AbilityNet Factsheet – November 2015
Keyboard and mouse alternatives
and adaptations
New computers are usually supplied with a standard keyboard and mouse.
However, these standard devices can pose difficulties for many people –
especially users with a physical, sensory or cognitve impairment – and there are
lots of other options available.
This factsheet provides details of some of the alternative keyboard, mouse and
other pointing devices available. It also gives information on adaptations you
can make to standard keyboards and mice.
We cannot comment on every single piece of equipment, so please contact us
for more information.
We give contact details in Section 5 for a number of specialist suppliers. You
can also buy some of these alternative devices from non-specialist retailers.
AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations,
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Contents
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1
Keyboard alternatives
The standard computer keyboard is designed to be used with two hands and
(with the numberpad placed to the right) favours right-handed people.
Alternatives to the standard keyboard include:
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smaller, compact keyboards
separate numeric keypads
keyboards with larger keys
early learning keyboards
ergonomic keyboards
more specialist keyboards – braille, chording and expanded devices
typing without a keyboard.
Smaller, compact keyboards
Smaller, more compact keyboards can be more
easily positioned including, for example,
between the arms of a wheelchair. They are
often suited to single-handed users.
The actual key sizes are quite similar to a
standard keyboard. Space is generally saved by
removing the numeric keypad and reducing
gaps around the editing and function keys.
Various options are available, including wireless keyboards and those with a
built-in touchpad or trackball.
Suppliers include: Hands Free Computing; Inclusive Technology; Keytools; and
Posturite.
Numeric keypads
A separate numeric keypad gives the users flexibility to place
the number keys wherever they choose. Used in combination
with a smaller keyboard, working with a separate number
pad may be especially helpful for left-handed users.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Hands Free Computing; Keytools; and Posturite.
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Keyboards with larger keys
Keyboards with larger keys (like BigKeys and
Jumbo Keyboards) can help users who find it
difficult to locate keys accurately on a standard
sized keyboard. The larger size keys provide a
bigger ‘target area’.
Various options are available with upper or lower
case layouts, including multi-coloured and high visibility keyboards.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Enabling Technology; Hands Free Computing;
Inclusive Technology; Keytools; and Posturite.
Early learning keyboards
Early learning keyboards (like My Kids, BigKeys and Startaboard) are designed
to be easier for children to use.
These are usually multi-coloured with a smaller
number of larger keys. Possible options include
an ‘abc’ layout rather than the traditional
QWERTY approach.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Enabling Technology; Hands Free Computing;
Inclusive Technology; and Keytools.
Ergonomic keyboards
Ergonomic keyboards are most suited to touch typists, being designed to
reduce the stresses and strains of repetitive keyboarding. They do this by
incorporating a split between the two halves of the
keyboard operated by each hand – enabling a more
natural alignment of the arms and wrists and a better
posture while typing.
Various types of ergonomic keyboard are available.
Some have a fixed split between the different sides,
while others (like the one shown opposite) allow you to adjust both the angle
and height of the split.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Enabling Technology; Keytools; and Posturite.
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More contoured keyboards (like those
produced by PCD Maltron and Kinesis) are a
further development of the split concept.
These place the finger keys into two cupped
depressions at shoulder width, with function
keys set in-between for use with the thumbs. These fully ergonomic keyboards
require very little movement of the arms and wrists and are designed to reduce
the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Similar keyboards (with a non-QWERTY layout) are also available for singlehanded users – for either left- or right-handed use.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Enabling Technology; Keytools; PCD Maltron; and
Posturite.
Other specialist keyboards
Helpikeys is a customisable adaptive keyboard for
people with learning and motor disabilities. It is also
beneficial for people with visual or cognitive
disabilities. In addition to five available overlays, the
keyboard can also be programmed to store five
further personalised layouts.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Enabling Technology; and Inclusive Technology.
The Maltron expanded keyboard has a
strong steel construction and a wipe-clean
surface. It is designed to assist people with
cerebral palsy and to provide enhanced
access for physically disabled and visually
impaired users. An integral keyguard helps to
prevent accidental key presses and protect against potential impact damage.
Suppliers include: Enabling Technology; Keytools; and PCD Maltron.
