Accessing the Keyboard

Assistive Technology - Accessing the keyboard

Name (supplier): Function: Who would use it?

Allows precise adjustment, via a handle, of Height-adjustable trolley (Inclusive a computer to the correct height - even Users who use a wheelchair. Technology, SIS Jensen) when fully loaded with equipment.

Adjustable keyboard and monitor arms Attaches to a table and swings out to the Users who use a wheelchair. (Misco) correct height.

If the user’s feet are dangling down from a seat that is too high they can help to Footrests (Misco) Users who have short legs! maintain sitting balance and achieve good hand control.

Users who require some wrist support - Wristrests (Misco) Stabilises the arm. but do not need full arm support.

Take the weight of the arm and let the Users with a muscular weakness who get Arm supports (QED) user move across the keyboard to access tired typing. the keys.

It fits over the keyboard to help prevent Keyguards (Inclusive Technology) Users who type with a finger or typing tool. unintentional keypresses.

Users who have injuries related to Reduce the discomfort from injuries excessive keyboard use e.g. RSI. Ergonomic keyboards (Misco) related to excessive keyboard use Users who have limited hand control. (wristrests are often built in as well). Users who suffer pain when typing (e.g. arthritis). Have a handful of keys (one per digit per Users with the use of one arm. Chording keyboards (KCS) hand) to type by ‘chords’ which produce Users with a visual impairment. different letters and keys. Users with limited arm range and strength. Expanded keyboards (Inclusive Users who have difficulty with the small Keys are larger and more widely spaced. Technology) keys on a standard keyboard.

Compact and miniature keyboards A smaller version of the standard Users with limited range of movement who (Inclusive Technology, KCS) keyboard. cannot reach across a standard keyboard.

Dvorak alternative keyboard layout - An ergonomic keyboard layout, where the Microsoft Windows (Microsoft most common keys are located at either Users with the use of one arm. website) the left or right side of the keyboard.

Software adaptations: Allows characters or commands to be StickyKeys - Accessibility Options, typed without having to hold down a Users who have difficulty pressing two Microsoft Windows 95 onwards modifier key (Shift, Ctrl, Alt) while pressing keys simultaneously. (Microsoft) a second key. FilterKeys - Accessibility Options, Instructs the keyboard to ignore brief or Users who have motor problems and who Microsoft Windows 95 onwards repeated keystrokes. type using a finger. (Microsoft)

FilterKeys (Ignore repeated keystrokes) Adjusts the amount of time that elapses Users who have motor problems and who - Accessibility Options, Microsoft before a character repeats when you hold type using a finger. Windows 95 onwards (Microsoft) down a key. FilterKeys (Ignore quick keystrokes and slow down the repeat rate) Adjusts the speed at which a character Users who have motor problems and who - Accessibility Options, Microsoft Windows repeats when you hold down a key. type using a finger. 95 onwards (Microsoft) A high sound is heard when the CAPS ToggleKeys - Accessibility Options, LOCK, SCROLL LOCK, or NUM LOCK User who has difficulty knowing when a Microsoft Windows 95 onwards key is switched on and a low sound is key has been pressed. (Microsoft) heard when any of those keys are Users with a visual impairment. switched off.

 Suppliers

Name: Address: Telephone: Website: Inclusive Riverside Court, Huddersfield 01457 819790 www.inclusive.co.uk Technology Road, Delph, Oldham OL3 5FZ Ltd Keytools Ltd PO Box 700, Southampton 023 80584314 www.keytools.com SO17 1LQ Microsoft Microsoft Limited, Microsoft 0870 6010100 www.microsoft.com/uk Campus, Thames Valley Park, Reading RG6 1WG Misco Darby Close, Park Farm South, 0870 7256990 www.misco.co.uk Wellingborough, Northants NN8 6GS Quality Unit D16, Heritage Business 023 92580600 www.qedltd.com Enabling Park, Heritage Way, Gosport, Devices Ltd Hampshire PO12 4BG

 Websites

CALL Centre, University of Edinburgh www.callcentrescotland.org.uk Empowering Technologies www.emptech.info Inclusive Technology Ltd (Articles on Special Needs and IT section) www.inclusive.co.uk/infosite/index.shtml Limbless Association www.limbless-association.org Microsoft Accessibility www.microsoft.com/enable NHS Direct Online www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk New Opportunities Fund (ICT Training) www.inclusive.net Typing Injury Frequently Asked Questions (USA) www.tifaq.com

 Other

AbilityNet AbilityNet Northwest, c/o 0800 269545 (if www.abilitynet.co.uk AbilityNet Central England, calling from home) or PO Box 94, Warwick, 01926 312847 (if Warwickshire CV34 5WS calling from work)