Make all functionality available with a limited number of input switches or a reduced keypad
Some people with physical disabilities might find it easier to use a limited keypad or single switch than to use a traditional keyboard and mouse. This features makes all functionality available with a limited number of input switches, such as a single switch or a reduced keypad.
Discussion by Disabilities
Gives people with severe impairments or paralysis to use a computer via a single switch or small keypad.
Existing Products
Please note that these products are not necessarily endorsed by RtF, but represent the range of available options.
Open Source and free
These products are free and their source code may be modified with few restrictions.
- AAC Keys(link is external)
- Hawking Toolbar(link is external) – UNC (Gary Bishop), U. of Michigan (Brett Clippingdale)
- SAW5 (Special Access to Windows)(link is external) – ACE Centre
Free, not necessarily open source
These products are free to use, but may have strict restrictions on viewing and modifying source code.
- Inclusive Serial Switch Driver(link is external) – Inclusive Technology
- SWITCH DRIVER(link is external) – SENSORY SOFTWARE
Commercial, with free trial
These products offer free, limited trials.
- AccessMaths(link is external) – ACE Centre
- ClickIt(link is external) – IntelliTools
- CrossScanner(link is external) – RJ Cooper
- ScanBuddy(link is external) – AHF (Applied Human Factors)
- SwitchXS(link is external) – AssistiveWare
Commercial, no free trial
These products must be purchased to be used, and did not offer free trials at the time of posting.
Related Research and Papers
- An overview of human-computer interaction techniques for people with physical disabilities(link is external)- G.Fraser Sheina, Jutta Treviranusa, Nicholas D.Brownlow, Morris Milner, Penny Parnes
- Generating text from compressed input: an intelligent interface for people with severe motor impairments(link is external)- Patrick W. Demasco, Kathleen F. McCoy
- Computer Access Assessment for Persons with Physical Disabilities: A Guide to Assistive Technology Interventions(link is external)- Ting-Fang, WuLing-Fu, MengHwa-Pey, WangWu-Tien, WuTien-Yu Li
- A new movement detector to enable people with multiple disabilities to control environmental stimulation with hand swing through a commercial mouse(link is external)- Ching-HsiangShiha, Ching-TienShihb
- Human interface design and the handicapped user(link is external)- W. Buxton, R. Foulds, M. Rosen, L. Scadden, F. Shein
- Assistive Technology: Providing Independence for Individuals with Disabilities(link is external)- Barbara E. Berry PhD RN, Susan Ignash RN CRRN