Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
Alternative Keyboards
and Input Devices
Scott A. Dougherty
IDEA Training & Consultation Coordinator
Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
The Big Disclaimers
Housekeeping
„ Not a company representative
„ Feel free to ask
questions as they come
to you
„ We will take a break
mid-session, but feel
free to move around
„ Materials are available
for download at
http://www.aiu3.net/
„ Not a list of “must buys” - other products will:
Do some things in a better way
„ Do some things in the same way
„ Do some things in a worse way
„ Do some totally different things
„
„ What you see is NOT all you can get
„ We ARE dealing with silicon
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Session Goals
Keyboards
„ Provide an overview of input devices for the
„ Standard
„ QWERTY
„ Alphabetic
„ Dvorak
„ Keytop Overlays &
„ Portable
„
„ Large Print/Button
„
computer
„ Demonstrate the use and application of
several devices
„ Discuss implementation of input devices in
the course of daily learning experiences
Standard Keyboards
„
„
„ Features
„ Readily available
„ Commonplace and
familiar
„ Plug-and-play or freely
convertible via
operating system
„ QWERTY
„ Dvorak
„ Alphabetic
„ Miniature
Keyguards
Coded/Alternate Entry
Programmable
Onscreen
Word prediction
„ Miniature
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5
„ Considerations
„ Specialized layouts
impact generalization
of skill on non-adapted
computers
„ Plug-and-play versus
programmed
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Optimizer Keyboard
Tactile Pro 2.0
„ Optimize key to reduce
„ Replicates the feel of
movement away from
keyboard
„
„
Trackball Keyboard
„ Standard QWERTY
the old Macintosh
keyboard
„ Available in Mac and
PC versions
„ USB 2.0 port built into
the device
„ Available with a preprogrammed Optimizer
button (see previous
slide)
Mouse control
Number pad
„ QWERTY format
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keyboard
„ Integrated pointing
device
„ PS/2 keyboard
„ PS/2 or USB trackball
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Versa Point RF Keyboard
Portable Keyboards
„ Features
„ Most are standalone
word processors
„ Reduce distractions
„ May offer add-in
functionality
„ Pre-programmed
„ Download
„ SD card
„ Text shared with
computer via wire or
wireless connection
„ Durability
„ Wireless configuration
„ 100 foot range
„ Line-of-site not
required
„ Integrated pointing
device
„ Available as a combo
with wireless cursor
control unit
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CalcuScribe
„
Low power
consumption
„ Considerations
„ Inexpensive in
comparison to a laptop
„ Screen size
„ Brightness and
contrast limits
„ Limited display fonts
and sizes
„ Portable keyboard
„ Built-in calculator
„ Text display options
„ 4-line
„ 8-line
„ File management
system
„
„
Folders
Menu structure
„ Wireless beaming to
other CalcuScribes for
collaboration
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Dana Portable Keyboard
Flexible Keyboard
„ Palm-based
„ Organization tools
„ Downloadable
software
„ Laptop-like
functionality
Folding Keyboard by Matias
„ Water resistant
„ Full-sized keyboard
„ Low pressure to
„ Integrated number pad
activate
„ Rollable for storage and
transport
„ Available in two heights
„ Large screen
„ Backlight for use in dark
rooms
„ Send or Sync
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„
„
with Tab key feature
„ Function key access
„ Arrow keys
„ Page navigation
„ Delete
Standard (19.6 in)
Short (16.2 in)
„ Volume control keys
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Fusion Keyboard (The Writer)
„ Text-to-speech output
„ Word prediction
„ Split screen vocabulary
word lists
„ Pre-programmed writing
prompts
Neo & Neo 2
„ Rubrics
„ Basic
„ Perfect Paragraph
„ Multi-Paragraph Essay
„ Six Traits of Writing
„ Persuasive Essay
„ Response to Literature
„ Creative Writing
„ Build-your-own
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QuickPAD IR & QuickPAD Pro
„ Six font choices
„ Integrated typing tutor
„ Capable of running
„ Built-in thesaurus and
applets
„
„
„
word prediction
Typing tutor
Word prediction
Quiz software
„ Infrared connection via
dedicated receiver
„ Password-capable
portfolio filing system to
