Input Devices for Physically Challenged Computer Users

Thanks to creative minds that build assistive technology devices, physically challenged people do not have to give up computing. Computers work by accepting input from people and providing output in a variety of formats. If you or your employees have a mild or severe disability, there are special input devices that can help get information into your computer more effectively.

Joysticks and Trackballs

1. Joysticks that you usually associate with video games can also help physically challenged people control their computers more effectively. The Butte County Network of Care describes a joystick that people with movement disabilities can attach to their desks and use instead of a mouse. Trackballs, which are similar to computer mice, let you move the cursor around the screen and click the screen when needed. Basic trackballs simply move your cursor as you move the ball, while advanced trackballs have programmable buttons that help you scroll through Web pages, double-click automatically and perform other tasks that reduce the need to move your hands.

Eye-Controlled Mouse Movement

1. British scientists created GT3D, a clever device that gives you the ability to control computers using your eyes. Priced at $30 as of January 2013, the high-tech gadget uses special software and cameras attached to glasses that you wear. After configuring the GT3D and "training" it, you can control your mouse pointer accurately by simply moving your eyes. Other devices, such as the Tobii PCEye, also give you the ability to position a mouse cursor anywhere on the screen by fixing your eyes on a specific screen location.

Special Keyboards

1. People with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome often find it painful to type. Ergonomic keyboards, often split in the middle, can help by allowing you to type more effectively while keeping your wrists in more comfortable positions. If you have poor motor control, you may benefit from keyboards that display larger keys. If you have a disability that makes it difficult to use any keyboard, try the On-Screen Keyboard that comes with Windows. This virtual keyboard overlays your screen, and lets you type by using your mouse to click the keyboard's characters.

SNP

1. Other input device technologies that can help include Sip-and-Puff, or Sip 'n' Puff. SNP technology enables you to control onscreen action simply by breathing, and is ideal for those who cannot use their hands at all, such as quadriplegics. The technology includes a special wand that you wear on your head or chin, which allows you to send signals to your keyboard using air pressure by "sipping" -- inhaling -- or "puffing" -- exhaling -- on the wand.