THE GREAT MOUSE HUNT
by Barbara Twardowski with Jim Twardowski, R.N.
Using a mouse doesnt have to be a drag. Consumers are demanding
computer peripherals be ergonomically designed, stationary (can be
used in small spaces) and cordless (reducing desktop clutter).
 |
The
3-inch BIGtrack trackball from InfoGrip makes mouse movements
easy for those with limited fine motor control. |
The good news for computer users with disabilities is that the variety
of mouse alternatives on the market is growing and in many cases the
prices are dropping. Depending upon your physical needs and your budget,
dozens of choices are available.
Heres a small sampling of mouse alternatives.
Ergonomic Mice
Ergonomic mice allow your hand to form a more natural shape. As a
consequence theyre usually much easier to hold and more comfortable
to use.
Trackballs & Rollerballs
A trackball, also called a rollerball, is a stationary upside-down
mouse. (The size of the ball varies.) Rather than moving the mouse
on the tabletop, the trackball remains in one place and is moved using
fingers, thumbs or palms.
For people with limited fine motor ability, a trackball with a larger
ball may be useful. The Kensington Expert Mouse trackball software
allows users to customize the cursor acceleration and mouse button
choices, and to launch programs simply by pressing one button. The
built-in friendly reminder notifies you to take a break after 30 minutes.
RollerMouse
The RollerMouse by Contour Design places the mouse cursor control
just below the keyboard spacebar to enable working faster and safer.
(No more reaching across the desk to maneuver the mouse.) With a single
finger, you control the cursor with a rollerbar a smooth sliding
metal bar coated with soft rubber.
 |
| Tashs large
joystick with pad features five switches for computer input. An
adapter is required to attach it to a computer. |
Touchpads
Touchpads can be placed on your desk or held in your hand. The mouse
is moved by sliding your finger across the pad. You can click with
buttons or by tapping lightly on the surface. Cirque Easy Cats usable
surface area is 23/8 inches by 13/4 inches.
Joysticks
A joystick can be used to move the cursor and requires a smaller
range of motion than a standard mouse. A mouth-operated joystick is
controlled by the mouth and clicking can be achieved by bite, puff
or sip switches.
 |
The mouth-operated
IntegraMouse is an alternative for those with no use of hands. |
Touchscreens
With a touchscreen, selections are made by touching the screen surface.
Touchscreens are either built into monitors or come as separate touch
windows placed in front of a standard monitor to give the same function.
Head Mice
Head-operated mice use a dot (usually placed on the forehead, eyeglasses
or a hat) that reflects infrared signals to a control device on the
computer monitor. NaturalPoint SmartNAV gives hands-free control of
a cursor with simple head movement for an affordable price.
Big Keys
Extra-large keys are a simple step up from regular keyboards. Greystone
Digitals BigKeys LX allows use with one hand, one finger or a pointer.
 |
The
Tracker from Madentec sits atop the computer monitor and tracks
a dot on the users forehead or eyeglasses.
|
Happy Hunting
 |
| The orbiTouch
Keyless Keyboard from Keybowl requires no movement in the hands
or fingers. Users slide domes into a variety of positions for
typing. |
Start your search at www.abilityhub.com for detailed descriptions
of mouse alternatives and product links provided by Assistive Technology
Practitioner Dan Gilman.
For more ideas, see "Resources."
No site covers all the mouse alternatives available, so keep looking.
The perfect mouse solution is only a click away.
