Alternative Mice:
More than One Way to Use A Computer!

What do we do when we’re toddlers? We point to something we want, like a toy or cookie. Using a mouse is the same action, though some of us point and click with differently-shaped activators. That’s why mouse movement is so easy to emulate. A person without total hand-function or limited range of movement may still be able to get onto the Internet, play games, send and receive email, or perform jobs, depending on skills and preferences. All that is required is the appropriate alternative mouse to get going!

Alternative mice come in the form of switches, large buttons, joysticks, track-balls, infrared remote systems, head-pointers, tongue-clickers, sip ‘n puff devices, eye-gazing devices, voice activation, and alternative keyboards. Each are activated with a single movement, such as the twitch of an eyebrow, lip, head, arm, leg or foot movement. An occupational therapist or rehabilitation engineer can work with almost anyone (child or adult) to determine what works best.

Sometimes it’s necessary to modify or even specially design a device. Tailor-made equipment is not uncommon, and occupational therapy is usually covered by Medicare or insurance. Mounting systems also facilitate computer access from a wheelchair or bed. (A rehabilitation engineer can set up the system.)

Following is a description of just a few alternative mice. (Note: devices may fit into more than one category. Please also see disclaimer at the end of this section.

Switches
Switches only require a single movement performed by any means to a user through muscle movement.

Switches are the currency of computer access for special needs users because they only require a single muscle movement. Switch applications then require a switch-interface component to connect to a computer. There are many types to choose from:

• A huge variety of switches, along with environmental controls, are found at TASH: (http://www.tashinc.com/catalog/index.html).
  
  
• CrossScanner by RJ Cooper
  (http://www.rjcooper.com/cross-scanner/index.html) allows the user to direct a cursor on a computer screen.
  
  
• Don Johnston Company offers the USB Switch Interface Pro: (http://www.donjohnston.com/catalog/switchpro.htm).
  
  
• Incorporating most types of input-technology, as well as output, the ADA Workstation by Synapse is incredibly versatile. The ADA Workstation is custom configured, quoted, and integrated to meet the precise adaptive technology requirements and budget of virtually any individual or organization. Features can include speech recognition, print and screen to speech, screen and print magnification, word prediction, L/D compensation, alternative pointing, and Braille output: (http://www.synapse-ada.com/)
  
  
• IntelliSwitch by Madenta is a flexible switch interface. Install the driver software, plug a switch into one of IntelliSwitch’s five switch ports, and plug the receiver into the computer’s USB port. Users can then access switch software with one or more switches: (http://www.madentec.com/)
  
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Trackballs and Joysticks
A trackball functions as an effective pointing device, translating motion into mouse clicks. A trackball is used by rolling a ball with the palm or fingers to point to a word or link.

A joystick also functions as an effective pointer, but requires the user to grasp and move toward a targeted word or link.

• The Roller II and Joystick come with sturdy, three-button switch adaptable pointing devices, available in either a large 2.5 inch trackball, or a 3-inch joystick. Separate buttons indicate left-click, right-click, and drag-lock, with color-corresponding switch ports on the back of each unit. Flashing lights indicate when the drag button is activated. (Roller II products include key guards to help users isolate buttons.) See: http://www.infogrip.com/product_view.asp?RecordNumber=100
  
  
• T-Bar and Soft Sponge Ball, produced by Infogrip, offers yet more alternatives for special input needs. The company produces a complete line of pointing devices: http://www.infogrip.com/subcategory_view.asp?option=pointing
  
  
• Sam Joystick, switches, buttons, and speech software connects everyone via alternative mouse: SAM-Cordless Switch Interface is particularly versatile. See how one Infinitec visitor uses just his eyebrow and Sam Joystick to operate a computer: http://www.infinitec.org/learn/mystory/waynewilleby.htm Producer of Sam Joystick, RJ Cooper specializes in augmentative speech and computer access devices—See R. J. Cooper’s extensive line of software and hardware products. http://rjcooper.com/index.html.
  
  
• Turbo Mouse users move a trackball manually to emulate mouse functions. Four click buttons are provided so left- and right-handed users may best use the product. Turbo Mouse requires less hand movement than a traditional mouse, and the track ball requires minimal finger movement: http://us.kensington.com/html/1436.html
  
  
• Mayer-Johnson also offers a number of assistive devices that function as alternatives to a traditional mouse: http://www.mayer-johnson.com/SearchResults.aspx?CatID=5413&Page=2&Q=Spe
  
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Touch-screen or on-screen keyboards
With a touch-sensitive screen, users can perform the same input functions as a mouse, using a finger or a stylus. Tapping the screen twice performs a double-click, and dragging the finger or stylus across the touch-screen performs a drag-and-drop. Touch screens usually emulate left mouse-clicks, but various software drivers (built-in or added on) also emulate right mouse-clicks.

Software drivers facilitate touch-screen commands to perform anything from navigating a learning program, to using an augmentative alternative speech device. Touch screens are also seen in games or conveniences in the mainstream. For instance, we use touch-screens at ATM machines, parking lots, snack machines, and personal digital systems, like the Palm Pilot™ or Blackberry™.

Liquid crystal diode (LCD) technology used in clocks and watches,gave us touch-screens. And that’s what gave us the flat-screen computer and TV! Onscreen keyboards use this same technology, which is easier for some users than operating an actual, hard keyboard.