organize writing files
„ Wired or wireless
transfer of text
„ Saves automatically in
8 locations
„
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Up to 70 pages in 10
separate folders
(QuickPAD IR)
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Large Print/Button Keyboards
„ Features
„ Color schemes for
ease of viewing or
identification
„ Large “target”
„ Clearer separation
between letters on
large keys
BigKeys LX & Keyboard Plus
„ Considerations
„ Larger footprint
„ Reduced key set
„ Visually distinct from
traditional keyboards
Clevy Keyboard
„ Standard keyboard footprint
„ Vertically aligned keys
„ One-inch keys
„ Keys are four times
„ LX model
larger than standard
keys
„ Keys colored by
function
„ Fewer keys than a
standard keyboard
„ Durable – keys are
switches, not
membranes
60 keys
„ Black and white keys
„ Plus model
„ 48 keys
„ Color keys
„ Black and white keys
„ Variety of layouts
„ QWERTY
„ ABC
„
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Large Print Keyboard
„ Standard-sized
keyboard
„ Enlarged key font
(roughly 3 times
standard size)
„
„
„
ZoomText Keyboard
Miniature Keyboards
„ High-contrast keys
„ White on black
„ Yellow on black
„ Features
„ Reduce “travel” for
users with small hand
spans or fingers
„ May be useful when
„ Fatigue is common
„ Range of motion is
limited
„ Only one hand is
used for key
activations
„ 16 programmable
buttons
Black on yellow
Black on ivory
Yellow on black
„ Hot keys for common
commands and
applications
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„ Considerations
„ Key face often features
a smaller font than a
standard keyboard
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
EZ-Reach Keyboard
Frogpad
Half Keyboard
„ Flat profile
„ Wired and wireless
„ Palm-sized
„ Vertically aligned keys
„ Wearable version
„ Left-hand only
(Bluetooth) configurations
„ Backspace and Enter
„ Allows user to type with
PDAs
„ Handheld devices
„ USB version
„ Handhelds
„ Laptops
„ Desktops
„ Left and right hand models
„ Non-standard key
configuration (frequencybased)
„
are repositioned for
access by the forefinger
(rather than the little
finger)
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left hand and navigate
pointer with right hand
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Half QWERTY Keyboard
Low Profile Keyboard
Magic Wand Keyboard
„ 101 keys
„ Integrated pointer
„ Full-sized keyboard
„ QWERTY arrangement
„ Two-handed typists
„ Left-handed typists
„ Right-handed typists
„ Built-in mouse
„
„
„
Joystick
Trackball
„ Laptop-like feel
„ Lightweight
„ Flat profile
(approximately one inch
high)
„ Small frame (less than
6”x12”)
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11 speeds
Left, right, & double click
„ Click-drag
„ Accessible with slight head
or hand movement
„ Handheld wand
„ Mouthstick
„ No force required for
activation
„ Small profile (7” x 6” x 0.5”)
„
available
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Space Saver Keyboard
„ 100 keys
„ Narrow design (10.8”x6”)
Keypad, function, and
arrow keys above
standard alphanumerics
„ Two models
„ Desk (weighted, 2.55”)
„ Flat (unweighted, 0.75”)
„ Available with or without
integrated touch pad
USB Mini Keyboard by Tash
Ergonomic Keyboards
„ Membrane surface
„ Keys less than ½-inch
„ Features
„ Increasingly available
(and standard) in
school, home, and
work environments
„ Reduce repetitive
stress injuries by
supporting more
natural hand positions
„ Some models are
adjustable
„
„
„
„
„
square
QWERTY layout
Auditory feedback
Mouse Mode key for
positioning and click
functions
Adjustable features
„
„
„
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Response rate
Key repeat rate
Mouse tracking rate
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„ Considerations
„ Not conducive to onehanded typing
„ May not fit into built-in
keyboard trays
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Contoured Keyboard by Kinesis
Freestyle Keyboard by Kinesis
Goldtouch Keyboard
„ Adjustable, split
„ Two models
Advantage
Classic
„ Concave key arrangement
„ Accommodates differing
finger lengths
„ Prevents wrist extension
„ Central positioning of
common “weak finger” keys
„ Backspace
„ Enter
„ Foot switch compatible
„
„
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„ Splits into two sections
