LEFT AND RIGHT HANDED KEYBOARD
MALTRON DUAL HANDED 3D KEYBOARD
BAT KEYBOARDS
TRACKMAN MARBLE (MODEL 904164-L100)
MOUSE KEYS FOR WINDOWS
INTELLIKEYS
MALTRON EXPANDED KEYBOARD
BIGTRACK TRACKBALL & SWITCH ADAPTED BIGTRACK TRACKBALL
LOGITECH TRACKMAN MARBLE MOUSE (MODEL 910-000806)
3M ERGONOMIC MOUSE (MODELS EM500GPL, EM500GPS, EM550GPL, & EM550GPS)
EVOLUENT MOUSE-FRIENDLY KEYBOARD
Published by: Closing the Gap, Inc. (Website:http://www.closingthegap.com)