Maltron also produce a keyboard for people with no use
of their hands. The head /mouth stick keyboard has a
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unique shape and layout, to match natural head movement and minimise stick
movement.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Enabling Technology; Keytools; and PCD Maltron.
Chording keyboards (like the Cykey shown here)
only have a few keys that you press in combination
(like chords on a piano) to generate letters, numbers
and other keys.
They work well for one-handed users with
independent movement in their fingers.
Suppliers include: Bellaire Electronics; and Keytools.
Although they can be very expensive,
Braille displays serve a dual function.
Utilising just a few keys, they can
enable you to both enter text and
control your computer, and also to
read documents, emails and web pages etc, using Braille.
Suppliers include: Humanware; and Sight and Sound Technology.
Typing without a keyboard
It is not necessary to be able to use a separate, physical keyboard to get text
and ideas into a computer. Possible alternatives include using :
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an on-screen keyboard
a switch
voice recognition
an eye tracking system.
A number of options are available that allow users to use a mouse, touchpad or
some other pointing device to select letters and functions from an on-screen
keyboard.
The accessibility features of both Windows and Apple computers include an onscreen keyboard. For information on how to set these up, see My Computer My
Way at https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/?s=on-screen+keyboard&submit=Go
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Software programmes are also available
that combine an on-screen keyboard with
additional communication support,
including word prediction. Such products
include The Grid, Oska, Penfriend and RJ Cooper Onscreen Keyboard.
Suppliers include: Hands Free Computing; Inclusive Technology; and Liberator.
Using a switch input might be the best starting point for someone who is
physically or cognitively unable to use a keyboard or any pointing device. A
switch is simply a button which, when activated, sends a signal to the computer.
This signal can then be used to drive various software packages. The button
could also be replaced with a sensor that detects an eye blink, a puff down a
tube or any reliable body movement.
Switches work well with cause and effect programmes that require simple
choices but can also be used to fully control a computer.
A small interface box is usually needed to
connect the switch to a computer, although some
‘all-in-one’ and wireless options are now
available.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Inclusive
Technology; Keytools; and Liberator.
Voice recognition can be a very practical alternative to using a keyboard
and mouse. At its simplest, you talk to the computer and your words appear on
the screen. However, you can also use voice (or speech) recognition software
to command and control a wide range of computer applications.
Voice recognition is very useful for people with a wide range of impairments
who can find typing difficult, painful or impossible. It can also be a great help for
people with a learning disability, including dyslexia, who struggle with reading,
writing and spellings.
For information on how to access the built-in voice recognition capabilities of
both Windows and Apple computers, see My Computer My Way at
https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/?s=voice+recognition&submit=Go
Also see our separate factsheet on Controlling the computer with your voice for
more detailed information and advice.
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For people with only very limited movement, it is possible to enter text and
control a computer by using their eyes. Eye tracking systems are generally
very expensive and potential users should seek specialist advice.
Suppliers include: Inclusive Technology; and Liberator.
2
Keyboard adaptations
For some users, adapting your existing keyboard might be a better option than
spending money on an alternative device.
There are a variety of ways that users can adapt a keyboard to better suit their
needs, including:
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modifying the keyboard response
modifying the keyboard appearance or layout
fitting a keyguard
using mounting equipment
using a lap tray or other supports.
Modifying the keyboard response
The way the keyboard behaves can be changed on both Windows and Apple
computers by using:
 StickyKeys – which allow you to use one finger to operate the alt, shift
and control (or command) keys.
 FilterKeys – which allow you to alter the length of time a key needs to be
held down before it initially appears or repeats on screen.
 MouseKeys – which allow the mouse pointer to be moved around using
the keys on the numeric keypad.
For more information on how to set up and use these features, use the search
facility in My Computer My Way at https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk
Modifying the keyboard appearance or layout
Rather than buying a high-contrast keyboard, a cheaper
alternative for people who are visually impaired is to
purchase high contrast stickers.
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You simply stick these individually on top of the keys on your existing keyboard.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Inclusive Technology; and Keytools.
Both Windows and Apple computers allow you to change the layout of the letter
keys on your keyboard. The traditional QWERTY layout was designed to
minimise the risk of typewriter keys sticking, and not for typing speed or
efficiency.
The Dvorak keyboard layout arranges
letters based on how often they are used. The
most common letters (like "e") are placed in
the centre row, with the aim of reducing hand
movement. It is advisable to use keyboard stickers to mark out any new
keyboard layout.
