Assistive Software and Hardware Tools

Windows programs have many options for users with a disability. Other technologies may help, too. Following is a short list of products that might make computer use easier for people with developmental disabilities.

Mouse Accessibility

Using the mouse may prove challenging for those with disabilities that hinder motor skills, movement, and hand-eye coordination.

Mouse Software Options

Click Emulators - This allows users to perform all mouse clicking functions without actually clicking the mouse buttons. Most commonly, this is done by moving the mouse above a clickable icon, then allowing the cursor to "dwell" over the desired object for a brief amount of time before the software clicks (or double-clicks) the object for you. Very helpful for those with mobility impairments or repetitive strain injuries, or for those who simply have trouble double-clicking.

Dwell Clicker (Freeware) by Sensory Software For more information and to download, go to http://www.sensorysoftware.com/dwellclicker.html

Pointer Visibility Enhancements - make the mouse pointer more visible by changing its shape or color depending upon the background color. This can be done on most Windows PCs by changing your mouse pointer settings in your Control Panel.

Joystick Mouse Emulators - Allows users to use any standard joystick or gamepad to carry out mouse functions. For some users, a joystick or gamepad may be an easier or more intuitive interface than a mouse.

Easy JoyMouse by Phatsoft is freeware available for download at http://download.cnet.com/Phatsoft-JoyMouse/3000-2072_4-10065027.html

Keyboard Mouse Emulators - Another means to circumventing problems with the mouse is to use the keyboard instead.

Keymouse 5.0 shareware (http://members.xoom.com/_XOOM/fluxware/Software/)

Mouse Wrappers - allow users to drag the mouse cursor off one side of the desktop and make it reappear on the other side. This can help reduce the effort necessary to operate the mouse and speed up many small tasks.

Other Useful Mouse Software Utilities

Noisy Mouse (Freeware) by Lior Ostrowsky - plays sounds whenever a mouse button is clicked. Provides instant feedback for each mouse click. Check out http://members.tripod.com/~leeos/index-2.html for more details and a free download.

Mouse Hardware

No-hands Mouse - This mouse works with two foot pedals. One controls clicking while the other controls the directional pointing. For more information, go to http://www.microscience.com.

Switch Adapted Mouse: Joystick - This mouse alternative consists of a joystick for moving the cursor and input switches for click, double click,and drag functions. The joystick is designed such that no matter the speed at which it is moved, it will move the cursor at a constant, slower speed which can be set by the user. Such a feature makes cursor movement easier for those with underdeveloped motor skills. Additional software is available which, when used in conjunction with the joystick, simulate operating a power wheel chair. Price: $164 for PC, $164 for Mac plus $50 for a Mac USB-to-ADB adapter. For more information, see http://www.rjcooper.com/sam-joystick/index.html.

Anir Mouse - The Anir mouse looks like a joystick or plane controller, but it works just like an ordinary mouse - by moving it around on a mouse pad. The "joystick" part provides an alternative to holding the mouse with your palm down, which may prove useful to individuals with a limited range of mobility or coarse motor skills. Price: $50, see http://www.animax.no/ for more information.

Magic TouchScreen - This is a very durable, add-on TouchScreen that replaces the mouse in all applications. Any point-and-click type software is instantly accessible simply by touching the thing that would normally require moving. It comes in many sizes and is supported by two hangers while Velcro strips keep it affixed to the screen. PC/ADB/USB Compatible. Price: $250 or $350 depending on size of TouchScreen, visit http://www.rjcooper.com/magic-touchscreen/index.html for more information.

Keyboarding Accessibility

There are a number of ways that typing can be made easier for individuals with disabilities.

Keyboard Software

Abbreviation Expansion - Assistive technology that allows users to spell out complex words and phrases by typing only short, preset abbreviations. In doing so, the user is required to make fewer keystrokes and productivity is greatly increased. Useful for those with difficulty typing due to mobility impairments and also for those with problems spelling and such.

