The keyboard is the primary means of input to an IBM PC for most
people. For a disabled person, an alternate input method may be
needed in order to access the computer.
One option is a keyboard which is a different size from the standard
keyboard. Generally, these alternate keyboards have a programmable
membrane surface that allows the user to define the key assignments
and the size of the key.
Other alternate input devices allow an individual to indicate
a desired letter or position on a matrix or grid by pointing with
a light pointer or touching the grid. Devices with scanning arrays
allow an individual to make a selection when the desired letter,
number or word is reached. Common forms for scanning arrays are
menus on a computer screen, grids of squares with lights which
light sequentially and dial faces (like clocks) with pointers
which revolve to point to symbols. When using a scanning array,
the user activates a switch to move through the choices to make
a selection.
In order to connect some alternate input devices to an IBM PC,
a keyboard emulating interface may be required to allow the device
and the computer to communicate. a keyboard emulating interface
translates the signals from the alternate input device into signals
resembling those from a standard keyboard.
An additional alternate input system is MORSE CODE entry using
single or dual switches. Keyboard emulators accommodating Morse
Code input and training programs are available.
The ABLE-2 Product Family supports computer users with special needs in a systematic program in four parts: needs assessment, workstation family, focused training, life cycle support. Needs assessment focuses on vision-impaired blind, hearing-impaired/deaf and neuromuscular impairment or para quadriplegic. Computer users with visual impairments are provided with optical character readers, voice synthesizers, screen readers, tactile output displays and Braille devices. The workstation family may be configured with voice input, mouse, foot pedal, joystick and headpointer.
The ACS Medicom system for communication, environmental control and computer access is based on two IBM PCs connected as a parallel system, allowing access to all IBM PC software. Two input systems are provided: voice and switch body movement. Voice input allows the user to create vocabularies; switch body movement output allows the user to enter data with a single switch, multiple switches or a joystick. A voice output option reads the screen via a speech synthesizer. With the system, the user may run standard software, control various appliances with BSR X-10 control modules, dial and talk on the phone or communicate via computer networks. The system may be used for wheelchair and robotics control. Expansion options are available.
AID + ME is an access interface that helps the user to select a variety of entry methods/devices such as a membrane keyboard, switch, touch windows, mouse or joystick. It is supported for the PC and PS/2 family of computers. Features include scanning setup, key redefinition, mouse emulation, voice output with on-board synthesizer. It enables the user to run a variety of applications including text programs, educational software and CAD applications.
The Canon Communicator M is a portable communication aid that offers 190 keyboard functions and printed tape output. The A, B, C, D and E keys store words or phrases (up to 19 characters). Stored messages or phrases may be changed at any time. The Communicator may be used as an alternate input to a computer with a serial interface. Output from the Communicator is to a thermal dot printer. Input is made via direct selection. Keyguards, wheelchair mounting, raincover, arm belts and other accessories are available.
CINTEX allows computer input by eyebrow switch, sip-n-puff switch, joystick or other contact switches. It offers functions for word processing and word prediction, printing, appliance and environmental control, telephone support, games, music composition and calculator use. A speech output and voice input function recognize repeated sounds. The word processor contains anticipatory arrays providing word prediction. Its environmental controller operates up to 256 household devices. Telephone support includes automatic dialing, switch to speaker phone, a note-taking function, touch or pulse dialing and easy touch-tone access. The word processor accepts and stores musical notes for music composition. The system provides musical playback without additional hardware. Full keyboard support is provided for those using mouthsticks or head pointer.
Dada Entry provides a number of ways of alternative access codes including row/column, Morse code, joystick and mouse.
Darci is a joystick computer control device for mobility impaired users for IBM PCs and PS 2s. Darci comes with an extra plug so the standard keyboard can still be connected while it is in use. No modifications to the standard computer are needed. Darci allows keyboard use by anyone who can position a joystick and works with all standard software. It comes with a reference manual, a set of training software and a series of reference cards.
