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Software solutions
There are many different software solutions available to make use of a computer easier and more tailored to you. Below are some of the options.
- Accessibility Options in Windows
- Word Prediction
- Voice Recognition
- On-Screen Keyboards
- Switch Input Systems
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Accessibility Options in Windows
Screen shots of Sticky-Keys and Filter-Keys in Action.
Since the release of Windows95 there has always been an integrated set of accessibility features which you can configure through your "Control Panel".
You can configure how the computer interacts with you. For example; if you only have the use of one hand, using a keyboard would be difficult, due to the amount of options which require you to press 2 keys at the same time. By loading "Sticky-Keys", within the Windows Accessibility Features, the computer can be changed so that it works one keystroke at a time. Other useful features include the ability to slow down the repeat speed of the keyboard and how long you have to hold a key down for, before it is processed.
More Information
- SkillSheet on Accessibility Options - Filter Keys (PDF 337KB)
- Skillsheet on Accessibility Options - Sticky Keys (PDF 177KB)
- Factsheet on Keyboard and Mouse Alternatives (PDF 500KB)
Word Prediction
Co:Writer Word Prediction software.
After typing the first few letters of a word, predictive software gives a number of words starting with those letters. To complete the word, the user simply selects one of the words offered. For longer words this can offer speed improvements. Word prediction vocabulary can be personalised and some word prediction packages offer phonetic spelling support.
More Information
Voice Recognition
Dragon Naturally Speaking Version 8.
Voice recognition is an alternative to typing on a keyboard. Put simply, you talk to the computer and your words appear on the screen. In addition, voice recognition systems can also control computer programs and even the mouse! These systems are a realistic option for those who have good, consistent speaking voices. The systems take time to "train" to recognise the speaker, but with practice it is possible to work at the speed of a good typist. More recently these systems have become much more affordable - a full list of options is described in our factsheet "Voice Recognition Systems".
More Information
- Factsheet on Voice Recognition - An Introduction (PDF 51KB)
- Factsheet on Voice Recognition - For Blind Users (PDF 43KB)
- Factsheet on Voice Recognition - Advanced Features (PDF 93KB)
On-Screen Keyboards
The standard on-screen keyboard supplied free with Windows XP.
Here letters are selected from an on-screen keyboard. A mouse or trackball can be used to make the selection.
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Switch Input Systems
A collection of square "press switches".
If the user is physically or cognitively unable to use any keyboard or pointing device, then it may be worth considering switch input. A switch is simply a button which, when activated, sends a signal to the computer or device. Switches are available in many forms including a simple desk mounted button, a suck/puff switch which resembles a drinking straw in the users mouth and an advanced micro switch mounted onto a pair of spectacles designed to activate when the user forces an eye blink. Signals sent from the switch are used to drive various software packages which can range from simple cause and effect programmes through to communication packages and on-screen keyboard packages which allow the entire computer to be controlled from a single switch!