RoboType 2 (Freeware) by Gregory A Wolking / PC Magazine http://hotfiles.zdnet.com/cgi-bin/texis/swlib/hotfiles/info.html?b=pcm&fcode=000OHO

Talking Word Processors - Word processing software that speaks letters and words as the user types. Gives users instant feedback as to whether or not they have made the right keystrokes. Great for helping beginning typists gain confidence in their abilities. Prices range from around $50 to $600.

Intellitalk II from Intellitools (http://www.intellitools.com/)

Type and Talk from TextHELP! Systems Ltd. (http://www.texthelp.com/)

Write:OutLoud from Don Johnston, Inc. (http://www.donjohnston.com/) are all great talking word processors.

An inexpensive alternative to these is Christina Word by Agape Interactive. It is a freeware program that verbalizes each keystroke like the above-mentioned programs. It cannot, however, read typed words to users in computer-generated speech as the more expensive programs. Download from http://pizzaz.hypermart.net/cw.htm.

Typing Tutorial Programs - Programs designed to improve the user's keyboarding skills. This includes learning proper keyboarding form, increasing typing speed, and more.

Mavis Beacon Teaches Typing by the Learning Company (http://www.mavisbeacon.com/) has been the standard in typing tutors for a number of years and is available for around $40.

Keyboard31, a less sophisticated but functional freeware typing tutor is available from Sagebrush Software Products (http://www.bsu.com/).

Word Prediction - Assistive technology in which users can complete words and phrases without typing them by choosing the desired word from a list of possibilities. This reduces the number of keystrokes necessary to complete most words and some commonly used phrases. This can help boost productivity and reduce wear and tear on limbs from repetitive typing. This has proven very useful for those with difficulty typing due to mobility impairments and also for those with problems spelling and such.

These programs are generally very expensive, with low-end programs starting at around $150 and the more sophisticated programs going into the thousands of dollars. If price is not a concern, the following are all very good word prediction programs.
Aurora (http://www.djtech.com/aurora/)
Co:Writer (http://www.donjohnston.com/)
EZ Keys (http://www.words-plus.com/)
Read and Write (http://www.texthelp.com/)
Telepathic (http://www.madentec.com)

Other Useful Keyboard Software

Writing With Symbols by Mayer-Johnson Co. (http://www.mayer-johnson.com/) - A very unique utility. This is a visual word processor that allows users to compose written documents through pictures or text. Helpful for those who are still developing their text composition and reading skills. Retails for around $199.

Keyboard Hardware

Different types of alternative keyboard devices may be helpful.

Maltron Keyboards offers many different types and shapes of keyboards for special needs users.

Single Handed Keyboards - This keyboard was designed for individuals who have the use of only one hand or even a few fingers on one hand. They offer right and left-handed versions. The keyboard is ergonomically and efficiently designed to reduce hand fatigue while increasing the typist's words per minute. Price: $695, visit http://www.maltron.com.

Single Finger or Mouth/Head Stick Keyboards - Single finger or Head/Mouth stick keyboards have a unique shape and keyboard layout. The shape matches head movement and the key arrangement minimizes finger or stick activity, raising speed and relieving frustration. Price: $695, visit http://www.maltron.com.

Expanded Keyboards - Almost twice the size of a regular keyboard, this expanded version has extra space keys, large letter keys, and a more spacious overall layout. The extra space prevents repeated keystrokes and errors for people with motor difficulties. It also has large, clear, characters and keys that make the letters easier to read. The keys are color-coded, black on white for alphanumeric and cursor keys, black on pink for function keys and black on yellow for control keys (alternative options are available if required). Price: $975, visit http://www.maltron.com

Big Keys Keyboard - This keyboard is a less costly version of Maltron's Expanded Keyboard. It can be ordered with either white or color keys and is available in QWERT and alpha formats. PC/Mac compatible. Price: $169, rentals also available. Visit http://www.keyalt.com/keyboards/bigkeys.htm

Large Print Keyboard - This keyboard has larger keys for easier use and the characters are as big as the keys. It has easy to find Color Coded function keys, printed in large format as well. PC and Mac compatible. Price: $160, rentals available. Visit http://www.keyalt.com/keyboards/largeprintkey.htm.

