Five useful controls to use a computer

The PC is not always easy to use for people with disabilities. However, there are assistive technologies out there that can help them have a better experience. We found five ideas worth investigating.

1.TrackerPro

It’s a computer input for people with limited use of their hands. Although it replaces the mouse, it works just like one. “It is a high-resolution intelligent camera in a solid aluminium enclosure. You can use it for drawing, drafting, or any other application requiring fine cursor control”. It comes with a small dot to place on the forehead, glasses or a hat. You can scroll by simply moving your head.

2. BigKeys Keyboards

This has two main features: large and high-visibility keys that are easy to see and larger keys for people who lack fine motor movements.

3. QuadJoy

This Joystick is controlled with your mouth. “Hold the hygienic stick with your lips, then control the cursor on the screen with the movement of your mouth”. It has 12 programmable functions, which include, scrolling, cursor motion control, cursor speed and a virtual keyboard.

4. Foot control

A foot mouse is a good idea for people who cannot use their hands or arms. It works like a conventional mouse, so it can be used to navigate and select things in the typical way except you move the cursor with your feet.

5. Eye Trackers

They are instruments that measure the eye behaviour. According to the Eyegaze webpage, “many modern eye trackers are based on video cameras that observe our eyes and produce high-resolution images of our irises, pupils, and scleras. Light emitting diodes illuminate the eyes, and these LEDs produce reflections off the corneal surfaces to provide critical geometric information about the orientation of the eyeball”. The Eyegaze Edge, for example, is an eye-operated communication to allow people with disabilities to communicate. “By looking at control keys or cells displayed on a screen, a user can generate speech either by typing a message or selecting pre-programmed phrases”. For more information, click here.

----

Sign Up to get our weekly bulletin and comment on discussions!

Click on the links below to check out some more articles