Skip to Main Content

Site Map · Contact Us · Search:

Accommodations > Computers

Upper Extremity Limitations

In this section, we will discuss problems related to:

Reaching all of the keys
Moving the mouse around
Pressing the keyboard or mouse buttons
Targeting keys
Hitting two keys at the same time
Typing at the required rate
Multiple typing/mouse issues

Problem	Strategy/Solution
Reaching all of the keys on a keyboard [find all keyboard entry products - assistivetech.net]	Minimize required reach Use compact keyboard (through size, shape) [compact keyboards - assistivetech.net] Rearrange letters so closer together (one-handed DVORAK) [one-handed keyboards - assitivetech.net] Eliminate required reach Use chordic keyboard where fingers remain stationary on the keys [one-handed keyboards - assistivetech.net] Use an onscreen keyboard [onscreen keyboards - assistivetech.net]
Moving the mouse around on the table [find all mouse/cursor movement products - assistivetech.net]	Minimize required reach Make program menu choices through keyboard commands [keyboard controls for software - AT Wiki] [mouse alternatives - AT Wiki] Use a mouse alternative such as a trackball, trackpad, or joystick [trackballs - assistivetechnology.net] [computer joysticks - assistivetechnology.net ] [mouse keypads/switches - assistivetech.net] Use a head-controlled device [hands-free computer controls - assistivetech.net] [hands-free mice - assistivetech.net]
Pressing down on the buttons on the keyboard or mouse [find all keyboard entry products - assistivetech.net]	Reduce or eliminate activation force Use a pointing device to help push down the keys [typing aids - assitivetech.net] [pointing aids - assistivetech.net] Try a flat, touch-sensitive membrane keyboard [small keyboards - assistivetech.netl] [large keyboards - assitivetech.net] Dwell software and click-lock features can reduce the need to click or hold down on mouse buttons [system configuration tools - assistivetech.net]
Targeting the desired key (only) [find all keyboard entry products - assistivetech.net]	Enlarge or differentiate targets Use a larger, expanded keyboard [large keyboards - assitivetech.net] Use a keyguard to help guide fingers to the keys [keyboards - assistivetech.net] Reduce sensitivity of controls Use FilterKeys / RepeatKeys to reduce unintentional keystrokes [Microsoft info link]
Hitting two keys at the same time [find all keyboard entry products - assistivetech.net]	Eliminate bi-manual control StickyKeys allows multiple-key commands to be entered sequentially instead of simultaneously [Microsoft info link]
Typing at the required rate [find all keyboard entry products - assistivetech.net]	Reduce number of keys that must be hit Use macros to perform an operation with a single keystroke Abbreviation expansion [abbreviation expansion and macros - AT Wiki] Use word prediction software [word prediction software - assistivetech.net] [word prediction - AT Wiki]
Typing / mousing (multiple issues) [find all keyboard entry products - assistivetech.net]	Eliminate hands use Operate the computer through switch scanning [computer switch interfaces - assistivetech.net] [scanning entry systems - assistivetech.net] [multiple input computer systems - assistivetech.net] Use an eye-tracking or gesture tracking system with an onscreen keyboard [onscreen keyboards - assistivetech.net] [eyegaze tracking systems - assistivetech.net] [gesture recognition systems - assistivetech.net] [ on-screen keyboard - AT Wiki] Use voice input software [math and voice input software - assistivetech.net] [voice input systems - AT Wiki]