Assistive Technology - Tools and Applications 2

Keyboards

The standard keyboard and mouse are the main input devices and represent the chief barriers to pupils with restricted motor control. However optional settings available within the standard computer operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, can improve the usability of the standard keyboard and mouse in some cases. Additionally, alternative mice and keyboards can provide viable and relatively simple options in a large percentage of cases.

In the Microsoft Windows operating system, the available built-in adjustments for people with disabilities are called 'Accessibility Options'. These should always be considered when adaptations to a standard computer are needed.

The Microsoft Accessibility Options

Standard computer use for people with disabilities can be made easier by the MS Windows Accessibility Options it is worth taking the trouble to experiment with these. They can be accessed via START > Settings > Control Panel > Accessibility Options. They offer various alternatives, under five menus:

1. Keyboard Tab
   1. Some pupils will be unable to perform tasks that require two keys to be pressed at the one time. StickyKeys enables you to do this - to press the CTRL, ALT, and SHIFT keys and have them remain active until the next time you press a key other than CTRL, ALT, or SHIFT. .
   2. When a pupil may not be able to remove a finger from a key quickly enough, a repeated letter is caused. Equally, there may be unwanted repeated keystrokes. FilterKeys instructs your keyboard to ignore these and the rate at which a key repeats when you hold it down can be adjusted.
   3. ToggleKeys, when activated, instructs the computer to play a sound when the CAPS LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK key is switched on (and another low sound when any of those keys are switched off). This is a useful feature for any keyboard user who has to look at the keyboard while typing.
2. Mouse Tab

   MouseKeys enables one to use the numeric keypad to move the cursor, click, double click and drag.

3. General Tab
   1. Automatic Reset - will turn off the Accessibility Options after a specified period, with the option of giving a warning.
   2. Notification - the computer will make a sound when turning an accessibility option on or off, and give you a visual message when turning an option on.
   3. SerialKey Devices - allows alternative devices to be connected to a serial port to act as an alternative keyboard.
4. Sound Tab

   SoundSentry and ShowSounds options are outlined in the section on Hearing Impairment.

5. Display Tab

   The Display Tab gives contrast options for visually impaired users. Users who can benefit from these function should learn their use and the relevant shortcut keys. Examples of the accessibility shortcut keys are:

   To:	Press
   Switch FilterKeys on and off	RIGHT SHIFT for eight seconds
   Switch High Contrast on and off	LEFT ALT+LEFT SHIFT+PRINT SCREEN
   Switch MouseKeys on and off	LEFT ALT+LEFT SHIFT+NUM LOCK
   Switch StickyKeys on and off	SHIFT five times
   Switch ToggleKeys on and off	NUM LOCK for five seconds

The Accessibility Wizard 9 also gives useful options, but is less flexible than the Accessibility Options.

Keyboard shortcuts

Keyboard shortcuts may speed up keyboard use for pupils with disabilities.
Click here for a short list of keyboard shortcuts [PDF 100KB].

Keyboard layout

The standard 'QWERTY' 10 keyboard layout was first designed in the 1860's, to suit the technical needs of early mechanical typewriters. This layout has survived until today, but has no logical connection with early literacy learning and presents one of the first barriers to computer use for all people.

However, there are many options and alternatives to this. The optimum keyboard choice will depend on the stage of development of the pupil, along with the control, range and strength of the pupil's arm, hand and finger movement. There is no substitute for letting the pupil try out different alternatives.

The Dvorak Keyboard Layout, or Frequency Layout, has the most used letters clustered near the centre of the board, thus minimising unnecessary movement. This might be considered for the one-handed user or those with a limited range of mobility.

Primary schools might consider using lower-case keyboards, where the symbols are not capitals. Alternatively, lower-case symbols can be stuck to the keys.

Standard QWERTY Keyboard

Ergonomic Keyboards

So-called ergonomic keyboards have been designed to suit normal hand placement. Maltron and Microsoft produce various forms.

Keyguards

Simple plastic or metal keyguards with holes for access to the keys, placed over the standard keyboard, will allow the hand to rest on the keyboard and eliminate unintentional key-presses. Because of variations in keyboards, it is usually easier to purchase a combined keyboard and keyguard, rather than trying to find a guard to fit an existing keyboard. There may be difficulty in getting keyguards for some laptop computers.

Keyboard Keyguard

Compact Keyboards

Compact keyboards, are smaller and require less space on a desktop or wheelchair tray. They also have optional keyguards. Cherry and Tash are popular makes.

Compact Keyboard

Mini Keyboards

Mini Keyboards require less range of movement.

Expanded Keyboards

These have larger and bigger keys. They are often attractively designed and liked by younger pupils. Big Keys is a popular make.

Overlay Keyboard

An overlay keyboard is a 'board' with a series of touch-sensitive switches. An 'overlay' can be put on this board to represent anything and can replace or supplement a normal keyboard with personalised preferences, such as frequently used words and images. They are sometimes used in supermarkets, for example, on weighing scales and checkout tills. They are especially useful for pupils with learning disabilities and can be used to communicate, or 'write', with images. The term concept keyboard is sometimes used.

Overlay keyboard and switch

Infra-red Keyboard

Where the user needs to be physically apart from the computer, without the use of keyboard or mouse connections, an infra-red keyboard will work without the use of wires.

Gloves

or wipeable covers can be obtained for most keyboards. A 'Y Connector' will allow the use of a standard and alternative keyboard on one computer.

Y connector for keyboard or mouse

Mouthsticks and Headpointers

For those with good head- but poor hand-control, a headpointer or mouthstick (mouthwand) may be a solution. The headpointer is fitted to a form of helmet and the mouthstick is held in the mouth. If a mouthstick is being used frequently, the biting part should be moulded by a dentist to avoid distorting teeth and jaws.

Armrests and Handrests

Arm- and wrist-rests are available and may help to find the optimum position for keyboard access. Local ingenuity and adaptation can be useful in this regard.