Assistive Technology
Accessibility Tools & Strategies

There are many types of adaptive technolgy which allow alternative means of access to computers. Some of these are listed below. Click on the solution that interests you to go to a brief description and a list of vendors for that solution.

Mouse Alternatives

Touch Screens

A touch screen is an electronic device placed over, or built into the monitor of the computer. It allows the user to make a direct selection of an item on the computer screen by touching the screen with a finger or a stylus. These devices are usually plugged into the mouse port of the computer, and is purchased for either Macintosh or Windows. It can help focus visual attention and is a more direct response either for early learning of cause and effect or, when used in conjunction with an on-screen keyboard is a direct way to type.

Vendors:
Edmark 800-362-2890 : http://www.edmark.com
Gus Communications, 800-889-0987, http://www.gusinc.com
HATCH Associates,800-624-7968, http://www.hatchstuff.com/main.html
Hunter Digital 800-57-MOUSE (FootMouse), http://www.footmouse.com
Laureate Learning Systems, 800-562-6801 : http://www.laureatelearning.com
Troll Touch 805-295-0770, http://www.trolltouch.com

Joysticks

Joysticks are an additional access method for computers. Some joysticks can be plugged into the mouse port on a computer, and automatically function as a mouse. Some can be used in game ports, and with special software can also act as a mouse.

Vendors:
A4Tech, 909-468-0071 : http://www.a4tech.com
Advanced Gravis Computer Technology 800-663-8558 http://www.gravis.com
Assistive Technology Inc 800-793-9227, http://www.assistivetech.com/
Don Johnston, Inc. 800-999-4660, : http://www.donjohnston.com/
Handykey Corp 800-738-23452, http://www.handykey.com
RJ Cooper, 800-RJCOOPER, : http://www.rjcooper.com
WestTest Engineering Coproration, 801-298-7100, http://www.westest.com

Alternative Keyboards

Many programmable and miniature keyboards have functions that allow them to act as a mouse as well.

Vendors: (see list below under keyboard alternatives)

Trackballs

A trackball has the mouse ball on the topside of a stationary base. It can range in size from the pea-size (the Thumbelina), to larger than a tennis ball (the MicroSoft EasyBall). The ball is rotated to move the cursor on the screen. Most trackballs still require the user to be able to click to make a selection. Some have a "lock" button for dragging functions.

Vendors:
A4Tech, 909-468-0071 : http://www.a4tech.com
Don Johnston, Inc. 800-999-4660, : http://www.donjohnston.com/
Dragonfly Toy Company 800-308-2208, http://www.dragonflytoys.com
Independence Engineering 219-324-7018
Kensington Technology Group, 800-535-4242

Glidepoint or Touchpad

This is a small pad that allows one to use a finger to move the cursor in any direction without requiring arm movement. They are frequently found on laptop computers, but can be purchased for a desktop computer and plugged into the mouse port. Most of these systems need contact with skin to work. Can be found easily at office supply stores and computer shops and catalog.

Access Utilities

Can change the speed of the mouse, can make the pointer automatically "snap" to an active window or button, or cause the mouse button to click after a preset "dwell" time, can alter the size of the cursor.

Vendors:
Gus Communications, 315-715-8580, http://www.gusinc.com
Innovation Management Group, http://www.imgpresents.com/
Madenta Communications, Inc. 800-661-8406, http://www.madenta.com
Origin Instruments 800-280-3751
RJ Cooper, 800-RJCOOPER, : http://www.rjcooper.com

Electronic Pointing Devices

These devices allow the user to operate the mouse using an infrared beam or ultrasound. Some require activating a switch to make a selection, some are used with utility software that makes a choice after a certain "dwell" time. This also includes eyegaze systems.

Vendors:
Ability Research, 612-939-0121
LC Technologies Inc., 800-393-4293
Madenta Communications, Inc. 800-661-8406, http://www.madenta.com
Origin Instruments 800-280-3751
Prentke Romich Co., 800-262-1984 http://www.prentrom.com

Pointing and Typing Aids

Most often a wand or stick held in the hand, mouth; or strapped to the chin or head. Useful for individuals who have limited hand control.

