Input devices
Joysticks and other pointing devices, along with large-key keyboards make the task of data input easier.
For those with limited dexterity, that is, those who have trouble operating a mouse, roller balls of different sizes are used to enable pointing and clicking. Joysticks with buttons also serve the same purpose. There are USB switches and switch accessories of different types for this too. For instance, there are round switches in different sizes, or switches connected to arms and can be operated by bending the arm, or switches that can be mounted, and switches that require very little pressure for operating. Depending on which muscles a person can use easily, one of these programmable switches can be selected to give various commands to the computer or to control input devices.
Head mice and eye trackers are types of pointing devices that use a person’s head and eye movements respectively. Head mice track a reflective dot on a person’s head, while eye trackers or gaze trackers do this via eye movements. These are useful for people who have limited or no use of their hands, or are paralyzed shoulder downwards.
People with motor control problems can use large-sized keyboards. Similarly, people who have joint pains in their hands and fingers or low muscle strength can make use of keyboard guards to help press the keys without exerting too much pressure. Compact keyboards are also available, which can be mounted on wheelchair trays.
Touch screens and tablet PCs are also useful for people with impairments. In addition, wands and sticks are used to press keys on the keyboard. These can be controlled by strapping them to the head, chin or holding them in the mouth.
Enabling software
Text to speech software, voice-recognition software, screen readers, predictive text entry software and screen magnifiers are some of the solutions that are very helpful for people with visual or hearing impairments, learning disabilities, musculoskeletal disorders, spinal injuries, or carpal tunnel syndrome.
JAWS for Windows
The software called JAWS has been around for a while, and is of great assistance to the visually impaired. It uses synthesized speech to read out what’s written on your screen. It can be used to browse the Web, work with Word documents and use other programs. JAWS can be customized to specific needs; it can also provide Braille output along with speech.
Another screen reader is TextHelp Screen Reader 4. An add-on called WordTalk, which works with Microsoft Word 97 and later versions, reads out the text in Microsoft Word documents. These are useful for the visually impaired or those who have learning disabilities.
