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Article #1: Assistive Technology on computers

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Accessing the keyboard Hardware so that there is less strain on the wrist;
Height-adjustable trolley. Allows precise arm supports support the arm yet still
adjustment, via a handle, of a computer to permit free movement.
the correct height - even when fully Keyboard shortcuts. A combination of keys
loaded with equipment. is used for operations commonly done using
Adjustable keyboard and monitor arms. the mouse.
Attaches to a table and swings out to the Rollerballs. An upside-down mouse where
correct height. the ball is moved directly with the
Footrests. If the user’s feet are fingers (or foot, nose, elbow etc) to
dangling down from a seat that is too high control the mouse pointer.
they can help to maintain sitting balance Joysticks. The stick is moved directly
and achieve good hand control. with the fingers (or foot, nose, elbow
Wristrests. Stabilises the arm. etc) to control the mouse pointer.
Arm supports. Take the weight of the arm Graphics tablets. The stylus pen, linked
and let the user move across the keyboard to the tablet, is moved with the hand to
to access the keys. control the mouse pointer.
Keyguards. It fits over the keyboard to Touch pads. Flat touch sensitive surface
help prevent unintentional keypresses. operated with the finger to control the
Ergonomic keyboards. Reduce the discomfort mouse pointer.
from injuries related to excessive Touch screens. The user can touch objects
keyboard use (wristrests are often built directly on the screen to move them
in as well). around.
Chording keyboards. Have a handful of keys Head control. Use head movement to control
(one per digit per hand) to type by the mouse pointer.
‘chords’ which produce different Software Double-click speed is a feature
letters and keys. of Microsoft Windows.
Expanded keyboards. Keys are larger and ClickLock is a feature of Microsoft
more widely spaced. Windows. Locks a mouse button down so that
Compact and miniature keyboards. A smaller items can be dragged around the screen.
version of the standard keyboard. Mouse speed is a feature of Microsoft
Dvorak alternative keyboard layout. An Windows. Sets how far and fast the pointer
ergonomic keyboard layout, where the most moves on the screen.
common keys are located at either the left Pointer size is a feature of Microsoft
or right side of the keyboard. Windows. Changes can be made to the size,
Height-adjustable computer table Software colour or shape.
Sticky keys is a feature of Microsoft MouseKeys is a feature of Microsoft
Windows 95 onwards and Mac OS X operating Windows 95 onwards. Configures the numeric
systems. Allows characters or commands to keypad at the right-hand side of the
be typed without having to hold down a keyboard to control the mouse pointer.
modifier key (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) while Macros is a feature of Microsoft Word. A
pressing a second key. particular sequence of keyboard operations
FilterKeys is a feature of Microsoft are ‘recorded’ and then ‘played
Windows 95 onwards. Instructs the keyboard back’ by pressing a combination of keys.
to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes. Switch access and switches Switches allow
FilterKeys (Ignore repeated keystrokes) is access to computers for people with severe
a feature of Microsoft Windows 95 onwards. physical or cognitive difficulties. Mimics
Adjusts the amount of time that elapses a keyboard keystroke or mouse click.
before a character repeats when you hold Switch interface. Used as an interface to
down a key. connect a switch to the computer.
FilterKeys (Ignore quick keystrokes and Switch mounting. Used to mount a switch
slow down the repeat rate) is a feature of (sometimes in conjunction with a mounting
Microsoft Windows 95 onwards. Adjusts the plate).
speed at which a character repeats when Switch accessible software. Software which
you hold down a key. is accessible via a switch.
ToggleKeys is a feature of Microsoft Learning difficulties Hardware Keyboards
Windows 95 onwards. A high sound is heard with lowercase keys Keyboards with big
when the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM keys Symbols based software Touchscreen
LOCK key is switched on and a low sound is Word processor with speech software
heard when any of those keys are switched Software Age appropriate software Cause
off. and effect software Hand-eye co-ordination
Accessing the mouse Hardware Wristrests skills software
and supports. Wristrests support the hand






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