Vendors:
Ability Reasearch, 619-939-0121
Innocomp, 800-382-8622, http://www.sayitall.com
Madenta Communications, Inc. 800-661-8406, http://www.madenta.com
Origin Instruments 800-280-3751
Prentke Romich Co., 800-262-1984 http://www.prentrom.com/index.html
Words +, 805-869-8521. 800-869-8521

Keyboard Alternatives

Programmable Keyboards

Programmable keyboards are often larger than a regular keyboard, with built in utilities that allow the user to change the sensitivity of the keys and other features. Some of the keyboards, with software that comes with them, or additional software allow the user to create a custom keyboard layout. Many alternative keyboards can switch between keyboard and mouse functions with the touch of a key, or can have the mouse functions as a portion of the keyboard. They are available for either Macintosh or Windows, and run simultaneously with the regular keyboard and mouse.

Vendors:
Don Johnston, Inc. 800-999-4660, : http://www.donjohnston.com/
Dunamis - Fowler Blvd., Lawrenceville, GA 30244. Phone: (800) 828-2443. Email: dumanisben@aol.com
EKEG Electronics Company, 604-857-0820
HACH Associates,800-624-7968, http://www.hachstuff.com
Handykey, 800-624-7968, http://www.handykey.com
IntelliTools, Inc. 800-899-6687 http://www.intellitools.com
TASH International, Inc. 800-463-5685, http://www.tashinc.com
Zygo 800-234-6008 http://www.zygo-usa.com/

Miniature Keyboards

Miniature keyboards are tools for an individual with limited gross motor skills, but good fine motor skills. The location of all the keys in a very small area gives the user access to all computer function. Many miniature keyboards can switch between keyboard and mouse functions with the touch of a key. They are available for either Macintosh or Windows, and sometimes run simultaneously with the regular keyboard and mouse.

Vendors:
EKEG Electronics Company, 604-857-0820
In Touch Systems 914-354-7431
TASH International, Inc. 800-463-5685, http://www.tashinc.com/

On-screen Keyboards

On-screen keyboards allow an individual to access a keyboard with the mouse, joystick, electronic pointing device, or touch screen. The keyboard displayed may be a standard configuration, or modified. On-screen keyboards are a software option, and many offer a scanning function as well as a direct selection option.

Vendors:
Don Johnston, Inc. 800-999-4660, : http://www.donjohnston.com/
Gus Communications, 315-715-8580, http://www.gusinc.com
Innovation Management Group 800-889-0987, http://www.imgpresents.com/
Madenta Communications, Inc. 800-661-8406, http://www.madenta.com
Mayer Johnson Company, 619-550-0084, http://www.mayer-johnson.com
McIntyre Computer Systems Division, 810-645-5090
Origin Instruments, 800-280-3751
Prentke Romich Co., 800-262-1984 http://www.prentrom.com/index.html
RJ Cooper, 800-RJCOOPER, : http://www.rjcooper.com
Words+, Inc, 800-869-8521, http://www.words-plus.com
World Communications, 800-352-1979
Zygo 800-234-6008 http://www.zygo-usa.com/

Chording Keyboards

Chording keyboards use a combination of a few keys to create keystrokes for each letter. Most individuals can learn to chord within a few weeks. A Braille and Speak is a type of chording keyboard.

Vendors:
Infogrip, Inc. 800-397-0921
TASH International, Inc. 800-463-5685, http://www.tashinc.com/

One-Handed Keyboarding

One-handed keyboarding can be done with keyboards using a standard QWERTY format, or through the use of specialized keyboards or software.