keyboard
„
for adjustment between
0 and 30 degrees
Pivot Tether connects
both modules
„
„ Driverless Hot keys (not
„
supported on Macs)
Horizontal
Vertical (tenting)
„ Integrated numeric
keypad
„ Optional accessory
packages for increased
functions
„ External numeric
keypad available
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Maltron Ergonomic Keyboard
Maxim Keyboard by Kinesis
„ Concave key wells to
„ Low-force keys
accommodate differing
finger lengths
„ Centralized number
keys
„ Vertical alignment of
key rows
„ Thumb keys
„
„
„
Natural Keyboard Elite by Microsoft
„ Keys aligned for natural
wrist and arm alignment
„ Horizontal and vertical
adjustments at 0, 8, or
14 degrees
„ Removable palm
supports
„ Embedded numeric
keypad
„ External numeric
keypad available
Return
Space
Backspace
„ Shift Lock feature
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Tru-Form Keyboard
„ Split keyboard in an
integrated unit
„ Built-in wrist support
„ Dual keys
„
„
PC – Alt, Shift, Control,
& spacebar
Mac – Command,
Shift, Option, Control,
& spacebar
„ Option of built-in
touchpad
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Keytop Overlays & Keyguards
Keyboard Skins
„ Features
„ Adapt keyboards for
moisture-prone use
„ Provide color cues to
emerging typists
„ Retrofit an existing
keyboard
inexpensively
„ Provide support for
users unable to
support wrists or
isolate keys easily
„ Protect keyboard from
„ Considerations
„ Adhesives may leave a
residue when removed
„ OS settings may need
to be adjusted (in
cases where a
keyboard is being
changed to a nonQWERTY layout)
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moisture and dust
„ Conforms to keyboards
for a secure fit
„ Requires model and
FCC# at time of order
(to ensure proper
configuration)
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Keyguards
„ Available in plastic or
metal versions
„ May be easily removed,
if necessary
Keytop Overlays
Coded/Alternate Entry Keyboards
„ Braille
„ Features
„ Utilize chords, codes,
or pre-programmed
settings
„ Reduce keystrokes
„ Reduce hand
movement (travel)
„ Early Learning
„ Finger Position
„ High Contrast
„ Conforms to specific
keyboard arrangments
(specified at time of
order)
„ Keyguards are often
available for specialized
keyboards (through the
keyboard manufacturer)
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„ Large Print
„ Uppercase/Lowercase
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„ Considerations
„ Learning curve is
typical
„ Non-intuitive
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
BAT Keyboard
Darci USB
„ Left and right hand
„ Adjustable, stored
models
settings
„ Single-handed keying
„ Can be used in
addition to a standard
keyboard
„ Free hand for Braille
reading
„ Seven keys to perform
„
„
„
„
One to three switches
Timing
Code set
„ Plug-and-play (no
Chord-based entry
Programmable macros
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„ Bluetooth Brailler
„ 6 Braille keys
„ 3 function keys
„ Compact design
„ Highly portable
„ 10 hours of continuous
specialized drivers)
„ Bus-powered for
convenience and
portability
„ Audio feedback
all standard keystrokes
„
EasyLink Braille Keyboard
use on battery
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
EZ Keys XP
Jouse2
„ Multiple layouts/entry
„
„ Light operated mouse and
„ Morse code joystick
„ Control movement with
mouth, chin, cheek, or
tongue
„ Perform mouse clicks
with the integrated sip
and puff switch
methods for adapted
computer access
„ Mouse
„ Switch access
„
Lomak
Single
Multiple
Keyboard
Mouse emulation
software
„ Morse Code
„ Built-in features
„ Text to speech
„ Word prediction
„ Abbreviation expansion
„
„
„
„
„
„ Emulates mouse and
keyboard activations
„ Four user-selectable
„
versions of Morse Code
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keyboard
„ Handheld pointer
„ Head pointer
Plug-and-play
Requires little physical effort
Reduces accidental input
through dual input
„ Selection confirmed by
illumination
„ Confirm key to use
Equidistant, circular key
arrangement
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Programmable Keyboards
„ Features
„ Allow macros to be
programmed
„ Allow computer input
via traditional and nontraditional means
