AzTAP: AzTAP’s Initiative on Aging:Assistive Technology and Aging in Place
Article 5 - Assistive Technology and Computer Use
Jill Sherman-Pleasant, MA, OTR/L
Project Director, Arizona Technology Access Program (AzTAP)
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Several of your friends are faithful computer users; your grandkids say they want to send you email, and maybe you used a computer in the past, but you are not sure you could use one now because of problems with your hands (pain, stiffness, weakness, shakiness, etc). Even though computers are typically operated by using our hands to type on the keyboard and control the mouse, the good news is that limited hand function need not be a barrier to computer use. There are a range of assistive technology options to address these problems. In this article we will look at a variety of adaptations for the keyboard and mouse.
As a general rule of thumb it is usually best (and often less expensive) to start by considering simple options whenever possible. So it may be helpful to begin at your local computer or electronics store to see what they offer in terms of keyboard and mouse products. There is a wide selection of ergonomic keyboards and mice designed to reduce stress on finger and wrist joints.
Assistive technology vendors offer even more variety in specially configured keyboards. If shakiness or incoordination is a problem, larger size keyboards - known as expanded keyboards - are available to make it easier to accurately select the desired keys with fewer mistakes. Small keyboards - referred to as mini keyboards - are useful to people with limited finger movement and strength. One handed computer users can benefit from software options that eliminate the need to press two keys simultaneously such as when capitalizing words or using punctuation keys. This feature, called Sticky Keys, is built into all Windows and Mac operating systems and can be found by locating the wheelchair icon on the control panel. It is possible to bypass the keyboard altogether. There are two ways to do this. The first is through voice recognition software. Two readily available programs are Dragon NaturallySpeaking and IBM's ViaVoice. These programs work by translating the user's speech into text. However, successful use does require some training and practice.
Another strategy for eliminating the keyboard is to use software programs that provide an onscreen keyboard. This means that a virtual keyboard is displayed on the computer monitor. Selections of desired keys can be made by using a mouse or mouse emulators. If the person cannot control the standard mouse or other kinds of commercially available mice such as trackballs or track pads, other, more high tech options exist. Head pointing systems use wireless infrared technology to convert the computer user's head motions to cursor movements. In other words, instead of a person's hand controlling the mouse and directing the cursor, head movements are substituted - tuning the head to the right will move the cursor to the letters on the right side of the onscreen keyboard. Eye movements can also be utilized for mouse emulation by the use of special cameras and software that track a person's eye gaze and convert eye movements to mouse control.
Demonstrations of these types of assistive technology products can be arranged through the AzTAP network of assistive technology regional resource centers. Call 800-477-9921 for more information. Another community resource is to visit the special needs section of your local public library.
There are many sources to buy assistive technology. Examples of companies that specialize in assistive technology for computer access include, but are not limited to the following: Infogrip Inc., 1-800-397-0921 http://www.infogrip.com/ and EnableMart, 1-888-640-1999, http://www.EnableMart.com.
Next time we will discuss computer use when there is a loss of vision.
Support for DES-AAA/NAU/AzTAP’s collaborative project Assistive Technology and Aging in Place is provided by the NAHB Research Center’s National Center for Seniors’ Housing Research through a grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging.
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