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"Because of my limited dexterity, I can only type with one hand. An accessible technology expert introduced me to voice recognition software. This software allows me to speak instead of type, and as a result I'm able to continue working efficiently and successfully."

Keith A.,
diagnosed
in 1993

Dexterity Products

Free Adjustments to your Computer
Alternative Input Devices
Voice Recognition Software

Free Adjustments to your Computer

Adjustments to Windows
Microsoft offers tutorials that provide step by step instructions for making your mouse and keyboard easier to use:

Windows 7: Mouse, Keyboard
Windows Vista: Mouse, Keyboard
Windows XP: Mouse, Keyboard

Adjustments to MAC OS X
Mac OS X v10.5 Leopard provides built-in and assistive technologies that can help you navigate your computer even if you have difficulties using the keyboard, mouse, and trackpad.

Alternative Input Devices

Large Key/Large Print Keyboards Large key/large print keyboards are perfect for those who have a hard time seeing the existing commands on their keyboards. With a bigger and bolder typeface, and sometimes larger keys, the keys are easier to see and use.
	BigKeys LX BigKeys LX has 1-inch-square keys on a standard sized keyboard. BigKeys LX is for adults who want a full-featured keyboard -- but who need large keys in order to locate and operate the keys. BigKeys LX includes all special characters found on a standard keyboard, with the exception of the numeric keypad, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break.
	ZoomText Large-Print Keyboard Designed for anyone who struggles to see the lettering on their keyboard, the new ZoomText keyboard makes typing faster and easier than ever before. Each key and button label is easy to see, even in low light, thanks to its 36-point text and choice of high-contrast color schemes: "Black on Yellow" or "White on Black".
On Screen Keyboards On Screen Keyboards allow you to type using a mouse or alternative input device by selecting keys as they appear on your computer screen.
	ScreenDoors 2000 Instead of pushing keys on a real keyboard, simply point and click on a picture of a keyboard on your computer screen. ScreenDoors 2000 acts just like the real keyboard typing directly into any application. A list of predicted words actually guesses what you are typing to help speed entry.
One-Handed Keyboards One-handed keyboards allow for typing with only one hand—left or right. One-handed keyboards have special shapes and letter layouts to simplify typing.
	USB Mini Keyboard The keyboard is a small size alternative keyboard that plugs directly into a computer - no special interface is required. This keyboard allows you to control both keyboard and mouse functions. This product is designed with the most frequently used letters placed toward the center of the keyboard. This may help to expedite text entry and minimize fatigue.
Trackballs & Joysticks Trackballs and joysticks are substitute pointing devices that require less motion on the user's part and better positioning with respect to the keyboard.
	BIGtrack Trackball The BIGtrack has a 3 inch trackball which makes it the largest trackball available. The large ball requires less fine motor control than a standard trackball and it is ruggedly built. It has a left and a right mouse click button located behind the trackball to avoid unwanted mouse clicks.
Ergonomic Mice Ergonomic mice are designed to maximize productivity while reducing operator fatigue and discomfort.
Touch Pads By moving a finger or other object along a touch pad, the user can move the pointer a corresponding distance on the display screen. Many users find touch pads to be less of a strain on the wrist, hand and arm because there is less movement and resistance than that needed with a traditional mouse.
Head-Eye Controlled Devices Alternate input devices operated by head or eye movements give full mouse control to people who cannot use conventional pointing devices such as a mouse or standard keyboard.
	TrackerPro TrackerPro is a computer input device that takes the place of a mouse for people with little or no hand movement. TrackerPro tracks a small dot that you can place on your forehead, glasses or the rim of a hat. It is dedicated assistive technology designed exclusively for people with limited use of their hands.
	MyTobii MyTobii is a portable eye-controlled communication device. The device can be mounted for use at a desk, on a wheelchair, in bed or anywhere suitable for the user. The eye tracker doesn't need the user to “do” or “wear” anything. Simply sit in front of it, follow a dot during a 10-second calibration and you are on your way! With flexible mounting, easy customization and different hardware options, every situation is catered to.

Voice Recognition Software

	Dragon NaturallySpeaking Dragon NaturallySpeaking allows users to create documents, reports and emails three times faster than most people type — with up to 99% accuracy – simply by using their voice. The software also allows you to surf the Web by voice or dictate and edit in Microsoft Word and Excel, Corel WordPerfect, and most other Windows-based applications. Voice commands enable you to quickly insert blocks of texts or images — such as your name, title, and signature.
	IBM ViaVoice IBM ViaVoice allows users can dictate, edit, correct, and format text in the powerful IBM ViaVoice speech-enabled word processor, SpeakPad. Text dictated into SpeakPad can be exported to other text-based Windows applications through use of a single voice command, or through the Windows Copy and Paste features. Users can also dictate directly into Microsoft Word 2002, Word 2000, and Word 97 to easily create letters, reports, and other documents.
	Windows Vista Speech Recognition Windows Speech Recognition in Windows Vista empowers users to interact with their computers by voice and is a free feature built into the operating system. It was designed for people who want to significantly limit their use of the mouse and keyboard while maintaining or increasing their overall productivity. You can dictate documents and emails in mainstream applications, use voice commands to start and switch between applications, control the operating system, and even fill out forms on the Web.

Affordability

Accessible technology doesn't have to be expensive. There are many types of AT that are low cost or even free of cost.

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