Computer Access and Adaptations Ed Hitchcock, OTR/L , Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, LIFE CENTER Page 2 of 2

• DARCI USB - offers control over all computer functions using switches with Morse code, joysticks and pointing devices.
• EZ Keys for Windows - offers full computer access using an on-screen keyboard with word prediction, mouse capabilities via Radar Mouse and communication software.
• New Abilities UCS 1000 - uses tongue activation via a device that fits into the mouth.
• Head Operated Mouse - uses a pointing device, placed on the forehead or glasses, and a sensor, replacing the standard mouse for people who cannot use their hands. The mouse pointer moves in response to head movement, but requires controlled head movements. Works with Dwell software or alternate switches.
  Examples: Tracker One, HeadMouse Extreme, Smart NAV.

• LOMAK (Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard) - head or hand held laser is pointed at a keyboard and the user selects a letter or mouse function by pointing the laser at the appropriate spot. This is generally better for people with shaky movement than the Head Operated Mouse (above).
• Mouth Operated Mouse - uses the lips and or tongue to operate a joystick. Clicking is accomplished through sip or puff on the device.
  Examples: Jouse, Quadjoy, Tetra Mouse.
• Eyegaze Systems - uses a digital camera pointed at the eyeball. As the eye moves to different points on the computer screen, a mouse or selection method follows it. Clicking is activated by blinking or dwelling. These devices are often combined with other technology.
  Examples: Quick Glance, ERICA, My Tobii.
• Cyberlink - uses brain waves and brain activity for movement of the cursor or activation of a switch. This system is harder to learn than others and requires good cognitive skills.
• Scanning Software for the Mouse - uses a switch to control movement of the mouse cursor. A single or dual switch will allow the mouse to be placed through scanning on the screen.
  Examples: CrossScanner. Scanbuddy.

Vision Alternatives

• Screen Magnifiers - available through both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.
• Narrator - Windows system reads typed characters.
• Macintosh Voiceover - provides auditory feedback.
• Zoomtext Xtra Magnifyer/Reader 9 - low-vision software with magnification, screen reading and scanning. It provides complete access to Windows programs and printed materials.
• JAWS - screen reading program allows the user to listen to each keystroke, word or sentence as it is typed, as well as listen to menu items and Windows navigational tools.
• Biggy - large, animated, high contrast cursors also provide auditory feedback when moved.

Reading Alternatives

• What You Need Now (WYNN) and Kurzweil 3000 - software programs convert books, articles or text from the internet into read-aloud format.
• Premier Programming - products include text read back, changes to visual presentation, word prediction and auditory dictionaries, which can be purchased as a suite or separately, allowing for features to be used for very specific needs.
• Word Prediction - programs suggest words after user types the first two to three letters. For example, typing "he" produces a list of words: "he, hello, helicopter" etc. The user then selects the correct choice to insert into the document. Auditory feedback of the potential choices is also available. Examples: WordQ, Soothsayer.
• Abbreviation Expansion - programs allow the user to input two or more letters as a preset abbreviation, which is then entered as the full word or phrase.
  Examples: AutoCorrect, QuickCorrect
• Macros - user-defined commands for the computer, these can be used to decrease keystrokes or other functions.

The content of this handout is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice of a physician or other health care professionals. Copyright 2007 Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago.

Copyright 2008 Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, LIFE Center, reprinted with permission.

Copyright 2008 Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, LIFE Center, reprinted with permission.

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