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Those who experience difficulties with the standard mouse include people who have a tremor, limited arm movement, those who use a mouthstick or who have insufficient strength or coordination to push mouse buttons. For some, a variation on the standard mouse will suffice. These are sculptured to accommodate the arches of the hand or provide several mouse buttons which can be customised to suit preferences. Other options include mice with external switches, hands free mice, trackballs, joysticks, and keyboard options.
A STANDARD MOUSE can be adapted to accept an external switch instead of responding exclusively to the mouse buttons. This adaptation may be useful for a client who has insufficient strength or accuracy to press a mouse button with their fingers, but has sufficient strength to press a switch with their whole hand.
HANDSFREE MICE utilise a sensor mounted on top of the computer monitor to track the movement of a small reflective target. Movement of the target controls the cursor. The target is usually a small reflective sticker attached to a headband, glasses, or the client's forehead. Moving the head results in cursor movement. Mouse clicks are performed by any type of external switch, for example, a sip puff switch, a jelly bean switch, or even an eye blink switch. Alternatively, a software programme can simulate mouse clicks and click and drag. All mouse functions can be performed using these hands free mice. Typing can be achieved by combining an onscreen keyboard with the hands free mouse.
Examples include:
. Head mouse
. Tracker
. Headmaster
A joystick may be a more appropriate alternative than a mouse or trackball for some clients.
JOUSE is a joystick operated mouse controlled by the mouth. Mouse button actions are performed via a sip puff switch. The Jouse requires minimal head movement and can be operated with chin movement. The Jouse is usually mounted on a swing away arm.
The JOYSTICK MOUSE emulates a Microsoft mouse. It is a standard wheelchair joystick which can be operated by hand, chin or foot movement. Two large buttons can be used as mouse buttons.
Other alternatives may include MOUSE KEYS and RADAR MOUSE. Mouse keys is a part of the IBM Access Pack utility. This utility provides mouse control including click, drag, drag lock, using keys on the number pad. It would be especially useful for clients who use a headpointer or a mouthstick. The Radar Mouse is a switch activated mouse emulator. Like a radar screen, a beam sweeps around the screen in an arc. When the beam is pointing in the desired direction the switch is pressed. The cursor will continue to move in that direction until another action is chosen.
CONSULTATION:
In some situations it may be advisable to consult an expert in the area of technology for people with disabilities. The Computer Assistive Technology Services (CATS) is a division of Northcott and located in North Parramatta. They also travel extensively throughout NSW. The Assistive Technology Service of Cerebral Palsy Alliance is located in Allambie Heights.
This information has been prepared by the COMPUTER ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY SERVICE (Div. of Northcott).
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