A mouse is used for moving a cursor on the computer screen and clicking to carry out commands or tasks. There are a number of alternatives for those unable to use a traditional mouse.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
For some people it may be difficult to operate a standard mouse due to:
- poor fine motor skills
- poor gross motor skills
- reduced sensation
- cognitive difficulties
- spasticity
- pain associated with mouse use.
There are various types of adapted mouse and mouse alternatives to accommodate for individual needs, including:
headcontrols which are usually used with onscreen keyboards with the individual using a pointer attached to the their head to navigate a cursor on the screen. Clicking is usually operated using a type of switch such as a sip and puff switch:
joysticks which use a full hand grip to operate a joystick to move a cursor on the screen and require less fine motor skills than a standard mouse. Mouth operated joysticks are also available for people who are unable to use their hands to operate a standard mouse or joystick:
the ergonomic mouse which supports the hand in a more neutral position:
the trackball mouse which is similar to a standard mouse with a roller ball in the middle which is operated with the forefinger:
touchpads which allow the cursor on the screen to be moved by running a finger over a flat pad:
References
Job Accommodation Network 2010, Alternative Mice, US Department of Labour, West Virginia, viewed 11 March 2011, http://askjan.org/cgi-win/OrgQuery.exe?Alt65.
Novitatech 2011, Mouse alternatives, Novitatech Childrens Services, Adelaide, viewed 11 March 2011, http://www.novitatech.org.au/productlist.asp?p=247&id=17.
Spectronics 2011, Tracker Pro, Spectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies, Rochedale, viewed 11 March 2011, http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/18455.
Stretch Now 2010, Ergonomic mouse, mice and trackballs, Stretch Now, Melbourne, viewed 11 March 2011, http://www.stretchnow.com.au/products/hardware_mouse.htm.
Links to specific types of mouse and other input devices
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