Hands-free computer access

[Kristin]

This is a question submitted to SETC.  Please join in the discussion with ideas.

Does anyone know of technology that allows a student to use a computer via a mouthpiece and movements of the tongue?  I have a student who has tried a sip and puff for access to the computer, but finds this access method fatiguing.  The student’s voice quality fluctuates, making it difficult to use voice commands and a program such as Dragon Naturally Speaking is an unreliable way for him to produce written language.
Thanks for your input

[Kristin]

Here are a few things that come to mind.

We have the Tetra Mouse available for loan. Here is a link to read about this mouse. (http://tetramouse.com/).  This item may not be on our lending library page at this time.  We can check with Sue Write at SETC to see if it is available for check out.
I have not used this personally with students, but know an AT specialist and SLP who have tried this with a student.  I could ask if they would be willing to share contact info to give you feedback.
 
Also, does the student have good head control?  If so, consider the Smart Nav USB for computer access. Here is the description we have on our website.
Smart Nav (USB)
Description: The Smart Nav is a mouse alternative that allows people with good head control to completely control their computer. A tiny reflective dot is stuck to the forehead, eyeglass frame, tip of nose. The monitor-mounted transmitter/receiver sends infrared beams out, and senses reflections from the dot. The SmartNav software (included) 'maps' head motion to cursor motion. The SmartNav comes with a USB connector and works on both Mac and WIN computer platforms.
You can check this out from our lending library. http://www.cwu.edu/~setc/index.php
Click on Lending Library on the Left-hand side.  Then click on lending library at the top of the page.  Select Alternative Access and Alternative mouse.  This should get you to the smart nav.
Using the smart nav in conjunction with an on screen keyboard and a word prediction program such as Co-Writer may give him a reliable way to produce written language and have access to some other academic support programs.

Kristin

[Kristin]

This is not a tongue activated mouse, but is another hands free Mouse. 

Hands-Free Mouse  (http://www.marblesoft.com/products.php?subgroup=14)

The eeZee Mouse family offers hands-free operation for the user who cannot or does not wish to use a conventional mouse. A tiny sensor can be placed anywhere on the body to control the mouse pointer with body movements.

The eeZee Mouse comes in three versions.

eeZee Mouse CURSOR. No clicking is built-in. Requires other means to click, such as these switches and switch interfaces.


eeZee Mouse SWITCH. The user clicks via external switch(es)(not included)


eeZee Mouse PRO. The user clicks by blowing into a microphone (not included).

To use the head to control the eeZee Mouse, you can attach it to a simple headset.


http://www.marblesoft.com/products.php?subgroup=14