Various devices provide alternate means of input for users who have trouble with standard keyboards and mice.
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Alternative Keyboards
The ATC offers a wide range of keyboards and keyboard substitutes to assist persons with mobility restrictions and other disabilities.
- BigKeys LX (Greystone Digital Inc.): A keyboard with keys four times the standard size. Designed for people lacking fine motor control.
- Comfort Keyboard (Comfort Keyboard Company, Inc.): Three-section adjustable ergonomic keyboard with mappable keys.
- Goldtouch Ergonomic Keyboard (Goldtouch): A split-hinge adjustable ergonomic keyboard.
- Goldtouch 10-Key Keypad (Goldtouch): A 10-key numeric keypad, available for both Mac and PC.
- Silicon Spill-Proof Keyboard (Many Vendors): Flexible keyboard designed for portability and resistance to liquid damage.
- EZ Reach (TypeMatrix): Ergonomic, grid-layout modular keyboard.
- More Keyboard (More Keyboard CO): Keyboard with large print for low-vision users.
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- Adesso Tru-Form Pro Keyboard PCK-308B (Adesso): Ergonomic keyboard with integrated toolbar/Windows hotkeys and touchpad.
- Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 (Microsoft): Ergonomic keyboard with programmable hotkeys and built-in magnification level slider.
- Dvorak Keyboard, Right or Left-Handed (NA): The ATC makes its own Dvorak keyboards, using a keyboard label kit and system software modifications to a used standard keyboard.
Keyboard Accessories
Various products ease the use of keyboards for persons with disabilities, increasing contrast and reducing key selection error.
- KeySpots (KeySpots): Color-coded laptop keyboard labels for low-vision users and others who benefit by dividing the keyboard into color groups.
- Large Print Keytop Labels (EnableMart): Larger keyboard labels for low-vision users who type by sight.
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- Typing Keyboard Home-Row Bumps (MaxiAids): Plastic adhesive labels with a raised bump in the center, allowing quick location of the home row and other important keys.
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Pointer/Mouse Alternatives
The following devices give disabled users alternatives to conventional mouse use, or expand mouse functionality.
- Kensington Expert Mouse (Kensington): A large trackball mouse with a built-in ring for easy scrolling. This is a popular alternative to a standard mouse/trackpad.
- Smart Cat Touchpad (Cirque): A touchpad mouse alternative with gesture and horizontal/vertical scroll support.
- Switch-Adapted Mouse Trackball (RJ Cooper): Can function as a standard trackball, or accept alternate input from switches.
- Joystick Plus (Traxsys Input): provides an alternative to a mouse for the PC.
- RollerMouse Free3 (Contour): Rolling-bar pointer system, usable as a mouse alternative.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Shortcuts can ease keyboard use for people with various disabilities and are an excellent alternative for anyone experiencing pain/discomfort from using a typical mouse or trackpad.
Furniture
Chairs and desks can greatly impact comfort and physical stress when using a computer. The ATC provides a showroom for adjustable chair and desk options as well as some keyboard trays and footrests. Current information about furniture is maintained by UW’s Environmental Health & Safety office and can be found at their relevant web page.