Sip and puff systems: Have you ever seen a person in a wheelchair controlling movement by breathing into a straw? This is a puff and swallow system. This technology has been adapted to allow people with physical disabilities, such as paralyzed people, to also have access to a computer. The accessibility tool works like a joystick, but is controlled by breathing. It recognizes sips or puffs and converts them into commands such as mouse clicks or keyboard characters. Assistive technology like this is a real lifesaver for many, as it gives a measure of physical control back to people with extremely limited physical abilities.
Mouse tracking with hands-free: There are now many truly amazing ways that people with disabilities can control the cursor without relying on mouse or keyboard commands. One option is FaceMouse, which turns a standard webcam into a mouse operator. It recognizes facial or head movements and converts them into commands, such as clicks. Essentially, you can use your head movements like a joystick. FaceMouse even allows users to set specific movements for certain commands, such as “Open mouth” or “Enter key”.
Another option for hands-free mouse tracking is to use a Lomak, a backlit mouse and keyboard. A small device with a laser pointer is worn on the head (or, alternatively, on the arm). By moving the head, directing the laser light to different points on the keyboard or screen, users can control the cursor. Lomak’s keyboard is also controlled by laser light and has the option of voice confirmation of commands.
The third option is the EyeGaze Edge system. This really cool system works thanks to a special video camera installed under the screen. The camera observes the user’s eyes to determine where they are looking. The user then controls the system by looking at special keys that are displayed on the control screen.
Voice control: Software for special voice control capabilities includes programs that convert speech to text and also allow you to control your computer by voice. Dragon is one of the most well-known and feature-rich programs for providing access to the Internet. It allows you to enter text anywhere you find a text box, and you can even tell it where to place the cursor. However, the accessibility tool is not perfect, and people with disabilities will have to rely on other tools, such as activating switches, to gain full access to the Internet.
