How Does Alternative Access to Computers Work?
Published: Jun 26, 2007
There are numerous hardware devices that aid accessibility to information and communications technology. The details of some of these devices are given below.
Switches
Switches are designed to replace mouse buttons for people with restricted movement. They are used in conjunction with software that can scan through options on the screen, allowing the user to activate the option they wish to choose, simply by activating the switch.
Trackballs
The trackball or rollerball is of great use for people with mobility or dexterity difficulties. They enable the user to control the mouse movement across the screen by only using their fingers.
Some trackballs have keys or buttons positioned in such a manner that they fall under the thumb and fingers. Strain on the users’ hands is reduced as a result of lesser movement. The trackballs that have sockets on them enable the user to connect to external switches.
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Find all trackballs in the Axistive Product Database
Alternative Mice
The recently developed mice have an innovative and ergonomical design that meets the needs of people who experience difficulty or discomfort when using a normal mouse. These mice are size-adjustable and accommodate both left- and right-handed users.
Touchpads
For people with limited hand movement, this technology is the best alternative for a mouse. Touchpads can be placed on a desk or held in the hand. The cursor is moved by sliding the finger across the pad. Clicking can be done by tapping lightly on the surface.
Mouse Keys
Mouse Keys is an accessibility feature for people who have difficulty using a standard computer mouse. This feature enables the user to move the mouse pointer to any place on the screen by using the arrow keys. The Mouse Keys can be used for data entry as well as for navigation; the feature can be activated by pressing NUM LOCK.
Touch-Screens
Touch-screens are sensitive display screens that aid users to interact with a computer with the touch of a finger or stylus. They are excellent devices for children with learning or physical difficulties. Touch-screens have been used as an alternative to standard input devices, such as the keyboard.
Joysticks
Joysticks are specially designed for people with poor motor control and mobility difficulties. The stick controls the screen cursor and functions are activated with buttons that are attached to the joystick.
“Sip-N-Puff” Mouth-Controlled Joysticks
Mouth-controlled Joysticks provide people with quadriplegia a simple and effective way to control mouse movement. Movement and operation of this joystick is similar to that of a “Mouthstick.” Mouse button clicking is accomplished with the help of Sips or Puffs function of the joystick.
Headtracking and Eyegaze
Headtracking is a technology that enables interaction for individuals who lack the hand control to use a standard mouse but retain good head movement. Head movements are tracked with the device, which allows users to interact with computers in various ways.
The eyegaze technology consists of a video camera that observes the user’s eye to interact with computers. Specialized image processing software determines the eye’s gazepoint on the monitor screen.
Adapted and Specialized Keyboards
There are keyboards with big keys and letters. These devices provide users with poor vision a better chance of seeing the correct letters.
Sticky Keys
This enables a keyboard to recognize the key press but avoids the filling up of a screen with a particular character when the corresponding key is kept pressed.
More Keyboard Adaptations
The change of keyboard layout from a standard QWERTY to an alphabetical format will help people with dyslexia and learning difficulties. The standard QWERTY layout is now being replaced by an ergonomical layout for easier usage and accessibility.
