Tweaking and adapting computers

All too often it is tempting to continue to use a computer as it came, straight from the box, but often a few simple tweaks and adaptations can make the system more useable.

This page contains a few simple ideas from AbilityNet, a national organisation offering advice and information to disabled people on "adaptive technology".

Sticky keys

If you are only able to use one hand you will find that there are some key combinations that are difficult to achieve. Try typing "%&" or pressing "ctrl+alt+delete" with one hand and you will see the problem. Getting to these keys involves awkward stretches. For people who can only use one finger of one hand to type it is even more difficult.

Thankfully there is a "Sticky Keys" function that is built into Windows 95/98/ME/XP. Sticky keys changes the behaviour of the modifier keys - Shift, Control and Alt, so that they are "held down" until the next key is pressed.

This means it is possible to achieve a capital "P" by pressing and releasing the shift key and then pressing the "p" key. There is no need to press Caps-lock, p, Caps-lock – and you can get % by pressing shift then 5.

The settings for sticky keys can be turned on by visiting the "Accessiblity Options" within the Control Panel (Click on Start Menu, then Settings to open control panel).

Improving clarity

If you create a document in your word processor you will generally find that the text on the screen consists of black letters on a white background. The writing in the menus is generally black on grey and the title bar is blue. If these colours are not the best for you, you can change them and adjust the size of the text in the menus.

To try this out revisit control panel and select the display item. Choose the appearance Tab and look under "Scheme" – if you scroll down through this list you will see a number of pre-defined schemes that use different colour combinations – some of which are available in a number of sizes. For example, we often find that the High Contrast schemes are selected by our clients with visual impairments.

The mouse pointer can often be difficult to locate on the screen. If so, then you can try making it bigger. You can select different "Mouse Schemes" through the "Mouse" item in Control panel. If you have a white background try the "Windows Standard Black (large)" - or try a large white pointer if you have a high contrast black scheme. While you are in the mouse properties think about swapping the buttons over if you are left handed so that you can do all your clicking with your index finger.

Keyboarding Options for single handed users

There are some specialist keyboards available for users who can only use one hand. These include the Maltron keyboards and chording keyboards shown below.

These devices do work, but their disadvantage is that after developing skills with the specialist keyboard the user would then need to use that keyboard on other computers they need to access.

A further option is to continue to use a standard QWERTY keyboard, but swap to a "laptop sized" keyboard as these are more compact and can be operated more easily with one hand. There is a useful typing tutor called "Five Finger Typist" that enables a single handed user to develop a touch-typing style based on the keys "FGHJ" as "home keys". It is available from Granada Learning (see suppliers' list below), code 7510.

Portable Notetakers

For pupils who have difficulty handwriting, but find typing easier, there are some very good lightweight notetaking devices that can be used as "pen and paper substitutes" – one of these is the Alphasmart. This device will run for 300 hours on 3 AA batteries.

Pointing devices

The standard mouse is quite a challenging device for many people with reduced dexterity. Sometimes changing to a different shaped or different sized device will help. If a mouse does not suit then there are large numbers of alternatives – rollerballs, touchpads, joystick devices…..

Magnification and Screen Reading Systems

Magnification software and screen reading programs can be bought to offer support to users with significant visual impairments. Magnification software magnifies the area around the cursor or mouse pointer. Screen reading systems monitor the activity on the screen and speak out the current menu options, the keys pressed, and give the user the ability to interrogate the system.

Voice Recognition Software

There are a number of voice recognition systems that can be bought off the shelf from high street retailers. These systems are sold as "productivity tools" for home and office users - "you talk, it types". They do work, but in our experience not everybody succeeds with this technology. Voice recognition systems work best with confident, articulate users who can deliver complete phrases or sentences to the computer without hesitation or mumbling.

Clearly, the technology has great potential for older disabled users, but in general we are concerned about using it with younger users unless there is a really good support network. It also requires a fast computer - at least Pentium 3 and 196 mb of RAM.

Games Consoles

Used for playing games, and accessed via a controller. There are a range of controllers for most computers some of which are listed here.

Hands Free Access to a Sony Playstation 1&2 : Adaptive Playstation Controllers from www.quadcontrol.com

Hardware box allowing the user to use switches to access the controller buttons. Available from www.pathwaysdg.com

One handed DuelShock controller which makes all the buttons available to a one handed user. Available from: www.consoleandgadgets.com/catalog/product_info.php/Your_Store_Name/Ascii...

