Alternatives to keyboard and mice

For people who cannot operate either a physical keyboard or mouse several options are still available. These include voice recognition, on-screen keyboards and switch input.

Switch input is an input method that combines an on-screen keyboard with one or more switches positioned anywhere on the user's body where they have reliable movement.

A switch can be of any size or shape from a big button, to a tiny microswitch, or one which is activated by blowing down a tube or the blink of an eye.

A Collection of Square "Press Switches".

The switch or switches are used to select first the line then the column on an on-screen keyboard which then sends that keystroke or command to the program being used. Switches can also directly operate programs specifically written for switch users.

Even if someone can only use a single switch they can still effectively operate a computer.

• Communication aids (text)
• Communication aids (PDF)
• Keyboard and mouse alternatives (text)
• Keyboard and mouse alternatives (PDF)