Accessing the Keyboard Jessica Cassellius April LaCoursiere Meghan Neu

The Keyboard Overview Most common method of controlling a computer Fastest and easiest to use Cheapest access method Alternative keyboards are available – Helpful for those with disabilities

Adapting to the Keyboard Considerations: – Seating and positioning Top of computer monitor level with eyes Hands resting lightly on keyboard Arms and feet supported Arms and thighs parallel to the floor – Types of tables and furniture Height settings Surface area

Adapting to the Keyboard Considerations continued… – Foot rests Dangling feet causes difficulty in maintaining balance – Wrist rests Helps to stabilize the arm – Arm supports Supports the weight of the arm Useful for people with muscle weakness – Grab bars and restraints Reduces uncontrollable movement

Typing Tools Finger movements – Round dowel – Mitten Mouthstick and Headpointer – Good head control, no usable hand function Keyguards – Metal or plastic plate with holes punched into the surface – Helps prevent keys from accidentally being hit

Access Utilities Software Adaptations Filters to reduce mis-keying – Eliminates multiple key presses Sticky keys to hold down modifier keys – Allow shifted characters to be typed without having to hold down Shift Auditory or visual feedback – Informs user when a key press is accepted Mouse control Serial keyboard and mouse emulation – Allows user to send keyboard commands and use the mouse

With Whom Are Software Adaptations Used? For users with motor problems Typers that use a finger, headpointer, or mouthstick

Filter Settings Input Acceptance Filter – Slows down the response of the keyboard – User must keep the key continually pressed for a certain amount of time – Helpful for people who tend to knock other keys when typing

Filter Settings Post Acceptance Filter – Slows down the response of the keyboard after a key has been released – Ignores all other key presses for certain amount of time – Helpful for people who have tremors

Filter Settings Repeat Filter – To prevent unwanted repeated letters from appearing on the screen – User holds down key for certain amount of time before letter is accepted

Alternative Keyboards Ergonomic keyboard – Used to decrease injuries related to excessive keyboard use (ie: carpel tunnel) – Shaped to fit the dimensions of the body – Split keys into 2 halves and angled outwards – Wrist rests are built in

Alternative Keyboards Chording keyboard – Handful of keys – Type by playing different chords which generate different letters found on a standard keyboard – Helpful for people with one hand, limited arm range and power, visually impaired

Alternative Keyboards Expanded Keyboard – Keys are larger and more widely spaced – Keys are approximately 3cm in diameter with a gap of about 2.5cm between adjacent keys – Many have alphabetic layout – Helpful with people who have difficulty with small keys and young children

Alternative Keyboards Compact and Miniature keyboards – Designed for laptops – Used in primary schools – Helpful for people with limited hand movement and cannot reach across a standard keyboard

Keyboard Layouts Qwerty – Standard keyboard Alphabetic Frequency of use – Most frequently used keys are grouped around the center of the keyboard Available for expanded and mini keyboards

Keyboard as a Communication Aid Voice Output Communication Aid (VOCA) can be hooked up to the computer Can be set to send text or voice messages