• CubeWriter is an onscreen keyboard, speech recognition and writing program, and teaching tool that can be customized to meet individual needs. CubeWriter offers several input options including a mouse, touch screen, switch/scanning, and alternative or regular keyboards. Other options include four word list levels, two keyboard layouts, choice of word document programs, three modes, to name a few: http://www.cubewriter.com/
  
  
• WIVIK 3, by Freedom of Speech, Inc. is an on-screen keyboard that provides access to all recent applications of Windows operating systems. The WIVIK 3 package provides access using point and click, dwell selection, or switch-based scanning, as well as word prediction, abbreviation expansion and speech output. See: http://www.freedomofspeech.com/wivik.html
  
  
• Screen Doors 2000, by-Madentec Limited, empowers users with full keyboard emulation, plus foreign languages, word-prediction, and other features. See: http://www.madentec.com/
  
  
• IntelliKeys is a programmable alternative keyboard for students or adults who have difficulty using a standard keyboard. It plugs into a computer’s USB port, providing computer access to individuals with physical, visual, or cognitive disabilities. Read more here: http://www.intellitools.com/
  
  
• Abrakadabra by Inclusive TLC, is suitable for children PK-12 for language development. It has a fun cause-and-effect program, using graphics and sound. Abrakadabra has three levels of difficulty, each with 10 different scenes to build animated visual and auditory rewards. http://www.inclusivetlc.com/
  
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Speech Activation Software
Speech-activated software requires sufficient breath control and clarity of voice. Initial training acquaints a user with a speech software program and its functions, while the device learns to recognize the user’s voice. After the training period, he or she can activate a computer or environmental controls.

• Dragon Naturally Speaking 8, by Nuance, is considered more forgiving and easier to use than earlier versions. The software learns to recognize user’s voice and convert speech to text. Many more helpful features enhance the use of this product. Read about it here: http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeaking/
  
  
• Talking Desktop, by Abasoft Corporation, talking and listening software for hands-free computer control, speech recognition for dictation, voice e-mail, voice browser, mouse control and natural text-to-speech. Read and listen here: http://www.talkingdesktop.com/
  
  
• Speaking Dynamically Pro, by Mayer-Johnson, is a tool for creating talking, interactive activities and customized communication boards. It is for users of all ages, any access method, and all ability levels. It reinforces curriculum concepts, creates interactive books, writing activities, social stories, schedules, theme-based units, and more: http:// www.mayer-johnson.com
  
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Sip ‘n Puff
Sip ‘n puff systems are typically prescribed for individuals with high-level spinal cord injuries or advanced chronic illnesses, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. These systems are generally mounted to a wheelchair or bed. Users need lateral head movement, and minimal breath control volume. Sip ‘n puff capability allows users to control a wheelchair, environmental elements, a computer, or synthetic speech device. Sip ‘n puff systems also require mounting gear, protective sheathes for electronics, and operating straws.

• Adaptive Switch Labs, Inc. (ASL)
  http://www.asl-inc.com/Index.htm
  This system consists of an ASL 109 Head Array with mounting hardware, an ASL 154IVC sip n puff interface, and an ASL 202 fiber optic sensor for reset/mode changes.
  
  The ASL 109 is designed for individuals having only minimal breath volume and may not be able to achieve both hard and soft sip and puff indications. With this driver-control device, a puff equals forward and a sip equals reverse. Right and left turns are controlled by sensors located in the wings of the headrest. Users can steer or veer by rotating the head toward one of the headrest wings, while going forward in latched mode.
  
  
• Sip ‘n Puff Switch, by Origin, is a head-mounted accessory used to actuate a two position switch by a simple sip or puff. It consists of a head frame with attached mouth-tube and a switch box connected to the head-frame by a second plastic tube. Sips and puffs are converted to switch closures inside the Switch Box. These switch events are made available on two connectors labeled "Sip" and "Puff." http://www.orin.com/access/sip_puff/index.htm
  
  
• Sip n’ Puff Switches, by Technical Solutions, by activate a toy or device by sipping and/or puffing (depending on the model) through an air tube. Switches can be tailored to needs: http://www.tecsol.com.au/SwitchSuckBlow.htm
  
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Look what’s coming!
New technologies develop so quickly, we thought we’d show you something really cutting-edge: Technology that can translate action thoughts into computer commands! Think-A-Move™ is not on the market yet, but the company has developed three products that use thought patterns to control electronic devices. In other words, when a person has an action-related thought, such as swinging a golf club, the muscles in the body involuntarily contract, in preparation for the impending physical action. When these muscles begin to contract, air pressure changes take place in the ear-canal. The muscular movements and resulting air pressure changes are unique to a particular action-thought and are repeatable. Learn more here: http://www.think-a-move.com/company.html.
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Note: Infinitec Inc. does not endorse or recommend the above-mentioned products and has no liability for the results of their use. Infinitec Inc. has received no consideration of any type for featuring this product on this Web site. The information offered herein is a summary; it is not comprehensive and should be carefully evaluated by consumers with the assistance of qualified professionals. The intention of Infinitec Inc. is to offer consumers a brief overview of various assistive technology devices and their applications.