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Introduction -
devices can be for those with or without a disability
by Robert Harvey Clay
I am a disabled person with
poor physical coordination, but thanks to remapping my standard keyboard keys
with "SharpKeys" (freeware
that turns certain keys off) I don't keep hitting stray keys by
mistake -- my abilities are vastly improved.
Everyone who intends to operate a
personal computer must use a variety of input and output devices. For
most people a keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer and speakers work just fine.
Users with physical, visual, or cognitive limitations may need to rely
on adaptive devises designed to simplify, or even make the operation
of a computer possible. Assistive Technology devices such as those
listed below
are readily available for those who need them.
Not everyone with a disability needs specially adapted
assistive technology input/output devices to operate a computer. There
are a variety of alternatives, supplements, and enhancements to the
ordinary input/output devices mentioned above to simplify data entry
and retrieval.
For example, I use an ordinary
keyboard (which has certain keys disabled -- keys that I always push accidentally
along with the keys I intended to push.) [for details on how to disable
certain keys, see "disabling
keyboard keys"]., I also use a touch pad (instead of a
mouse), and word-prediction software (a type of assistive
technology). [for more on assistive technology software, see, software"]
Fortunately, Microsoft
offers a variety of "Ease of access
features" in it's "Windows" software, such as slowing down the keyboard's repeat
rate,
using long pointer trails, and using a large black pointer, among
others. (Learn more about Microsoft's accessibitly features at www.microsoft.com/nable/
)
When possible, I find it's usually much
cheaper to buy and use standard devices (not necessarily intended for
those with disabilities) Sometimes standard Keyboards; mice;
trackballs; touch pads; and others can be used as is, or with slight
modifications. Many of my reviews examine input/output devices
which are aimed at the general public.
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Matching
assistive
or adaptive technology input/output devices with certain disabilities
See
Devices and
software for more
information
(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)
* Quadriplegia, paraplegia and other spinal injuries - eye-tracking
evices, 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 withholes
drilled to correspond to key locations which make the keys easier to
push), touch-screen devices, specialized 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 text 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 millions of others who have
already.
BACK
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Word prediction software
is designed to reduce the
number of keystrokes an individual needs to type a word. For
example, when the initial letter of a word is typed the program
generates a list of possible words based on previous user history
and the context of the sentence. If the desired word is displayed,
the user only needs to type the number in front of the word to
complete the word.
I’ve lived with a
genetic, progressive disorder known as "Friedreich’s
Ataxia" (which deteriorates my balance and physical
coordination). Recently my poor coordination made typing (or
keyboarding) painstakingly slow -- one key at a time, with one hand.
I've used a word prediction program with some success in the past
and decided it was time to download several brands of
"demo" word prediction programs, so I could compare them
head to head.
I tested several different
programs with mediocre results -- "Is every program going to be
this awkward to us
e ?", I thought. Then
I tried AHF's "Soothsayer word prediction." I knew almost
immediately, "This is the program for me!"
Remember, I chose to
purchase "Soothsayer" word prediction because
it was right for me, download different programs and be
sure it is right for you. Don't make the mistake of
buying a word prediction program without downloaded and trying it
first! Download it and try it at: www.ahf-net.com/sooth.htm
Soothsayer learns very
quickly the words you use the most and then places them at the
front of the list of suggested words. Rarely do I have to type more
than a few letters to find the word I need on the list. When I see
the word I need on the list, pushing the corresponding number
on the keyboard causes the word to appear.
If your computer has
sound, Soothsayer pronounces every letter you press then says the word
after it's completed. If you highlight a body of text then click a
button, Soothsayer reads the passage aloud.
Soothsayer shows what letters
you've already typed and shows the remainder of the word in bold
letters (as seen on the screen-shot below)
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Word
list shown in horizontal position (above):
to go from horizontal to vertical position just double-click the
title bar at the top of the word list. I
love using Soothsayer to speed up my typing
-- ten minutes after I installed Soothsayer my typing speed and
accuracy increased markedly, and adding new words to Soothsayer is
one click away. It's very intuitive, you can use it immediately and
not have to wade through tons of instructions -- probably what I liked
best about the product. **There
is at least one annoying bug I've noticed on my computer: Soothsayer's
horizontal menu occasionally gets lost below the bottom of the screen
-- when this happens the word list can easily be recovered by using
the move command on the right-click menu: select move > push
the up arrow > then move upward with your mouse or pointing
device. Rather
than going into unnecessary detail on my own, here is a description
of the features offered by Soothsayer directly copied and pasted
from the Soothsayer HELP system -- I have yet to try all these
features.
Soothsayer
offers the following useful and easy-to-use features:
Runs
in Windows, ®XP
and ®Vista.
A
built-in graduated Main Dictionary that lets you adjust your
vocabulary to one of four levels (7,800 to 45,800).
Words
presented according to frequency of use.
Authorable
custom dictionaries containing special words or phrases.
Main
dictionary and custom dictionaries can be used simultaneously or one
at a time.
Automatically speak letters,
words, sentences, and punctuation as you type options.
Automatic caret tracking
options so that you can see where you are typing.
A "Speak
Highlighted" button for speaking highlighted text.
An "Add
Word" button for quickly adding an unusual word to
a user dictionary.
An "AutoTypeä"
option that finishes typing a word determined to be the only one
possible from the letters you have typed and the words in the
current dictionaries.
A "Word^Tips" option that presents words in the word list
one at a time either in a balloon located close to where you are
typing or in the SoothSayer window (scanning). Words can be read
aloud and are typed by pressing the Tab key.
Options for adding sounds to a number of SoothSayer events.
An "AutoEditä"
option that corrects commonly misspelled words.
Sound files (e.g., recordings of speech) can be attached to
abbreviations.
You can listen to words/sentences before selecting them by pointing
at them with your mouse cursor; the dwell period before speech
occurs can be adjusted.
Several "Hot Key"
shortcuts for Quick Menu options, scrolling word list, etc.
Learns
your word usage - presents words based on 1) your past word
selections, 2) the words you have typed, or 3) both typed and
selected words.
Abbreviation
expansion provides quick access to authored words or sentences.
Sentence
completion for sentences or paragraphs that is based on words that
you have typed and sentences you have added to any of your
dictionaries.
Vertical
or horizontal window orientation.
Adjustable
number of words presented.
A
SoothSayer Speech Dictionaryä
option, providing a foundation for an elaborate augmentative speech
platform that you can customize for your needs.
Speech
generation when a word or sentence is selected.
Scrolling
word lists.
Word/sentence
selection by point-and-click or keyboard entry (numbers or Control
key + numbers).
Customizable
text font, size, and color, as well as background color.
Word
selection accompanied by choice of sounds (if speech is turned off).
Punctuation
option provides automatic spacing and capitalization.
Optional
spelling monitor alerts you when an unrecognized word is typed.
An
"Always on Top" window option.
Moveable
and sizable word window.
Different voice options - pitch, speed, and pronunciation can be
adjusted.
AutoShow™
option hides SoothSayer until a selectable number of letters have
been pressed or time has passed.
AutoAdd™
option automatically adds all unrecognized words to a user
dictionary.
Try it before you buy it at: www.ahf-net.com/sooth.htm If
you decide to buy it, it costs $149.00 (well worth it, considering
many comparative word prediction programs are $200 and up). If you
can't afford it seek financial assistance: I did.
Remember, sometimes financial aid is easier to obtain from local
sources rather than national sources (see Resources)
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Help insure
that people with disabilities get adapted computers: contact your
congressperson online in a few simple steps. 
