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
- Hawking Toolbar – UNC (Gary Bishop), U. of Michigan (Brett Clippingdale)
- SAW5 (Special Access to Windows) – 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 – Inclusive Technology
- SWITCH DRIVER – SENSORY SOFTWARE
Commercial, with free trial
These products offer free, limited trials.
- AccessMaths – ACE Centre
- ClickIt – IntelliTools
- CrossScanner – RJ Cooper
- ScanBuddy – AHF (Applied Human Factors)
- SwitchXS – AssistiveWare
Commercial, no free trial
These products must be purchased to be used, and did not offer free trials at the time of posting.
- ONE SWITCH MOUSE – CLARO
Related Research and Papers
- An overview of human-computer interaction techniques for people with physical disabilities- 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- Patrick W. Demasco, Kathleen F. McCoy
- Computer Access Assessment for Persons with Physical Disabilities: A Guide to Assistive Technology Interventions- 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- Ching-HsiangShiha, Ching-TienShihb
- Human interface design and the handicapped user- W. Buxton, R. Foulds, M. Rosen, L. Scadden, F. Shein
- Assistive Technology: Providing Independence for Individuals with Disabilities- Barbara E. Berry PhD RN, Susan Ignash RN CRRN