Keyguards
Keyguards are rigid plates with holes designed to work with specific keyboards.
The holes are positioned over each key and they make it impossible to press
two keys at once. As a further benefit, it is possible to rest your hands and arms
on the guard without pressing any of the keys. Guards can be removed and
fitted for use only when required.
It can often be easier to purchase a keyboard and guard
together rather than trying to get one to fit a specific
keyboard that you might already have.
At present, a keyguard doesn’t appear to be available from
a UK supplier for any Apple Mac keyboard.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Inclusive Technology; and Keytools.
Mounting equipment
Access to keyboards, screens, pointers
and/or switches can sometimes be
improved by fixing them in particular
places using appropriate mounting
equipment (including modular systems).
Homemade devices can also be helpful –
for example, to raise up or tilt a keyboard.
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Tablet devices (like an iPad) can quite easily be mounted on a wheelchair or
something similar.
Suppliers include: DS Ergonomics; Inclusive Technology; and Keytools.
Lap trays and other supports
It is very important to be comfortable when using keyboards and pointing
devices. A retractable keyboard tray bolts under the desk, sliding out when
needed. This allows a lower typing position which may be more comfortable.
A lap tray can achieve the same effect, with a small
beanbag attached to the underside of a tray. The
beanbag moulds to the shape of your legs so that the
tray gives a flat, stable surface.
Arm or wrist pads placed in front of the keyboard can
be helpful when resting from typing. These are widely available from most office
and computer suppliers.
Where there are difficulties supporting the weight of
arms, articulating wrist supports which clamp to the
table top are useful.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Keytools; and Posturite.
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3
Mouse adjustments
Standard computer mice come in all shapes and sizes, but are similar in
needing to be moved around on a portion of desk. They also need to be held in
one position while the button is pressed, and consequently pose many
problems for people with a range of disabilities.
However, rather than replacing your mouse, it may be helpful to adapt some
aspects of the way you use it by:
 making greater use of the keyboard
 adjusting how the mouse operates
 using ‘drag lock’.
Making greater use of the keyboard
With both Windows and Apple computers, the keyboard can be used to perform
most of the functions of a mouse. For example, menus can be activated and
text selected by using simple, combined keystrokes; the keyboard can also be
adjusted so that the mouse pointer can be moved around using the arrow keys
on the numeric keypad.
For more information see My Computer My Way at
https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/category/keyboard-shortcuts/
Adjusting how the mouse operates
Through ‘Control Panel’ in Windows and ‘System Preferences’ on a Mac, there
are options to adjust how the mouse operates, including its speed, and how the
click buttons operate.
For more information see My Computer My Way at
https://mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk/making-your-mouse-easier-to-use/
Using ‘drag lock’
Many programs require you to “drag and drop” pictures or text from one place to
another – an operation which is often difficult for people with disabilities. Using
‘drag lock’ gets around this problem. It allows you to simply click on an item,
move to a new location, and then click the same button again to release the
item in its new place.
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Drag lock is available on many pointing devices. It can be operated by an extra
button on the device (which always works that way) or it can be a button which
you set up to be a drag lock using the Control Panel settings in Windows. The
drag lock feature on a Mac is set up via the Accessibility options in System
Preferences.
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4
Mouse alternatives
There are many different types of mice available and it is important to choose
one that fits the hand well and feels comfortable and easy to use. Wireless
options are also increasingly available. These avoid restricting or tangling wires
but can make the devices significantly heavier due to the batteries inside.
Alternatives to the standard mouse
The table below presents the main alternatives to a standard mouse. It is often
worth trying a number of options as they will each feel different to use and all
require varying amounts of pressure on buttons.
Ergonomic mice often come in left- and right-handed
options, and in different sizes, to ensure a comfortable grip
and relieve strain on the hand and wrist.
Vertical mice (like other ergonomic mice) also help to
prevent RSI by realigning the natural angle of the wrist and
arm while transferring movement onto the more powerful
shoulder muscles.
Bar mice are positioned directly in front of the keyboard,
eliminating the need to reach sideways for a mouse. The
bar and scroller can be operated with either hand to move
the cursor around the screen; buttons are used for left and
right clicking, copying and pasting etc.
