alternative keyboards and input devices scott a. dougherty idea training & consultation...

Alternative Keyboards and Input Devices

Scott A. Dougherty

IDEA Training & Consultation Coordinator

Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3

2

The Big Disclaimers

Not a company representative 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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Housekeeping

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/

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Session Goals

Provide an overview of input devices for the computer

Demonstrate the use and application of several devices

Discuss implementation of input devices in the course of daily learning experiences

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Keyboards

Standard QWERTY Alphabetic Dvorak

Portable Large Print/Button Miniature

Keytop Overlays & Keyguards

Coded/Alternate Entry Programmable Onscreen Word prediction

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Standard Keyboards

Features Readily available Commonplace and

familiar Plug-and-play or freely

convertible via operating system

QWERTY Dvorak Alphabetic Miniature

Considerations Specialized layouts

impact generalization of skill on non-adapted computers

Plug-and-play versus programmed

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Optimizer Keyboard

Optimize key to reduce movement away from keyboard Mouse control Number pad

QWERTY format

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Tactile Pro 2.0

Replicates the feel of the old Macintosh keyboard

Available in Mac and PC versions

USB 2.0 port built into the device

Available with a pre-programmed Optimizer button (see previous slide)

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Trackball Keyboard

Standard QWERTY keyboard

Integrated pointing device

PS/2 keyboard PS/2 or USB trackball

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Versa Point RF Keyboard

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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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

Low power consumption

Considerations Inexpensive in

comparison to a laptop Screen size Brightness and

contrast limits Limited display fonts

and sizes

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CalcuScribe

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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Dana Portable Keyboard

Palm-based Organization tools Downloadable

software Laptop-like

functionality Large screen Backlight for use in dark

rooms Send or Sync

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Flexible Keyboard

Water resistant Low pressure to

activate Rollable for storage and

transport Available in two heights

Standard (19.6 in) Short (16.2 in)

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Folding Keyboard by Matias

Full-sized keyboard Integrated number pad

with Tab key feature Function key access

Arrow keys Page navigation Delete

Volume control keys

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Fusion Keyboard (The Writer)

Text-to-speech output Word prediction Split screen vocabulary

word lists Pre-programmed writing

prompts

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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Neo & Neo 2

Six font choices Capable of running

applets Typing tutor Word prediction Quiz software

Wired or wireless transfer of text

Saves automatically in 8 locations

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QuickPAD IR & QuickPAD Pro

Integrated typing tutor Built-in thesaurus and

word prediction Infrared connection via

dedicated receiver Password-capable

portfolio filing system to organize writing files Up to 70 pages in 10

separate folders (QuickPAD IR)

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Large Print/Button Keyboards

Features Color schemes for

ease of viewing or identification

Large “target” Clearer separation

between letters on large keys

Considerations Larger footprint Reduced key set Visually distinct from

traditional keyboards

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BigKeys LX & Keyboard Plus

Standard keyboard footprint One-inch keys LX model

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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Clevy Keyboard

Vertically aligned keys Keys are four times

larger than standard keys

Keys colored by function

Fewer keys than a standard keyboard

Durable – keys are switches, not membranes

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Large Print Keyboard

Standard-sized keyboard

Enlarged key font (roughly 3 times standard size) Black on yellow Black on ivory Yellow on black

Hot keys for common commands and applications

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ZoomText Keyboard

High-contrast keys White on black Yellow on black

16 programmable buttons

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Miniature Keyboards

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

Considerations Key face often features

a smaller font than a standard keyboard

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EZ-Reach Keyboard

Flat profile Vertically aligned keys Backspace and Enter

are repositioned for access by the forefinger (rather than the little finger)

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Frogpad

Wired and wireless (Bluetooth) configurations

Wearable version PDAs Handheld devices

USB version Handhelds Laptops Desktops

Left and right hand models Non-standard key

configuration (frequency-based)