VPL,s DataGlove is a patented computer input device which converts hand gestures and positions into computer-readable form. It consists of the DataGlove and a desktop control unit. Sensors mounted on a lightweight lycra glove monitor flexion and extension of the fingers and the position and orientation of the hand. The microprocessor-based control unit acquires data from the DataGlove and transmits it to the host. DataGlove opens up new ways of interacting with computers in CAD/CAM applications, robotics and telemanipulation, simulation and animation.
Dragon Dictate is a complete speech recognition system with phonetic models built for 30,000 words to allow the user to run a computer by voice - creating memo, reports, any free text by speaking. It adapts to your voice, learning how you say words and predicting how you will say similar words (usually at 35 words per minute). It requires an IBM PS/2 286 or compatible running MS-DOS and 5 1/4 disk-drive.
EZ Com is a scanning and communication system designed for someone who needs widely-spaced characters in the scanning display or who can use auditory scanning with no display; it is for someone who has reasonably good spelling skills and requires single switch input. It is simple and limited - providing relatively slow communication.
Eyegaze is a vision-controlled computer system that brings a variety of functions together under the control of a person's eyes - typing, word processing, speech output, environmental control and running most DOS software. The system includes an eye-activated printer, telephone and several games. Response is accurate within 1/4" of where the user's eye is focused. Activation time is 2/3 second. The new interactive keyboard permits a teacher to type manually while a student types via Eyegaze on the same screen.
An electronic keyboard and portable communication aid controlled by eye gaze, the EyeTyper is placed 11" in front of the user's eyes for selecting letters, numbers or commands by gazing at the positions. Longer units may be typed using two-gaze combinations. Vocabulary maybe programmed by the user with the eyes, from an external keyboard or by loading from disk. Text is displayed on a 40-character display and spoken by a built-in synthesizer. Overlays may be purchased or made. Options include a printer, an external display and an external keyboard for programming vocabulary. A built-in keyboard emulating interface is provided, permitting the EyeTyper to be used as an alternate computer keyboard or to run an environmental control system.
ezMorse is a Morse code keyboard emulator that uses basic military codes with mneumonic codes for other keyboard keys. Features include on-screen help, single or dual switch access, manual on disk (or printed), cable for serial, parallel or game port.
ezScan is part of Regenesis Development Corp.'s Multi-Access Package for physically disabled users. It allows disabled users to use most software packages and features overlapping windows to help control the screen through single or dual switch.
Freeboard offers a range of computer access options for people whose disabilities make it difficult to type on a regular keyboard. As a keyboard replacement program, it allows typing using a mouse, trackball, joystick, or a simple switch in a scanning mode.
Freedom Writer is a word processor specifically designed for individuals with disabilities. The user does not have to type on the keyboard - the keyboard can be operated entirely with an "on screen keyboard" and pointing devices such as a mouse, light pen or joystick or a single key from the computer keyboard or single switch or speech input. The user enters complete words and phrases and has instant access to the most commonly used words. In addition to 12,000 fixed words, the user can store up to 5000 words and up to 200 phrases. The Freedom Writer may be used to write computer programs as well as document. It has all the standard word processing features such as block move, block copy, underlining, heading and tooting. Memory requirements are 192K.
FreeWheel provides computer access for people whose disabilities prevent them from using their hands on a regular keyboard. An optical pointer provides control of a special cursor, plus menu selection capability. The keyboard appears as a visual image placed over the screen; the cursor moves around by head motion. The optical camera has a standard input jack making it compatible with any stock input switch. The visual keyboard can be "dragged" to any position on the monitor and can disappear on command. A common word feature completes words to speed up data entry. FreeWheel can be used for environmental control purposes (lights and appliances) with the X-10 Powerhouse. Applications include word processing, spreadsheets, data communications, desktop publishing, CAD CAM and programming.
