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Matching assistive or adaptive technology input/output devices with certain disabilities 

by Robert Harvey Clay

See http://www.equalitytechnology.org/adaptive_devices.htm

and http://www.equalitytechnology.org/software.htm  for more

information on computer devices.

(The following are only examples - have a qualified physician, rehab counselor, or assistive technology specialist work with an assistive technology organization or supplier of assistive technology computer devices to determine what devices are appropriate for individual cases.)

For information on the products shown click on the the pictures. 

 * Quadriplegia, paraplegia and other spinal injuries - eye-tracking devices, head movement devices, voice recognition, speech synthesis (screen readers), many different alternative keyboards, sip and puff devices, Morse code devices, switches, large trackballs, mouthsticks, joysticks, many different alternative pointing devices, turntable desks, key-locks, on-screen keyboards, large-key keyboards, oversized keyboards, oversized letter keyboard overlays, keyboards which reduce undesirable keystrokes, miniature keyboards, keyguard (a protective cover for the keyboard with holes drilled to correspond to key locations which make the keys easier to push), touch-screen devices, special software, word prediction software, etc.

* Poor motor skills - word prediction software, large trackballs, eye-tracking devices, switches, many different alternative keyboards, voice recognition, speech synthesis (screen readers), on-screen keyboards, key-locks, joysticks, many different alternative pointing devices, keyboards which reduce undesirable keystrokes, keyguard (a protective cover for the keyboard with holes drilled to correspond to key locations which make the keys easier to push), touch-screen devices, large-key keyboards, oversized keyboards, specialized software, etc.

* Blindness and low-vision - voice recognition, speech synthesis (screen readers), magnification devices, Braille printers, Braille key overlays, oversized letter key overlays, large-key keyboards, oversized keyboards, high contrast monitor imaging, specialized software, touch-screen devices, etc.

* Amputation - foot pedals, right or left handed keyboards, foot operated pointing devices, mouthsticks, key-locks, switches, on-screen keyboards, touch-screen devices, trackballs, many different alternative pointing devices, word-prediction software, specialized software, etc. 

* Certain levels of brain disorders (e.g. brain damage; brain tumor; Alzheimer's disease; etc.) - specially developed cognitive software; picture rather than letter - keyboard, or monitor imaging software; oversized keyboard; large-trackballs; many different kinds of specialized software; word prediction software; touch-screen devices; oversized letter keyboard overlays; symbol key overlays, etc. 

* Learning difficulties (e.g. Attention Deposit Disorder; Dyslexia; developmental difficulties; etc.) - specially developed cognitive software, picture rather than letter keyboard, symbol key overlays, oversized letter keyboard overlays, touch-screen devices, on-screen picture rather than ext readout software, large-print keyboards, word-prediction software, speech synthesis (screen readers), many different kinds of specialized software, etc.

* Arthritis and other pain difficulties - eye-tracking devices, head movement devices, voice recognition, many different alternative keyboards, switches, large trackballs, joysticks, many different alternative pointing devices, on-screen keyboards, large-key keyboards, touch-screen devices, miniature keyboards, foot pedals, right or left handed keyboards, foot operated pointing devices, etc.

* Hearing difficulties - on-screen cues (to replace sounds)

* Specific diseases (e.g. MS, CP, MD, LGD etc.) - eye-tracking devices, head movement devices, voice recognition, speech synthesis (screen readers), many different alternative keyboards, sip and puff devices, Morse code devices, switches, large trackballs, mouthsticks, joysticks, many different alternative pointing devices, turntable desks, key-locks, on-screen keyboards, large-key keyboards, oversized keyboards, touch-screen devices, keyboards which reduce undesirable keystrokes, miniature keyboards, keyguard (a protective cover for the keyboard with holes drilled to correspond to key locations which make the keys easier to push), touch-screen devices, specialized software, magnification devices, Braille printers, Braille key overlays, high contrast monitor imaging, specialized software, specially developed cognitive software, picture rather than letter keyboard, on-screen picture rather than text readout software, symbol key overlays, oversized letter keyboard overlays, etc.

* Geriatric difficulties (aging) - voice recognition, speech synthesis (screen readers), magnification devices, voice recognition, many different alternative keyboards, large trackballs, joysticks, many different alternative pointing devices, on-screen keyboards, large-key keyboards, oversized keyboards, oversized letter keyboard overlays, touch-screen devices, specialized software, etc.

* People with a host of other difficulties can be adapted for computer use and join the others who have already.

Here are a few of the many places to shop for assistive technology input/ output computer devices:

http://www.infogrip.com/default.asp

http://www.orin.com/access/ 

http://www.enablemart.com/ 

http://www.rehabtool.com/ 

Join my discussion group:
http://www.disabilityresourceexchange.com/group/computeraccessibility

Be sure to visit a great website for discussing disability issues:
http://www.disabilityresourceexchange.com

Equality Technology is an informational site whose mission is to promote uniting the disabled with adapted computers through the use of assistive technology devices. Disability information consists of articles, short stories, and link exchange; links to assistive technology computer furniture, software, and input/output devices; device reviews; computer therapy; nursing home realities; message board; news; links; and resources.
www.equalitytechnology.org

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