One-handed typing without special technology
Five-Finger Typist (Mac or Win) - http://www.mayerjohnson.com/software/Fivefing.html
About One-Hand Typing - http://www.aboutonehandtyping.com/

Vendors of specialized keyboards and software
Maltron single-handed keyboards -http://www.maltron.com/special.html
HalfQwerty software (Mac or Windows) - http://half-qwerty.com/
Half Keyboard - http://halfkeyboard.com/
(Also see miniature and chording keyboards)

Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices.

Many AAC devices have the ability to communicate with a computer either by direct cable, or more often infrared connection. The AAC device is then used as a keyboard with whatever access method the user is already familiar with.

Vendors:
AbleNet, Inc. 800-322-0956. http://www.ablenetinc.com
Adaptivation, 800-723-2783
Crestwood Company, 414-352-5678, http://www.communicationaids.com
Communication Skill Builders, 520-323-7500
Don Johnston, Inc. 800-999-4660, : http://www.donjohnston.com/
Franklin Electronics 1-800-266-5626 http://www.dyslexic.com/frank.htm
The Great Talking Box Company, http://www.gtb-sym.com
Gus Communications, 315-715-8580, http://www.gusinc.com
Innocomp, 800-382-VOCA, (382-8622), http://www.sayitall.com
Mayer Johnson Company, 619-550-0084, http://www.mayer-johnson.com
Prentke Romich Co., 800-262-1984 http://www.prentrom.com/index.html

Prentke Romich offers on-line and local training courses on their communication products (Pathfinder, Liberator, Vanguard, AlphaTalker, DeltaTalker, SideKick, Unity, MinSpeak) and Funding for Assistive Technology. See the Prentke Romich Distance Learning Class Schedule

Dynavox Systems (formerly Sentient Systems Technology) http://www.dynavoxsys.com/

(For Dynavox or Dynamyte owners in MD, VA and DC, free training and software upgrades are available from Laetare Solutions. Phone: 301-809-9400 or 1-888-HOORAY-4)

.Synergy 508-668-7424, http://www.speakwithus.com
TASH International, Inc. 800-463-5685, http://www.tashinc.com/
Words +, 805-869-8521. 800-869-8521 http://www.words-plus.com/
World Communications, 510-656-0911
Zygo 800-234-6008 http://www.zygo-usa.com/

Access Utilities

Programs that add a function to the computer, such as slowing down the key repeat, or allowing multiple key commands to a user who only uses one finger.

Word Prediction

Allows an individual to use fewer keystrokes to input data. Most are "intelligent", in that they learn from the words used most often by the individual and those words are brought up more frequently in the prediction list. Some of these programs offer speech feedback, and scanning as well.

Vendors:
Applied Human Factors Inc., 888-243-0098, : http://www.ahf-net.com
Assistive Technology Inc. 800-793-9227 : http://www.assistivetech.com
Aurora Systems, Inc, 604-291-6310 http://www.aurora-systems.com/info/augment.htm
Communication Skill Builders, 520-323-7500
Don Johnston, Inc. 800-999-4660, : http://www.donjohnston.com/
Gus Communications, 315-715-8580, http://www.gusinc.com
Information Services Inc., 800-659-3399
Innovation Management Group 800-889-0987, http://www.imgpresents.com/
Innovative Designs 408-985-9255
Madenta Communications 800-661-8406, http://www.madenta.com
Microsystems Software inc., 800-879-9000
OMS Development 847-251-5787
Prentke Romich Co., 800-262-1984 http://www.prentrom.com/index.html
RJ Cooper, 800-RJCOOPER, : http://www.rjcooper.com
Synergy 508-668-7424, http://www.synergy.com
textHELP! Systems LTD 440-1-849-428105 : http://www.texthelp.com
Words +, 805-869-8521. 800-869-8521
World Communications, 510-656-0911
Zygo 800-234-6008 http://www.zygo-usa.com/

Voice Recognition

Allows an individual to input data and/or control the computer functions and mouse using his/her voice. Many voice recognition programs must be "trained" to an individual’s voice. If the user’s voice is not consistent, there may be a problem with the training.

