Foot Controlled Switches




trackballs and rollerballs and switches

Switches are designed to replace mouse buttons or key presses for people with restricted movement.

They are used in conjunction with software that can scan through options on the screen allowing the user to trigger the switch when the option they wish to choose is highlighted.

Single switches can be used in conjunction with on-screen keyboards and word prediction software. The scanning software can be used to create customised screen layouts for use with a variety of software.

Multiple switches can be used through the use of a switch box. You can then choose the action that each switch performs, for example, you can have one switch to move between objects on the screen and another to select an object.

The need for trackballs and rollerballs
For users with difficulties concerning mobility, dexterity or learning, the use of a trackball or rollerball can improve activities they undertake using ICT.

Trackballs allow users with restricted movements to use just their fingers to control the mouse around the entire screen. The trackball only requires the amount of space it takes up. As users don’t have to move it around it can be placed on any surface, even wheelchair mounted.

For people who have shaky or unintentional arm movement, the trackball can steady and support their hands. This allows better control of the cursor on the computer. The support is curved and elevated to fit the palm and reduce wrist fatigue.




There are a number of joysticks designed specifically for people with mobility difficulties. The screen pointer is controlled by the stick and choices can be made through the use of buttons.

Many joysticks can also be used in conjunction with switches.




Headtracking and eyegaze are methods of interacting with a computer by moving your head or eyes.

Headtracking is appropriate technology for individuals with any disability where the user lacks the hand control to use a standard mouse but retains good head movement. Head movements are tracked allowing users to interact with computers in a variety of ways.

For users with limited head movements eyegaze technology allows people to interact with computers by pointing with their eyes.

How do they work?
A video camera observes the user's eye and specialized image processing software analyzes the video images of the eye and determines the eye's gazepoint on the monitor screen.

Simply by looking at control keys displayed on a computer screen a disabled user can type, generate synthesized speech, control lights and appliances, operate a telephone, play games, and run compatible software.


links
http://www.ltscotland.org.uk/inclusi...oict/index.asp