Assistive Technology on computers

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