On Screen Keyboards

Click-N-Type (Freeware) - "Click-N-Type is an on-screen virtual keyboard designed for anyone with a disability that prevents him or her from typing on a physical computer keyboard. As long as the physically challenged person can control a mouse, trackball, touch screen or other pointing device, this software keyboard allows you to send keystrokes to virtually any Windows application or DOS application that can run within a window." To learn more and download a copy, visit http://www.lakefolks.org/cnt/

HandsOFF - This software eliminates the use of a keyboard in many applications. Instead, it places the keyboard on-screen, where it can be activated with a mouse or any other pointing device. This keyboard can also be operated on a switch interface. The software has word prediction that is shown on the left of the screen and also has a task bar on the bottom for easy access to other programs. HandsOFF also has output software for those unable to read/see well and a variety of fonts including larger sizes for visually challenged individuals. Price: Free! The program is too large to download though, so it is available free through priority mail. Request the CD-ROM by e-mailing zygo@zygo-usa.com, or for more information, visit http://www.zygo-usa.com/handsoff.html

Discover:Screen - Discover:Screen is an on-screen talking keyboard for easy access to writing and communicating. It provides point and click access to standard keyboard letters, whole words, and communication phrases. Discover:Screen draws on Ke:nx technology for its access, speech, and learning capabilities. Use Discover:Board with a mouse device such as a touch screen, joystick, or trackball and any program. Formatted for: MacOS , Windows. Price: $199, visit http://www.woodlaketec.com/ca_onscreenkeysoft.html.

Screen Readers

Screen reader is the generic term for software that communicates the information on the computer screen to the user by non-visual means. Generally, this is done through speech synthesis software, which reads the text to the user via computer-generated speech. Braille is also commonly used for those who are blind or visually impaired.

Screen readers can vary a great deal in terms of features and price. The most sophisticated and feature-rich applications can cost several thousand dollars and might include elaborate hardware peripherals and extensive accessibility features.
ReadPlease (http://www.readplease.com/) and
HELP Read (http://www.pixi.com/~reader1/) are two freeware speech-synthesizing screen-reading applications. Both perform the essential reading functions of more expensive programs without the price tag.

Voice Recognition Software

Voice Recognition is an assistive technology that allows users to enter data into their computer via oral dictation. The computer takes user voice data and converts it to computer text or commands.

Currently, even the most advanced programs are challenging to use. To use these programs requires precise and clear speech and well-developed reading skills. One must also be prepared to spend time and effort proofreading and editing.

Here are some resources to explore:
FreeSpeech (http://www.speech.philips.com/freespeech2000/)
Naturally Speaking (http://www.dragonsys.com/)
ViaVoice (http://www.software.ibm.com/speech/)
Voice Assist (http://www.mindmaker.com/)
Voice Xpress (http://www.lhsl.com/)

Screen Magnification

Screen magnifiers are devices designed to make viewing the text and images found on computers easier for those with visual impairments. Listed are some software applications that enlarge a portion of the computer screen on the computer screen. There are also stand-alone hardware devices that physically magnify the screen for visually impaired users.

Windows 98 comes with a program called "Magnifier," a simplified magnification program. For those of you who do not have Windows 98 or are on a budget, download Lupa from ftp://trace.wisc.edu/pub/access_utils/win95/lupa.zip (Made available by the Trace Center). It's freeware and very easy to use.

If you require a more powerful screen enlarging utility and can afford to pay for it, try Lunar by Dolphin Computer Access (http://www.dolphinusa.com/) or MAGic by Henter-Joyce (http://www.hj.com/).