Trackball, trackerball or rollerball mice provide fine
control of the mouse pointer and are very comfortable to
use, requiring far less wrist movement than a standard
mouse. The trackball – basically an upturned mouse – can
be moved using your fingers, thumbs or palms.
Larger trackball mice are easy to use and may be
particularly helpful for users who lack fine motor skills,
including people with learning difficulties, tremors or
arthritis. Also, like the BIGtrack mouse (with switches)
shown here, they can be strong and are often suitable for
being operated by elbows or feet.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Enabling Technology; Inclusive Technology;
Keytools; Liberator; and Posturite.
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Joysticks
Joysticks are often ideal for anyone with motor skill
difficulties. They work in a similar manner to the controls on
an electric wheelchair, with the joystick position determining
the direction (and speed) of the mouse pointer.
Additional buttons on the joystick can operate left, right and double clicks, and
drag lock.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Inclusive Technology; Keytools; and Liberator.
Touchpads
Touchpads (or trackpads) are devices for pointing and
clicking that are often found on laptops. These stationary
pads are operated by sliding (or swiping) your finger(s)
across the surface; clicking can be done with buttons or by
downwards pressure / tapping lightly on the surface.
Standalone touchpads can either be held in your hand or placed on a desk.
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Inclusive Technology; and Keytools.
Pen devices
Pen devices are held in the hand and come in two basic
forms. One type you can operate on many common surfaces;
with the V-mouse optical mouse pen, this includes your lap.
Other pens you have to move on a (graphics) tablet surface,
with the tablet representing the screen area. Graphics tablets are widely used
for drawing, with larger-sized tablets being used for more detailed work.
Suppliers include: Enabling Technology; and Posturite.
Touchscreens
With a touchscreen computer, movements and selections
are made by pointing to and touching the monitor surface.
Most computer manufacturers and suppliers now offer
touchscreen options, but at an additional cost. You can
also buy a touchscreen monitor for your existing computer.
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Using head movement
Using head movement can be an effective solution for people
who have limited or no use of their hands. Various systems
are available that use an optical sensor to track and convert
the movement of the user’s head to accurately control the
pointer on the screen. These systems work well with onscreen keyboards, with a switch often being used to perform
the equivalent of a mouse click. This approach is different (and less costly) than
eye-controlled movement (where the pointer is not driven around the screen
and simply looking at an item is enough to activate it).
Suppliers include: Adapt-IT; Inclusive Technology; and Liberator.
Alternative ways of clicking
Many of those who can use a pointing device to move around a screen still
have difficulty clicking. It is worth remembering that the click does not have to
be on the pointing device. Alternatively, you could:
 turn on MouseKeys and use a button on your keyboard to click and drag
 use some type of external switch
 use a software utility (like Dragger) to send your clicks.
Dragger can be used to enter mouse clicks either via direct selection
(often with an adaptive switch) or by holding the mouse pointer
motionless (‘dwelling’). It works well with pointing devices that can
be accurately controlled.
Suppliers include: Liberator.
For people with severe motor disabilities, manipulating a standard switch can be
difficult, tiring or, in some cases, impossible. For such users, ‘sipping’ and
‘puffing’ into a mouth tube can be a very effective way of operating their switchactivated devices.
Suppliers include: Liberator.
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5
Specialist suppliers – contact details
Adapt-IT – suppliers of assistive
technology and computer adaptations for
special needs, mobility issues, visual
impairment, learning difficulties and RSI.
Bellaire Electronics – manufacturers
and suppliers of the CyKey chord
keyboard.
DS Ergonomics – suppliers of
ergonomic office / computing furniture
and equipment.
Enabling Technology – suppliers of
assistive technology solutions for people
of all ages with a learning, physical or
visual impairment.
Hands Free Computing – suppliers and
trainers for a wide range of assistive
technologies.
www.adapt-it.co.uk
sales@adapt-it.co.uk
0208 736 0542
www.cykey.co.uk
chris@bellaire.co.uk
01271 324759
www.ds-ergonomics.com
enquiries@ds-ergonomics.com
0845 262 3226
www.enablingtechnology.com
info@enablingtechnology.com
01785 243 111
www.hands-free.co.uk
enquiries@hands-free.co.uk
0845 899 0880
Humanware – manufacturers of products www.humanware.com
designed to enhance the lives of people
info@humanware.com
with low vision.
