Alternative Computer access

[jhoward]

I need some ideas for accessing computers for someone very bright with significant motor challenges.  We have tried hands free with a little reflector tab on the forhead, but her head moves too much.  Manual switches cause a startle reaction.  Right now she types on a regular keyboard with extreme effort and errors.  I was thinking that some kind of stick control similar to the controller on a power wc may work, or some sort of electronic switch?

[Jerry]

Might an enlarged keyboard work? Have you tried an IntelliKeys keyboard with a large key overlay?  If you need to get totally away from direct selection on a keyboard then you may want to try a joystick mouse controller that for word processing with an on-screen keyboard (OSK).  There are a number of free and cheap OSKs out there that you can download or a built-in one that comes in Windows (under Accessories).  More sophisticated OSKs can be purchased that allow custom configuration.  You can borrow any of the above-mentioned items from our lending library.  Julie MacDonald, the other moderator of this topic category may have some other ideas.

Jerry C.

[jhoward]

I have tried the Intellikeys.  She is more accurate - but she is a teenager and refuses to use it because of how it looks.

[Kristin]

Which manual switches have you tried?  What programs is she needing to access? Sounds like she has used her hands for access of both the keyboard and switches?  I agree with Jerry that an OSK with a joystick might work with word prediction if it speeds things up for her.  Also, if head control is poor, is she having difficulty maintaining focus on the screen.  Is auditory support on as she is working on written language production so that she does not always have to be looking up at the screen.  These are just some thoughts without having seen the child.
Look forward to problemsolving this with you. 
Kristin