Alternative
devices
Alternative input
devices include hardware or software solutions that allow users with mobility
impairments to interact with a computer without using a standard mouse or
keyboard. Examples include speech recognition software, on-screen keyboards,
word prediction software, switches and scanners, and other technologies that
allow users to control computers with their head, eyes,breath,or feet. Alternative means a
choice or a substitute. We can use alternative communication
devices to speech by pointing to symbols, signing or by spelling. Computer input devices are devices
the user needs to send the computer information. For people without
disabilities this usually refers to the mouse and keyboard. Disabled people
should need alternative input devices. These are functional technologies which
are either modified versions of the traditional mouse and keyboard, or a device
which includes actions that coordinate with the person’s unique ability to
function.
Models
of different input devices include: access switches, foot pedals,
alternative keyboards such as: Braille, ergonomic, emulators, augmented, mini,
and portable; additions to the keyboard such as: key guards or key stickers;
alternative mouse technologies such as: pen/stylus input, camera, head, breath/mouth
control, eye control; and touch screen input, speech to text, or word
prediction software.
Virtual Keyboard
other alternative
input devices compared to the standard Microsoft mouse
When individuals do not have
sufficient fine motor control to successfully use a keyboard or mouse,
alternate input methods are used. Alternative keyboards are used when the
student requires a different size, layout, sensitivity and complexity. For
example: Expanded keyboards provide enlarged keys which are useful for students
having difficulty targeting the keys on the standard keyboard. These boards
often can be customized to meet individual needs. Mini keyboards are small
boards containing smaller surfaces than the traditional keyboard. They are also
used with students having limited range of motion. The devices offer cursor
control on the screen using a button or switch for item choice. Joined with an
on-screen keyboard they serve as a keyboard alternative.
Mouse Alternatives e g.
joystick, trackball, roller ball, switch adapted mouse. A touch window/screen
enables a student to select items by touching a screen placed in front of the monitor.
An optical pointer can control the cursor through tracking a tiny optical
sensor places on student’s forehead or glasses. C A head pointing system
controls the cursor by tracking lateral and rotational head movements. C
Alternate keyboards can be programmed to control cursor movement.
References:
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