Low Tech vs. High Tech

What is the difference between low tech and high tech in regards to Assistive Technology?

First, it is important to understand what is assistive technology to begin with.  To paraphrase many definitions that are available, assistive technology is the use of a device to assist with improving the function of the user.  For example, a pair of glasses can be considered assistive technology as they assist with vision.  A walker can be considered assistive technology as it helps with walking or ambulation.  There are also different levels of assistive technology, and this can be broken down into low and high tech devices.
 

Low technology does not require a power source.  Sometimes this can be the easiest and most practical of solutions in assistive technology.  Low tech devices are items that facilitate independence in an area as does high tech devices.  Examples of low tech are a cane for assistance with walking, a pencil grip for children with grasp issues, or even glasses to assist an individual with seeing their environment.  

Even if an individual can benefit from high tech assistive technology, it is always important that they have a low tech "backup".  Technology can fail, batteries die, and emergencies can happen.  In these cases, an individual will continue to meet their needs using their low tech device.  Also, low tech devices might be all a user needs.  High tech is not indicated for everyone.

Before we discuss high tech devices, there is another classification that many individuals use, mid tech.  The difference between mid tech  and low or high tech  is that mid tech has a battery source.  Typically, they have limited capability but do have a power source.  This can include communication devices that can be pre-programmed with single pre-saved phrases or simple remotes that can control an individual's lights.  

 Again, mid tech can also be an appropriate option for individuals.  They are simple devices that can facilitate independence for the user.

High Technology:

Users of high technology are typically individuals with significant functional impairments.  This can includes folks with spinal cord injuries, Lou Gehrig's disease, or muscular dystrophy.  Examples of high tech devices are:

• Communication devices with alternative access methods such as eye gaze
• Stand alone environmental control units, with alternative access, that can control multiple devices in the user's environment
• Computer workstations with alternative software and hardware for access, such as a head mouse or dwell click software 

These devices can assist a person with the most minimal of movement to independently communicate or control their computer.  

Funding can be a challenge for these devices and they can be quite costly.  Communication devices (or AAC devices) can often be partially covered by insurance companies.  A qualified professional can assist with the selecting the appropriate device for the user's needs and goals, as well as obtaining funding for best device choice.

What have your experiences with these forms of assistive technology?

Mouse Keys

What Are Mouse Keys?

Mouse keys are an alternative way to perform mouse skills for individuals that have physical impairments that would limit their ability to utilize a conventional mouse.  Mouse keys allow the numeric keyboard to emulate mouse functions.  For example, when the user presses the number 8, the pointer will move up.  Pressing the number 6 moves the pointer to the right.  When using mouse keys, the conventional mouse is not required.  The image below helps illustrate these buttons and their correlating movements.

This feature is available with both the Windows and Macintosh operating systems.  Below are screen shots of where to access this feature in both operating systems.


Macintosh:

Windows:

The rate of speed of the mouse point can be modified in the settings to accommodate for the users needs.  Access of the numeric keyboard can be achieved through direct selection of the an individuals hands on the keyboard,  a mouth stick or pointing device on the physical keyboard, or use of the on screen keyboard.  In addition, if is easier for the individual, the mouse pointer can be made bigger for increased independence in the mouse settings (please see an earlier post).  


Mouse keys is another example of how simple modifications can facilitate independence for an individual with a disability.

Voice Recognition Software

Voice Recognition Software or speech recognition software translates spoken words into text in regards to computer access or typing on a computer.  It is software that has been around for many years.  It can benefit a large population of individuals; ranging from people suffering with repetitive strain injuries to spinal cord injured individuals.  


Many voice recognition programs require the user to participate in a "training" task.  With this task, the user reads a passage so that the software can "learn" that person's speech patterns and pronunciations of words.  The program might also "read" text that is already saved on the user's computer to see how that individual writes grammatically.  

What are some of the benefits of voice recognition software?


Voice Recognition Software can enable an individual with limited or no upper extremity movement to access their computer independently.  It can be a quick way to get a lot of words on the page possibly decreasing fatigue and pain for certain individuals.  Since we speak faster than we type, once independent in the use, the user could "type" quickly, increasing efficiency and productivity in a work related environment as well as if used for leisure tasks.


What are some of the challenges of voice recognition software?


It can never be 100% accurate.  We have to remember that this is a computer and not a person.  If we say the wrong word, the wrong word will be typed; it cannot infer what was meant.  


Speaking to type is a completely different way of typing and can take some getting used to for an individual that is used to access their computer with their hands.  There can be a higher cognitive load to prepare what you want to say versus just figuring it out as you type.  Extended talking can be very fatiguing.  Often, this type of software would not be best for individuals that fatigue easily or energy conservation is important for their function.