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Half Keyboard

Palm-sized Left-hand only Allows user to type with

left hand and navigate pointer with right hand

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Half QWERTY Keyboard

Full-sized keyboard QWERTY arrangement

Two-handed typists Left-handed typists Right-handed typists

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Low Profile Keyboard

101 keys Integrated pointer

available Joystick Trackball

Laptop-like feel Lightweight Flat profile

(approximately one inch high)

Small frame (less than 6”x12”)

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Magic Wand Keyboard

Built-in mouse 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”)

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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

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USB Mini Keyboard by Tash

Membrane surface Keys less than ½-inch

square QWERTY layout Auditory feedback Mouse Mode key for

positioning and click functions

Adjustable features Response rate Key repeat rate Mouse tracking rate

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Ergonomic Keyboards

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

Considerations Not conducive to one-

handed typing May not fit into built-in

keyboard trays

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Contoured Keyboard by Kinesis

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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Freestyle Keyboard by Kinesis

Adjustable, split keyboard Pivot Tether connects

both modules Driverless Hot keys (not

supported on Macs) Optional accessory

packages for increased functions

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Goldtouch Keyboard

Splits into two sections for adjustment between 0 and 30 degrees Horizontal Vertical (tenting)

Integrated numeric keypad

External numeric keypad available

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Maltron Ergonomic Keyboard

Concave key wells to accommodate differing finger lengths

Centralized number keys

Vertical alignment of key rows

Thumb keys Return Space Backspace

Shift Lock feature

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Maxim Keyboard by Kinesis

Low-force keys Horizontal and vertical

adjustments at 0, 8, or 14 degrees

Removable palm supports

Embedded numeric keypad

External numeric keypad available

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Natural Keyboard Elite by Microsoft

Keys aligned for natural wrist and arm alignment

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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

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

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 non-QWERTY layout)

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Keyboard Skins

Protect keyboard from 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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Keyguards

Available in plastic or metal versions

May be easily removed, if necessary

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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Keytop Overlays

Braille Early Learning Finger Position High Contrast Large Print Uppercase/Lowercase

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Coded/Alternate Entry Keyboards

Features Utilize chords, codes,

or pre-programmed settings

Reduce keystrokes Reduce hand

movement (travel)

Considerations Learning curve is

typical Non-intuitive

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BAT Keyboard

Left and right hand models

Single-handed keying Can be used in

addition to a standard keyboard

Free hand for Braille reading

Seven keys to perform all standard keystrokes Chord-based entry Programmable macros

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Darci USB

Adjustable, stored settings One to three switches Timing Code set

Plug-and-play (no specialized drivers)

Bus-powered for convenience and portability

Audio feedback

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EasyLink Braille Keyboard

Bluetooth Brailler 6 Braille keys 3 function keys

Compact design Highly portable 10 hours of continuous

use on battery

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EZ Keys XP Multiple layouts/entry

methods for adapted computer access Mouse Switch access

Single Multiple

Keyboard Mouse emulation

software Morse Code

Built-in features Text to speech Word prediction Abbreviation expansion

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Jouse2

Morse code joystick Control movement with

mouth, chin, cheek, or tongue

Perform mouse clicks with the integrated sip and puff switch

Emulates mouse and keyboard activations

Four user-selectable versions of Morse Code

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Lomak

Light operated mouse and 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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Programmable Keyboards

Features Allow macros to be

programmed Allow computer input

via traditional and non-traditional means

Letter-based Word-based Phrase-based Picture-based

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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DX1 Keyboard

25 repositionable keys Useful when vision,

dexterity, or range of motion hinder use of other devices

Scalable – add keys when needed

Macros Programmable Pre-built Recordable

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IntelliKeys Keyboard

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

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X Keys Stick

Programmable software Macro Works (PC) iKey (Mac)

Sixteen keys Repositionable Backlight illumination for

low-light use Legends

Pre-cut for handwrite Microsoft Templates

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X-Keys Keypad

Programmable keypad Works as an auxiliary

keyboard Two configurations

20 keys (39 macros) 58 key (115 macros)

