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

How do people access the Web?

You could be forgiven if your initial answer to that question is Dialup, Broadband or Mobile. For most, its a case of simply “turn it on”, but for others its more that than.

I’ve heard people say “the Web is my lively-hood”. But, for some, reliance on the Web is much more than that. Some people believe accessibility is about giving Deaf/Blind people access to information on their Web site.

In the video below you’ll get a better understanding for how some use the Web. You’ll see a woman who runs the house hold, ordering groceries, managing the bank balance, paying all the bills and in her spare time, helping her hubby. She also finds the time to keep in touch with friends. She plays a pivot role in the house hold.

Marie has Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) a.k.a Motor Neurone Disease (MND) and credits the computer for saving her life. Marie uses SwitchXS to access her computer, KeyStrokes for word prediction and Proloquo for communication.

This is just one of many examples of how some people access the Web, more to come.

YouTube video

http://segala.com/blog/how-do-people-access-the-web/



Marie uses SwitchXS to access her computer, KeyStrokes for word prediction and Proloquo for communication.

http://segala.com/blog/how-do-people-access-the-web/

Dasher is free and fun...
Try Dasher in your browser right now!
http://www.inference.phy.cam.ac.uk/dasher/

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Click-N-Type / Free
http://cnt.lakefolks.com/

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More videos of people using Assistiveware products here:
http://www.assistiveware.com/videos.php

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TextAloud uses voice synthesis to convert text into spoken audio. Listen on your PC or create MP3 or WMA files for use on portable devices like iPods, PocketPCs, and CD players.
http://www.nextup.com/

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Windows 98 & XP has a built in onscreen keyboard in accessories > accessibility.

It's set to open when pc starts up & hover to click keys, there's even shortcut keys like an ordinary keyboard.

I now use this in conjunction with a free dwell click program called point n click get it here
http://www.polital.com/pnc/ or click aid http://www.polital.com/ca/ they also have click n type http://cnt.lakefolks.com/ with word prediction, if you use this you also need the library to match your language again it's free.

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