„ Letter-based
„ Word-based
„ Phrase-based
„ Picture-based
„
DX1 Keyboard
Highly customizable
„ User requirements
„ Activity requirements
„ Considerations
„ Time and planning is
often required prior to
use
„ Typically require
specialized drivers (not
plug-and-play)
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IntelliKeys Keyboard
„ 25 repositionable keys
„ Useful when vision,
dexterity, or range of
motion hinder use of
other devices
„ Built-in stand for flat or
angled use
„ Wide variety of overlays
Pre-programmed
Printable
„ Customized (with
separate Overlay Maker
software)
„ Keyguards available
„ Dual-switch inputs
„ Compatible with IntelliTools
software and activities
„
„
„ Scalable – add keys
when needed
„ Macros
„ Programmable
„ Pre-built
„ Recordable
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
X Keys Stick
X-Keys Keypad
Onscreen Keyboards
„ Programmable software
„ Macro Works (PC)
„ iKey (Mac)
„ Programmable keypad
„ Sixteen keys
„ Two configurations
„ 20 keys (39 macros)
„ 58 key (115 macros)
„ Features
„ Keyboard and text are
on the same plane
„ Ability to change layout
„ Alternate input
„ Mouse – click or
dwell
„ Switch
„ Touchscreen
„ Integrated word
prediction and
abbreviation expansion
„ Repositionable
„ Backlight illumination
„ Works as an auxiliary
keyboard
for low-light use
„ Legends
„ Pre-cut for handwrite
„ Microsoft Templates
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„ Considerations
„ Loss of “real estate”
„ Fatigue and repetitive
stress
„ May require assistance
with programming/setup
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Clicker 5
CubeWriter
„ Support or develop
„
„
„
„
„
writing skills in “non
writers”
Allows for high level of
structure
Option for textless
composition
Universal Design
Quick, on-the-fly
changes to cell content
Free, content-sharing
site
Discover:Screen by Madentec
„ Customizable interface
„ Letters
„ Words
„ Numbers
„ Punctuation
„ Text-to-speech
„ Personalized word lists
„ Adjunctive (works with
all applications on a
computer)
„ Three modes of use
„ Type
„ Write
„ Teach
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„ Point and click access
„ Letters
„ Words
„ Phrases
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
IntelliTools Classroom Suite
KeyStrokes
„ Fully customizable
„ Switch-ready
„ Scanning available
„ Compatible with
IntelliKeys USB
„
„
Pre-made overlays
Overlay Maker
software is required for
custom overlays
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Onscreen by IMG
„ Macintosh software
„ Five resizable layouts
„ Number pad
„ Function keys
„ Navigation
„ QWERTY
„ Alphabetic
„ Modifiable keys and
„ Built-in supports
Word prediction
Calculators
„ Macros
„ Numeric layouts
„ International layouts
Dwell selection
Verbal Keys Feedback
Show/Hide key function
Smart Window repositioning
Scanning option available
„
„
„
„
background
„ Resizable
„ Dwell selection
„
„
„
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
REACH Interface Author by Applied
Human Factor
„ 140 preprogrammed
layouts
„
„
Customizable
Create-your-own
„ Key Size Button for
quick resizing
„ Built-in supports
„
„
„
„
ScreenDoors 2000 by Madentec
„ Smart Keys
„ Removes or
deemphasizes unlikely
combinations
„ AutoType for singleresult combinations
Word prediction
Scanning
Word use learning
Dwell selection
SofType
„ Built-in features
„ Word prediction
„ Abbreviation
expansion
„ Three keyboard layouts
„ QWERTY
„ Alphabetic
„ Frequency of Use
„ Dwell selection
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„ Five layouts
„ QWERTY
„ Alphabetic
„ Frequency of use
„ Numeric
„ KidKeys
„ Create-your-own
„ Resizable
„ Size
„ Font
„ Spacing
„ Built-in features
„ Word prediction
„ Dwell selection
„ Jitter control
„ Dragger – single
switch control of
mouse functions
„ Macro programming
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
WiVik by Prentke Romich
Word Prediction
„ Features
„ Rate enhancement to
reduce keystrokes
„ Real-time display of
choices
„ Vertical
„ Horizontal
„ Dynamic
„ Access to specialized
word lists as needed
„ Text-to-speech
capability
„ 50 layouts in 22 languages
„ Fully customizable
„ Repositionable
„ Built-in features
„
„
„
„
Word prediction
Abbreviation expansion
Dwell selection
Scanning
„
„
„
Automatic
Step
