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, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 1 of 19 Contents AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 2 of 19 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: 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 3 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 4 of 19 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 AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 5 of 19 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 : 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 AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 6 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 7 of 19 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: 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 8 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 9 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 10 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 11 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 12 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 13 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 14 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 15 of 19 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. AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 16 of 19 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: 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: 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 Page 17 of 19 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, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 18 of 19 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: 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/ AbilityNet Factsheet: Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations, November 2015. www.abilitynet.org.uk/factsheets Page 19 of 19