Vendors:
Apple Computer, Inc, 800-600-7808, http://www.apple.com
Dragon Systems, 800-825-5897, http://www.dragonsys.com
IBM Special Needs Systems 800-426-4832, http://www-3.ibm.com/able/index.html
Kurzweil Applied Intelligence, 800-380-1234, http://www.lhsl.com/education/
Lernout & Hauspie http://www.lhsl.com/default2.htm
Microsoft Corporation, 800-426-9400, http://www.microsoft.com/enable/microsoft/default.htm
NanoPac, Inc., 1-800-580-6086, http://www.nanopac.com

Switches and Switch Software

Allows an individual with limited but a consistent motion to input data into the computer, when a direct access method is not possible. Most switches need a connection (interface) to the computer. Switches are available from a wide variety of vendors, and come in many sizes, shapes, colors. Placement of the switch and the amount of pressure needed to activate it are important considerations in choosing a switch.

Vendors:
Ability Research, 612-939-0121
AbleNet, Inc. 800-322-0956. http://www. ablenetinc.com
Academic Software, Inc, 800-VIA-ADLS
Adaptivation, 800-723-2783
Don Johnston, Inc. 800-999-4660,: http://www.donjohnston.com/
DU-IT Control Systems Group, Inc, 330-567-2001,http://www.valkyrie.net/~apt2duit/
Edmark, 800-426-0856, http://www.edmark.com
HATCH Associates,800-624-7968, http://www.hatchstuff.com
Innocomp, 800-382-VOCA, (382-8622), http://www.sayitall.com
Intellitools, 800-899-, http://www.intellitools.com
KidTECH/SoftTouch, 805-396-8676
Luminaud, Inc, 216-255-9082
Madenta Communications, Inc. 800-661-8406, http://www.madenta.com
MarbleSoft , 612-755-1402
Mayer-Johnson Co., http://www.mayer-johnson.com
ORCCA Technologies, 606-268-1635
Prentke Romich Co., 800-262-1984 http://www.prentrom.com/index.html
RJ Cooper, 800-RJCOOPER, : http://www.rjcooper.com
Simtech Publications, 203-567-1173
Switch in Time, 617-354-6577
Switch Kids, 513-860-5475
Synergy 508-668-7424
TASH International, Inc. 800-463-5685, http://www.tashint.com/
Toys For Special Children, 800-832-8697, http://www.enablingdevices.com/
Words +, 805-869-8521. 800-869-8521
Zygo 800-234-6008 http://www.zygo-usa.com/

Touch Screens

A touch screen is an electronic device placed over, or built into the monitor of the computer. It allows the user to make a direct selection of an item on the computer screen by touching the screen with a finger or a stylus. These devices are usually plugged into the mouse port of the computer, and are purchased for either Macintosh or Windows. It can help focus visual attention and is a more direct response either for early learning of cause and effect or, when used in conjunction with an on-screen keyboard is a direct way to type.
Vendors: (see list above under Mouse Alternatives)

Visual Enhancements

Optional Cursors

Software to install cursors that are larger than the standard cursors are available from a variety of sources. Some can be downloaded from the Internet. Some are shareware or freeware, others are sold be software companies.

Vendors:
Large cursors download, some shareware, some freeware : http://www.anicursor.com/special.html
Large cursors free download: http://www.kwebdesign.com/kdesk/cursor.html
Macintosh shareware and freeware for accessibility: http://www.ecnet.net/users/gnorris/place.shtml
Madenta Communications, Inc. 800-661-8406, http://www.madenta.com
Microsoft catalog of accessibility aids: http://www.microsoft.com/enable/products/aids.htm
RJ Cooper, 800-RJCOOPER, : http://www.rjcooper.com

Talking and large print word processors

Word processors that "read" the text as it is being typed, either by letter, word, sentence, or paragraph can offer an individual with a visual impairment, or with a learning disability an additional opportunity to "proof" their documents. Enlarging the font within the word processor can help as well. Generally, a talking word processor does not have the capabilities of a screen reader.