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Onscreen Keyboards

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

Considerations Loss of “real estate” Fatigue and repetitive

stress May require assistance

with programming/set-up

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Clicker 5

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

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CubeWriter

Customizable interface Letters Words Numbers Punctuation

Personalized word lists Three modes of use

Type Write Teach

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Discover:Screen by Madentec

Text-to-speech Point and click access

Letters Words Phrases

Adjunctive (works with all applications on a computer)

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IntelliTools Classroom Suite

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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KeyStrokes

Macintosh software Five resizable layouts

Number pad Function keys Navigation QWERTY Alphabetic

Modifiable keys and background

Resizable Dwell selection

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Onscreen by IMG

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

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REACH Interface Author by Applied Human Factor 140 preprogrammed

layouts Customizable Create-your-own

Key Size Button for quick resizing

Built-in supports Word prediction Scanning Word use learning Dwell selection

Smart Keys Removes or

deemphasizes unlikely combinations

AutoType for single-result combinations

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ScreenDoors 2000 by Madentec

Built-in features Word prediction Abbreviation

expansion Three keyboard layouts

QWERTY Alphabetic Frequency of Use

Dwell selection

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SofType

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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WiVik by Prentke Romich

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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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

Considerations Adjunctive versus self-

contained word prediction

Phonetic versus sequence based

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Co:Writer

Intelligent word 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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Cloze Pro

Type or paste prepared text Remove words

automatically or manually 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

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Writing With Symbols 2000

Four writing environments Symbol Processor Word Processor Grids for Printing Grids for Writing

Customizable word lists Useful as a teacher or

student tool

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Soothsayer

Text-to-speech Adjunctive word

prediction AutoType Feature Abbreviation Expansion Sentence completion Automated correction of

common spelling errors

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WordQ

Text-to-speech Adjunctive word

prediction Usage examples for

confusing words Accommodates

phonetic spelling attempts

Offers the option of speech recognition via SpeakQ

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Other Input Devices

Mice Trackballs Joysticks Number Pads Switches and switch interfaces Touchscreens Head mice Microphone and speech recognition

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Other Input Devices

Mouse options Switch adapted Ergonomic Handheld

Trackballs Joysticks

Gaming Roller Joystick Roller Joystick Plus

Number Pads

Switches and Switch Interfaces Crick USB Don Johnston Switch

Interface Pro IntelliKeys USB

Keyboard Touchscreens &

monitors Head Mouse

Tracker Pro

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Speech Recognition

Utilizes a microphone to input text Requires adequate speech skills Requires significant executive

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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Dragon Naturally Speaking, IBM Via Voice, Mac Dictate Continuous recognition Allows for keyboard-free

text input Support for adult and

teen voices Analyzes existing

documents for vocabulary and style

Noise-cancelling headset or array microphone is recommended

Skip Training option Accuracy tool set Works in an adjunct

capacity to other software

Not suitable for discrete recognition

Specialized versions available (Dragon NaturallySpeaking)

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SpeakQ

Customizable training Discrete and continuous

prediction modes Speech feedback of

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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Sources of Input Devices

EnableMart http://www.enablemart.com/

Infogrip http://www.infogrip.com/

Retail office suppliers

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Questions & Evaluations

Are there questions you haven’t asked yet? What further information do you need?

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Contact Information

Scott A. DoughertyIDEA Training and Consultation

Coordinator, Assistive Technology

Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3

475 East Waterfront Drive

Homestead, PA 15120-1144

scott.dougherty@aiu3.net

412-394-1375 ● 412-394-5992 (Fax)

Kendra BittnerIDEA Training and Consultation

Coordinator, Assistive Technology

Allegheny Intermediate Unit #3

475 East Waterfront Drive

Homestead, PA 15120-1144

kendra.bittner@aiu3.net

412-394-5872 ● 412-394-5992 (Fax)

AIU Assistive Technology Home Pagehttp://www.aiu3.net/Level3.aspx?id=1220