What Is Alternate Computer Input?
Alternate forms of computer input have been developed for those who, because of physical, cognitive or sensory disability, are unable to utilize the standard keyboard or mouse. Alternate computer input can be divided into four categories.
Alternate Keyboards
An alternate keyboard may be used when a person lacks the fine motor control, range of motion or required finger pressure to press the keys on a standard keyboard within a reasonable amount of time. There is a variety of physical keyboard alternatives.
- Alternate keyboard layout such as an alphabetical arrangement for students who are cognitively lower functioning or the Dvorak and Chubon layouts for one hand or one finger typists
- Mechanical keyboard with larger keys
The BigKeys, available from DonJohnston, has 1" square keys in alphabetical or QWERTY arrangement.
- Touch-sensitive keyboard with smaller keys confined to a limited area
The WinMini keyboard from TASH is designed to accommodate a limited range of motion.
- Programmable keyboard which permits total customization of the size and location of keys, key content and key labels
The IntelliKeys from IntelliTools can be used with a variety of keyboard overlays to meet a wide range of special computer access needs. (AP-OMS-1 or IP-Boy-1)
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Keyboard Emulation
Some individuals with very severe physical disabilities must abandon a physical keyboard altogether. In this case there are a number of solutions.
- On-screen keyboard for point-and-click entry of text and other keystrokes
- On-screen keyboard for scanning with an adaptive switch
- Morse Code text entry with an adaptive switch
- Voice recognition for dictation, menu access and spoken commands
Alternate Mouse Devices
For many people a standard mouse can be troublesome to use. For individuals with disabilities it can be troublesome to impossible. There are many good alternatives to the standard mouse for people with or without disabilities.
- Trackball
- Trackpad
- Joystick mouse
The Penny & Giles Joystick, available from Don Johnston, provides an alternate means of controlling the mouse.
- Touchscreen for point-and-click access directly on the monitor screen
The TouchWindow from Edmark offers a very natural pointing interface for mouse control.
Mouse Emulation
Some individuals with very severe physical disabilities are unable to use any kind of a physical mouse device. In this case there are some wonderful solutions.
- Head controlled mouse utilizing a camera which links mouse pointer movement to movement of the user's head (See Tracker from Madentec)
- On-screen mouse menu for scanning with an adaptive switch
- Voice controlled mouse
What Is Alternate Computer Output?
Alternatives to standard computer output have been developed primarily for blind computer users who are unable to see text on the monitor or in print. Alternatives to visual access are among some of the most successful computer adaptations. Some are listed below.
- Screen reading software that uses a synthesized voice to speak any text that appears on the screen
A demo of JAWS screen reading software from the Henter-Joyce website.
www.hj.com
- Optical Code recognition (OCR) and speech synthesis work together with a scanner to convert printed documents into computer text which can then be read by the computer
A demo of Open Book reading software from the Arkenstone website
www.arkenstone.org
- Braille printers that convert computer text to printed Braille.
How Is Alternate Computer Input and Output Used in the School Setting?
Some students, in order to have access to computers, rely on alternate input and/or output. When this is the case, the law requires that these accommodations be provided in any educational setting where non-disabled students have access to computers.
Furthermore, some students with disabilities depend on computers for communication, reading and/or writing in the school setting. These students have a legal right to computer access and necessary accommodations wherever and whenever the pursuit of an appropriate education requires them to depend on computer technology.
Where Can I Obtain More Information about Alternate Computer Input and Output?
Links to Vendors (non-vision related)
Links to Vendors and Other Resources (vision related)