Dance Mat comes into its own with the many dancing games available. Available from: www.whitedog.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=144

Standard joystick for the Xbox. Available from: http://uk.specialreserve.co.uk/q_GG1702_logic_3_arcade_sti.html

Information about accessible gaming— www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/closeup/gaming.shtml

Accessible games for download - www.levelgames.net/

About AbilityNet

AbilityNet, Suite 1, Malvern Gate, Bromwich Rd, Worcester, WR2 4BN is a charity offering advice and information to disabled people on adaptive computing. The freephone advice and information service is on 0800 269545. The organisation produces a range of Factsheets including:

Keyboarding options for single handed users

Getting round difficulties with the keyboard and mouse

Options for Visually Impaired Users

High visibility features in Windows

Voice Recognition Systems

Factsheets are also available on AbilityNet’s web site: www.abilitynet.org.uk.

Suppliers

Some small keyboards are available from mainstream retailers, but the following are specialist suppliers of both hardware and software

3M Touch Systems 163 Milton Park, Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 4SD
Tel: 01235 444400
Web: www.3mtouch.com
Touch screens and monitors

AbilityNet Technical Centre Suite 1, Malvern Gate, Bromwich Road, Worcester, WR2 4BN
Tel: 01905 420520
National Advice & Information Line: 0800 269545
Web: www.abilitynet.org.uk

Access Keyboards Unit 18, Suttons Business Park, Reading, RG6 1AZ
Tel: 0118 9663333
Web: www.accesskeyboards.co.uk
Standard and specialist keyboards

Ace Centre 92, Windmill Road, Headington, Oxford, OX3 7DR
Tel: 01865 759800
Web: www.ace-centre.org.uk
Email: info@ace-centre.org.uk
Carries out assessments of the communication needs of individual children & young people in full-time education.

Aidis Trust Wingate Annex, St Alphage House, 2 Fore Street, London, EC2Y 5DA
Tel: 0207 628 6346
Email: info@aidis.org
Web: www.aidis.org
Provides specialised computer equipment.

Bellair Electronics 4 Broadgate, Bellaire, Barnstaple, North Devon, EX31 1QZ
Tel: 01271 324759
Web: www.bellaire.co.uk
Suppliers of ‘Cykey’- for one handed touch-typing

Business Futures Ltd. Unit 10, Birch Copse, Technology Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 7FH
Tel: 01202 696950
Web: www.mousetrak.com
British suppliers of Mousetrak trackballs

Computerware 7 Greenwood Grove, Winnersh, Berkshire, RG41 5LH
Tel: 0118 989 2777
Web: www.cw2.co.uk
Trackballs and Light Pens

Computing Plus 4 Fernlock Court, Blenheim Office Park, Long Harborough, Oxford, OX8 8LN
Tel: 01993 881912
Web: www.computingplus.co.uk
Ergonomic computer accessories

Contour Design (Europe) Unit 3, Honeypot Business Centre, Parr Road, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 1NL
Tel: 0208 731 1410
Web: www.contourdesign.com
Alternative computer input devices

Counterpoint MTC Ltd. Unit 2, Timberlaine Trading Estate, Decoy Road, Worthing, West Sussex, BN14 8ND
Tel: 01903 539922
Web: www.cmtc.co.uk
IT packages for use in education

Crick Software Ltd. Crick House, Boarden Close, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6LF
Tel: 01604 671691
Web: www.cricksoft.com/uk
Reading and writing software

Datasound Ltd. Gates House, 111-113 Fortis Green, London, N2 9HR
Tel: 0208 883 6421
Web: www.datasound.com
Ergonomic products designed to maximise comfort

Dave Williams Design Engineering
Tel: 024 7640 2089
Keyguards

Dolphin Computer Access Ltd. Technology House, Blackpole Estate West, Worcester, WR3 8TJ
Tel: 0845 1305 353
Web: www.dolphinuk.co.uk
Audio publishing—can be beneficial for reading difficulties

Don Johnstone Special Needs 18 Clarendon Court, Calver Road, Winwick Quay, Warrington, WA2 8QP
Tel: 01925 256500
Web: www.donjohnston.co.uk
Reading and writing software and computer access products

(ECS) Enabling Computer Supplies Ltd Castlefields, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 1BU
Tel: 01785 243111
Web: www.enablingtechnology.net
Supplies hardware and software to those with learning difficulties and physical disabilities

Granada Learning Ltd.– SEMERC Granada Television, Quay Street, Manchester, M60 9EA
Tel: 0161 827 2927
Web: www.granadalearning.co.uk or www.semerc.com
Solutions for inclusion in education

Inclusive Technology Gatehead Business Park, Delph New Road, Delph, Oldham, OL3 5BX
Tel: 01457 819790
Web: www.inclusive.co.uk
Online catalogue with a wide range of software available.