This is a cursor pointing device, designed for interfacing with an IBM computer and many CAD/CAM environments via a standard RS232 port. Pointing and cursor control can be achieved by the use of the fingertips to position the ball. It requires 4.62 x 5.37" of desk space. Six user switches are provided for additional flexibility with menu driven software such as CAD/CAM applications.
HandiCODE is a memory resident Morse code facility which converts Morse code into keyboard data. Total keyboard functionality is obtained through Morse code input via single, dual or triple switch interface (sip & puff, etc.) or Morse code paddle. Supports Speech output.
HandiKEY/Deluxe, memory resident software, permits alternate means of entering keyboard data using sets of matrices that may be scanned or directly selected using a trackball, mouse, joystick, etc. It includes word prediction, abbreviation expansion and matrix modification. Deluxe support speech output.
HandiSHIFT is a memory resident sticky key utility for users with restricted access to the keyboard. Three modes of operation are provided: shifting the next character and two modes of shift lock. It has an optional visual shift state indication.
HandiWORD is a memory-resident, statistically-weighted word prediction software facility; it learns user's word usage and includes abbreviation expansion, complete macro capability and dictionary maintenance; it is available in French, Spanish, German and Italian.
HeadMater allows persons who are unable to use their hands to perform computer functions. It performs all mouse functions; the headset and control unit work together to measure the rotation of the user's head and translate it into cursor movements on the screen.
IBM Voice Type, a multimedia speech recognition product, allows
a person to use DOS 5.0, word-processing, database, and spreadsheet
applications simply by dictation a word or command. Voice Type
provides an accessible workstation that may be used by people
who can't easily use a keyboard or who can only use the keyboard
in a limited way. An 80,000 word dictionary assists in word prediction.
Ideaphone is a programmable telephone installed inside a personal computer. It consists of a microprocessor board, a software diskette and a headset. The PC continues to function as a computer, enabling the user to enter or retrieve information while talking on the system. It allows for single keystroke operation of the telephone for both incoming and outgoing calls; it can be operated with voice recognition for hands-free operation.
This portable speech output communication aid has internal batteries and an 80 character display; special HELP key accesses built-in tutorial. Examples are spoken; unlimited vocabulary text-to-speech mode pronounces any entry. Single keystroke operation with up to 40 programmable levels (or Pages) is available. Symbolic overlay kit with different sized target areas and keyguard available.
The ISCAN Eye Slaved Poting (ESP) System is a turnkey eye movement monitoring system designed as a communication aid for severely disabled persons. By looking, the ESP system operator can select one of 24 icons displayed on the PC screen; the icons allow the user to interface with the computer and/or the user's external environment to spell words, turn on lights, etc.
Keyboard Expander software/hardware is an alternate access method
to IBM PV/XT; AT; PS 2-25, -30 and -30-286. With the expander
and an alternate keyboard, persons with physical disabilities
can use most commercial software packages. It supports Unicorn,
Mini and Narwhal alternate keyboards. All 128 keys are redefinable,
and the repeat rate and hold-down rate are user-controlled.
Keyboard Interfaces are adaptive devices that accept ASCII characters from alternate input devices, such as an electronic communication aid, and translate them into signals that a computer interprets as keystrokes from a standard keyboard. The standard keyboard remains active while the interface is connected.
This touch-sensitive graphics tablet is a device for art, academic work or recreational use for any person with limited dexterity; it is a good introductory device for students with short attentionspans or for those who have difficulty relating keyboard input to display output. The drawing surface is 4" x 4". Koala Pad uses a PC Design program diskette (included) and requires a game control adapter card; it is best used with a color monitor. Additional software includes Micro Illustrator (electronic video sketchpad), Illustrator (draws 3-dimensional visuals), Koala comes with Dr. Halo, a freehand paint draw software program.
LIAISON is a computer workstation for high-level (c-1 to c-5) spinal cord injured persons with quadriplegia. The user can, without assistance, approach the computer and, via infrared remote, turn it on, run programs, enter data, position with a mouse, tablet or joystick, concurrently use the telephone and operate other peripheral accessories. LIAISON is a transparent keyboard mouse emulator; it operates as part of a DU-IT wheelchair system or as a stand-alone unit.