Vendors:
Center for Applied Special Technology 508-531-8555, http://www.cast.org
Don Johnston, Inc. 800-999-4660, : http://www.donjohnston.com/
IntelliTools, Inc. 800-899-6687 http://www.intellitools.com

Talking Dictionaries and Spell Checking

Some word processors that speak also will speak while checking the spelling of a document. The program will speak both the word that might be misspelled, and the possible corrections. Many will read the word, and then each letter. There are some that will read the definition of the word as well, and will also notify the user of possible homonyms.

Vendors:
Franklin Electronics 1-800-266-5626 http://www.dyslexic.com/frank.htm
textHELP! Systems LTD 440-1-849-428105 : http://www.texthelp.com

Screen Readers

Screen readers are software programs that work in conjunction with the computer’s sound card, or a dedicated speech synthesizer to provide verbal feedback of everything on the screen, including menus, text, and punctuation. They are available for DOS or text-based operating systems as well as for Windows. There is a wide variety of options with screen readers, with users having the ability to change the rate, pitch, volume of speech output. Some use an external keypad or touch tablet to operate the reader, others use keyboard commands.
With the addition of a scanner, and optical character recognition, one can use the computer to "read" text from books, magazines, letters or other printed materials. Books are also available on disk from Recording for the Blind.

Vendors:
ALVA Access Group 510-921-6280, http://www.aagi.com
Arctic Technologies International, Inc. 248-588-7370, http://www.artictech.com
Blazie Engineering, 410-893-9333 http://www.blazie.com
Dolphin Computer Access, 650-348-7401, http://www.dolphinusa.com
GW Micro, 219-489-3671 http://www.gwmicro.com
Henter Joyce Inc. 800-336-5658 http://www.hj.com
IBM Corporation, Special Needs Systems 561-982-9099
MicroTalk, 903-792-4150, http://www.microtalk.com/
Recording for the Blind 800-221-4792, http://www.rfbd.org

Screen Enlargement or Magnification

A magnification program is software based, and focuses on part of the screen and enlarges it. All magnify text by at least 200 percent. Many have variable magnification up to 12 times the normal size. Most can follow or track with the cursor automatically. Some have the ability to magnify graphics. And some magnification programs can have a split screen, with part of the screen showing magnification and the other unmagnified.

Vendors:
AiSquared, 802-362-3612 http://www.aisquared.com/
Artic Technologyis, 248-588-7370, http://www.artictech.com
Dolphin Computer Access, 650-348-7401, http://www.dolphinusa.com
Henter Joyce Inc. 800-336-5658 http://www.hj.com
Hexagon Products, 847-692-3355
HumanWare, 800-722-3393
Microsystems Software Inc, 800-828-2600, http://www.microsys.com/
National Institute for Rehab Engineering, 973-853-6585
Number Nine Visual Technology, 800-Get-Nine, http://www.nine.com
Optelec U.S. Inc., 508-392-0707, http://www.optelec.com
textHELP! Systems Ltd. +440 1 849 428105, http://www.texthelp.com

Braille Displays

Refreshable Braille displays provide a line by line tactile output of information displayed on the computer monitor. This is done by means of small, rounded pins that are lifted in order to form Braille characters. There is currently no Braille display available for Macintosh computers.

Vendors:
American Thermoform Corporation, 800-331-3676 http://www.atcbrleqp.com
Duxbury Systems Inc., 508-486-9766 http://www.duxburysystems.com/
HumanWare, 800-722-3393, http://www.humanware.com
Telesensory: http://www.telesensory.com

Adapted from an Introduction to Assistive Technology at TASC

This information on assistive technology was developed by the Technology Assistance for Special Consumers Center (TASC) in Huntsville, Alabama. We would like to thank TASC for giving us permission to put this information on our Web site. The Alliance for Technology Access resource book, COMPUTER RESOURCES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, was used by TASC as a major source of information.