01933 415800
Inclusive Technology – suppliers of
www.inclusive.co.uk/hardware
assistive technology for people with a
inclusive@inclusive.co.uk
physical disability, sensory impairment or 01457 819790
learning difficulty.
Keytools – suppliers of assistive
www.keytools.co.uk/products/
technology and ergonomic products to
keytools@hypertec.co.uk
users with varying requirements,
0844 879 2282
including physical or visual impairment.
Liberator – suppliers of assistive
www.liberator.co.uk
technology for language development
info@liberator.co.uk
and communication support.
01733 370470
PCD Maltron – manufacturers and
www.maltron.com
suppliers of a wide range of fully
info@maltron.com
ergonomic keyboards.
0845 2303 265 or 01785 785525
Posturite – suppliers of a wide range of
www.posturite.co.uk
ergonomic equipment and posture
sales@posturite.co.uk
products.
0845 345 0010
Sight and Sound Technology –
www.sightandsound.co.uk
suppliers of assistive technology to
info@sightandsound.co.uk
improve the lives of people with a
01604 798070
sensory or age related disability.
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6
How can AbilityNet help you?
AbilityNet is a leading authority on accessibility and assistive technologies. We
can assist individuals, charities and employers by providing:
 advice and information
 workplace assessments
 consultancy services.
My Computer My Way
My Computer My Way is a free, interactive tool
developed by AbilityNet that makes any computer,
tablet and smartphone easier to use.
It can help you ensure that your equipment is set up the best way possible to
suit your particular needs. It covers all the accessibility features built into your
computer, laptop, tablet or smartphone, and all the main operating systems –
Windows, Mac OS X, iOS and Android.
My Computer My Way shows you how to adjust your computer to assist with:
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vision impairment – help seeing your screen
hearing difficulties – help with sounds and audio
motor issues – help with your keyboard and mouse
cognitive problems – help with reading, spelling and understanding.
You can use it for free at www.mycomputermyway.com
AbilityNet factsheets
AbilityNet’s factsheets provide an extensive range of practical advice about
specific conditions and the hardware and software adaptations that can help
people of any age use computers to fulfil their potential.
Relevant topics covered include:
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Controlling the computer with your voice
Vision impairment and computing
Workstation ergonomics
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) in the workplace.
All these resources are free to download from www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets
AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations,
November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets
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Workplace Assessment Service
When it comes to computing solutions, one size does not fit all. We believe that
each case is unique and that individual attention is vital. Our Workplace
Assessment Service integrates personal, technical and organisational
considerations to arrive at sound and realistic suggestions, documented in a
report.
To find out more about AbilityNet’s Workplace Assessment Service, please visit
www.abilitynet.org.uk/workplace or call 01926 465 247.
Consultancy services
Our expert consultants are also available to assist employers who wish to take
a broad, longer-term view in designing computer systems and associated work
processes. Our experience and expertise can help you to achieve safe, healthy
and productive working procedures.
To find out more about AbilityNet’s consultancy services, call 01962 465 247 or
email sales@abilitynet.org.uk
DSA / Student assessments
If you have a disability and are in higher or further education, you may qualify
for a Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). If you are eligible you will receive a
free assessment and may qualify for a grant towards any adjustments that you
might require. This could help with the costs of buying a new computer or any
other specialist equipment you might need.
For information, please visit www.abilitynet.org.uk/dsa or call 01926 464 095.
AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations,
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7
About AbilityNet
AbilityNet is the national charity that supports people with any disability, of any
age. Our specialist services help disabled people to use computers and the
internet to improve their lives, whether at work, at home or in education. We
offer:

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free advice and information
accessibility services
DSA/student assessments
workplace assessments
IT help at home
IT volunteers.
Support us
Visit www.abilitynet.org.uk/donate to learn how you can support our work.
Contact us
 Telephone
 Email
 Web:
0800 269 545
enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk
www.abilitynet.org.uk
We are always keen to help share knowledge about accessibility and assistive
technology. If you have any questions about how you may use the contents of
this factsheet, please contact us at AbilityNet and we will do all we can to help.
Copyright information
This factsheet is licensed by AbilityNet under the Creative
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0
Unported License.
View a copy of this license at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/
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