Light Talker is an electronic communication aid with synthesized speech output and optional printer or keyboard emulating output. Selection can be direct with an optical head pointer or by scanning (multiple switches) and Morse code (two or three switches) are possible. Light Talker may be used with Minspeak firmware to store vocabulary by abbreviation expansion or semantic compaction. Light Talker can also operate an environmental control system. Options include an external printer, a keyboard emulating interface that works with kits for converting the keyboard to 8 or 32 positions, rather than the usual 128.
Lite Touch, a light-activated joystick emulator, has four sensors that attach to each side of the computer screen. Up to four more sensors may be placed at the corners. An optical pointer, attached to the head or body, directs the first four sensors to emulate the directions of movement of a joystick. The additional sensors act as the "fire" button. The sensors plug into an external receiving unit which plugs into the computer's joystick or game port. Lite Touch runs any program that uses a switch-type joystick. Lenses of different focal lengths are available for the printer. A word processing program that uses joystick input is available. The for sensors have mini-plugs attached; two may be used as dual switch input with PC AID available from DADA.
Long Range Optical Pointer is a hardware software package allowing keyboard input using head movement. The program creates a graphic image of the keyboard on a second monitor. The user wears a headset with a built-in optical sensor. By directing the sensor toward the screen, the user moves a dot around the keyboard image. Holding the dot on a particular "key" for a period of time sends the character to the computer. Activating a SHIFT, ALT or CONTROL, key once holds that key for the next character only; activating twice in a row latches that key on until it is released by being activated again. The optical sensor attaches to another part of the body if desired.
The Maltron keyboard, ergonomically designed to fit hands, is
available for the IBM PC. The Maltron has keys where the fingers
find them easily and with comfort. It includes a top row of function
keys, a central number group and thumb keys for frequently used
functions. Maltron also makes a single-handed keyboard.
This 128-key mid-size keyboard is programmable and requires a maximum of 300 grams of operating force to activate the keys. AID+ME interface is required. It measures 13.25" x 7.25" a dn includes a 6 ft. cable; keys may be programmed - individual commands or grouped commands may be inputted with one keystroke.
This programmable miniature keyboard requires a small range of motion to access entire keyboard area - a force of only 100 grams is needed to activate the keys. This small board measures 7 x 4 inches and is compatible with all software programs through the correct interface card. It includes a 6 ft. cable and protective coversheet. AID+ME interface is recommended.
Morse Code Drills is a drill and practice program that teaches the dot and dash patterns for each letter of Morse Code. The program presents Morse code patterns both visually and auditorally, with variable pitch and speed. Users can pause at any time in the program by pressing a designated key. The program operates on IBM computers and requires DOS 1.0 or higher.
MorseK is a Morse code keyboard emulator program allowing all keyboard keys to be entered via Morse code using any input device connected to any I/O port including the standard keyboard. Some of the features included are; one, two and three-switch modes with user definable delays and switch assignments, user definable audible and visual indicators, a built-in code editor with automatic error detection and a coding scheme using 11 codes for over 60 keys and functions.
A hand-held input device that moves the cursor on the PC screen, the Mouse moves on its pad placed on a flat surface. It can be used in place of a keyboard and serves as a pencil or paint brush with compatible graphics software such as PC Paint. It produces fine to broad lines, and the "brush" can take on 32 different shapes and sizes. Features include pop-up menus and single keystroke commands.
Mouse-trak is a trackball that emulates a mouse. A user's wrist
rests on a cushioned pad while the fingers activate the two or
three programmable buttons and rotate a 2-inch polished trackball.
The trackball movement controls the cursor, and its movement sensitivity
is adjustable. The input buttons functions are user-definable
to support various software packages and different user preferences.
Model range from Quadrature output, Serial, BUS and the PS/2 mouse
port interface.