Insight Enterprises Inc. Alperton House, Bridgewater Road, Wembley, Middlesex, HAO 1EH
Tel: 0800 333333
Web: www.insight.com/uk
General IT hardware and software

Intolect Ltd. Marcoms House, Abbey Barn Road, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP11 1RL
Tel: 01494 521999
Web: www.intolect.com
Email: sales@intolect.com
Input devices with emphasis on user comfort

Keyboard Company 8 Canal Ironworks, Hope Mills, London Road, Stroud, Gloucs, GL5 2SH
Tel: 0845 205 5555
Web: www.keyboardco.com
Keyboards of all description

Keytools Ltd. PO Box 700, Southampton, SO17 1LQ
Tel: 023 8058 4314
Web: www.keytools.com
Hardware for comfort and ease of usage

Laptap Ltd. Unit 21a, Motherwell Business Centre, Coursington Road, Motherwell, Lanarkshire, ML1 1PW
Tel: 01698 300500
Web: www.laptapltd.co.uk
Pad to facilitate use of IT equipment on uneven surfaces

Learn To Type
Web: www.learn2type.com
Free typing tests on the web

Maxess Products The Chinestone, Dancers Hill, Charlbury, Oxfordshire, OX7 3RZ
Tel: 01608 811909
Web: www.maxessproducts.co.uk
Computer hardware suitable for those with special needs

Omega First Ltd. 9-11 Alexandra Road, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6BU
Tel: 01252 376937
Web: www.omega-first.com
Language software

Osmond Group Ltd. 21 Johnson Road, Fernside Business Park, Ferndown Industrial Estate, Wimborne,
BH21 7SE
Tel: 01202 850550
Web: www.ergonomics.co.uk
Ergonomic office furniture solutions

PCD Maltron Ltd. 15 Orchard Lane, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 OBN
Tel: 0208 398 3265
Web: www.maltron.com
Fully ergonomic keyboards

Posturite (UK) Ltd. The Mill, Berwick, East Sussex, BN26 6SZ
Tel: 0845 345 0010
Web: www.posturite.co.uk
Office furniture

Prentke Romich International Minerva House, Minerva Business Park, Lynch Wood, Peterborough, PE2 6FT
Tel: 01733 370470
Web: www.prentkeromich.co.uk
Communication aids for independent communication

Pulse Data International UK Ltd. 3 Blotts Barn Business Centre, Brooks Road, Raunds, Northamptonshire,
NN9 6NS
Tel: 01933 626000
Web: www.pulsedata.com
IT for visually impaired users

QED 2000 Ltd. 1 Prince Alfred Street, Gosport, Hampshire, PO12 1QH
Tel: 0870 787 8850
Web: www.qedltd.com
Adaptive products for special needs

REM Ltd. Great Western House, Langport, Somerset, TA10 9YU
Tel: 01458 254700
Web: www.r-e-m.co.uk
Educational Software

Sensory Software Ltd. 26, Abbey Road, Malvern, Worcestershire, WR14 3HD
Tel: 01684 578868
Web: www.sensorysoftware.com
Hardware and software for communication and literacy support

The Sequal Trust 3 Ploughman’s Corner, Wharf Road, Elsemere, Shropshire, SY12 OEJ
Tel/Fax: 01691 624 222
Email: sequal@freenet.co.uk
Web: www.the-sequal-trust.org.uk
Charity providing special equipment and aids for daily living

Sight & Sound Technology Ltd. Quantel House, Anglia Way, Moulton Park, Northampton, NN3 6JA
Tel: 0845 634 7979
Web: www.sightandsound.co.uk
Technology for the visually impaired

Special Needs Computing Box 42, Rainhill, Merseyside, L35 4RG
Tel: 0151 426 9988
Web: www.box42.com
Information and advice on IT for those with a disability

Texthelp Systems Ltd. Enkalon Business Centre, 25 Randalstown Road, Antrim, BT41 4LJ
Tel: 0800 328 7910
Web: www.texthelp.com
Software to improve reading and writing abilities

Toby Churchill Ltd. 20 Panton Street, Cambridge, CB2 1HP
Tel: 01223 576117
Web: www.toby-churchill.com
Text based communication aids

Touchstone Resources Ltd. Unit 6, Cypress Court, Harris Way, Sunbury-on-Thames, Middlesex, TW16 7EL
Tel: 0845 130 3760
Web: www.printcartridge.net
Printer cartridges

Tyco Electronics UK Ltd. Elo Touchsystems, Faraday Road, Dorcan, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 5HH
Tel: 01793 573344
Web: www.elotouch.com
Touch screens and monitors