Background noise can affect the accuracy as can if the user has a cold and does not sound like their usual self.  It is best to use this software in a quiet environment.  


It requires quite a bit of memory and processing speed.  If you are thinking of investing in this type of software, be sure to check the specifications required to run this software effectively.  


Finally, there are a large amount of commands that this software requires in order for the user to be completely hands-free.  For an individual with a spinal cord injury, they would need to learn the commands for independence with use.  If the user can access the keyboard, sometimes they choose to use the software to get the words on the page but use the keyboard and the mouse to fix any errors.  The individual has to see what works best for them.


Overall, the use of voice recognition software can be beneficial for the appropriate individual.  As with any assistive technology, there are pros and cons to its use.  It is important to remember that there are many software options available to facilitate independence in an individual.  If voice recognition software is not an appropriate option, there are many other items on the market to try.

Using a Joystick as the Mouse

There are many options for alternative mouse hardware.  In earlier posts both a head mouse and a trackball mouse have been explored.  What about a joystick mouse?


Traditionally, a joystick has been associated with gaming devices.  In addition to gaming, a there are joystick mice available that can be very helpful for individuals with both physical and cognitive disabilities. 


The standard mouse that comes with a desktop computer can be very challenging for people with various impairments.  The movements required for effective mouse use can be very difficult.  How many times have you had to lift up the mouse and place it back down to get your pointer back on the screen where you can see it?  What if the user has upper extremity weakness from a stroke or tremors from Parkinson's?  How do you think this would affect their mouse function? 


It can also be difficult for individuals to understand the cause and effect of the types of movements required to move the mouse that translate to the movements of the pointer on the screen.  This can make the mouse extremely difficult for the user with cognitive impairments.


The use of a joystick mouse can eliminate these problems.  With a joystick mouse the movements seem more intuitive than with a standard mouse.  For example, if press the joystick up, the pointer moves up.  Many hardware options can include alternative methods for clicking as well as the shape and size of the joystick itself.  This can assist people with grasp issues by having the flexibility to change the joystick top.  

The joystick mouse pictured above comes with interchangeable joystick top options as well as buttons for double click, single click, right click, lock, and speed changes.  The accessibility of the buttons can create increased ease of use.   


In addition, if access of any joystick buttons are a challenge, any ability switch can be used for click features.  This can be plugged directly into the joystick mouse, dependent on the model, or with the "swifty" USB adapter for ability switches.  Dwell click software (discussed in an earlier post) can also be used for click needs.

There are joystick mice that are not only geared towards individuals with disabilities but people that require a more ergonomic computer workstation setup.  

The mouse pictured above will hold the users hand in an ergonomic position in an attempt to decrease or eliminate repetitive strain injuries.  The right and left click is performed by the thumb positioned at the top of the joystick.  Again, if clicking is an issue, ability switches or dwell click software can be used.


Additionally, software can be used to "turn" any USB joystick into a mouse.  The software acts as a driver, interpreting joystick movements into mouse movements to move the pointer. 

Always remember that changes in the control panel might still be required to facilitate independence with any adaptive mouse hardware or software.  With the appropriate adaptations, the mouse does not have to be a challenge for a wide range of individuals, helping to create an adaptABLE world!   

Do you dwell...click that is?

What is dwell click software?

Dwell click software is a way to click the mouse without having to physically press the button or "clicker" on the actual hardware.  This is very important for individuals with a variety of physical impairments.  For example, if the user has a spinal cord injury and is accessing their computer through a head mouse, they would require this software to perform all click features.  Without it, they would only be able to move the mouse pointer but not be able to click.  This software enables the user to open items on the desktop, links, or just to click anything that a conventional mouse user would access by a button press.

This software not only can assist individuals with a lack of mobility but also those with coordination issues or pain.  If the user has pain in their finger when accessing the buttons on the mouse, the use of dwell click software would eliminate this pain.  

How does the software work?

When using this software, a toolbar is visible on the screen.  This toolbar provides all mouse click functions.  

Dependent on the program, the size of the toolbar can be modified.  Other modifications include the amount of time that the user has to "dwell" or "hover" over the item that they want to click on.  This can usually vary from .25 seconds to several seconds.  The dwell timing is very important; if the time is too short the user will perform unintended clicks.  If the dwell time is set too long, the user might have a hard time holding the pointer over the link or icon. 

When trialing this software, it is important to trial more than one version in addition to seeing can be modified in that particular program to meet the users needs.  

The use of this software can increase the level of independence of the individual for their computer access skills.  Its another way to create an adaptABLE world!