Direct
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Co:Writer
„ Considerations
„ Adjunctive versus selfcontained word
prediction
„ Phonetic versus
sequence based
„ Intelligent word
„
„
„
„
„
„
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prediction
Flexible spelling
Collected words
Predict Ahead
eWord Banks
Basic, personal, and
topic dictionaries
Text-to-speech
„ Neo version available
„ Adjunctive use (may be
used with a wide range
of applications)
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Cloze Pro
Writing With Symbols 2000
„ Four writing
„ Type or paste prepared text
„ Remove words
„
„
„ Text-to-speech
environments
automatically or manually
„
Soothsayer
„
Word or letter recurrence
Sequence
Pattern
„
„
„ Present words in a grid or
pop-up list
„ Prompt with word shape,
word, exposed letters
„ Useful when etext is
available
„ Suitable for assessment and
cloze-style tasks
„
„ Adjunctive word
Symbol Processor
Word Processor
Grids for Printing
Grids for Writing
prediction
„ AutoType Feature
„ Abbreviation Expansion
„ Sentence completion
„ Customizable word lists
„ Automated correction of
„ Useful as a teacher or
common spelling errors
student tool
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
WordQ
Other Input Devices
Other Input Devices
„ Text-to-speech
„ Adjunctive word
„ Mice
„ Mouse options
„ Switch adapted
„ Ergonomic
„ Handheld
„ Trackballs
prediction
„ Usage examples for
confusing words
„ Accommodates
phonetic spelling
attempts
„ Offers the option of
speech recognition via
SpeakQ
„ Joysticks
„ Number Pads
Interfaces
„
„
„ Trackballs
„ Switches and switch interfaces
„ Joysticks
„ Gaming
„ Roller Joystick
„ Roller Joystick Plus
„ Touchscreens
„ Head mice
„ Microphone and speech recognition
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„ Switches and Switch
„ Number Pads
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„
Crick USB
Don Johnston Switch
Interface Pro
IntelliKeys USB
Keyboard
„ Touchscreens &
monitors
„ Head Mouse
„ Tracker Pro
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Speech Recognition
„ Utilizes a microphone to input text
„ Requires adequate speech skills
„ Requires significant executive
Dragon Naturally Speaking, IBM Via
Voice, Mac Dictate
SpeakQ
„ Continuous recognition
„ Skip Training option
„ Allows for keyboard-
„ Accuracy tool set
„ Customizable training
„ Discrete and continuous
free text input
„ Support for adult and
functions to maintain a topic and
perform corrections/training
„ May allow for reduced use of the
hands when controlling the
computer
„ Consider environment and task
when implementing
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teen voices
„ Analyzes existing
documents for
vocabulary and style
„ Noise-cancelling
headset or array
microphone is
recommended
prediction modes
„ Works in an adjunct
„ Speech feedback of
capacity to other
software
„ Not suitable for discrete
recognition
„ Specialized versions
available (Dragon
NaturallySpeaking)
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recognized text
„ No verbal commands for
control or correction
„ Integrated word prediction
capability
„ Text-to-speech feedback
„ Allows for both keyboard
and speech input
„ Server-level storage of
student voice files
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Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices
November 19, 2008 - AIU Vision Program
Sources of Input Devices
Questions & Evaluations
Contact Information
„ EnableMart
„ Are there questions you haven’t asked yet?
Scott A. Dougherty
Kendra Bittner
„ What further information do you need?
IDEA Training and Consultation
Coordinator, Assistive Technology
Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3
475 East Waterfront Drive
Homestead, PA 15120-1144
[email protected]
412-394-1375 ● 412-394-5992 (Fax)
IDEA Training and Consultation
Coordinator, Assistive Technology
Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3
475 East Waterfront Drive
Homestead, PA 15120-1144
[email protected]
412-394-5872 ● 412-394-5992 (Fax)
„
http://www.enablemart.com/
„ Infogrip
„
http://www.infogrip.com/
„ Retail office suppliers
AIU Assistive Technology Home Page
http://www.aiu3.net/Level3.aspx?id=1220
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