Keyboard and mouse options
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What are they?
There is a huge variety of keyboard and mouse related options on the market.
Many keyboards are designed with ergonomics in mind, or may be adapted to suit requirements, such as one-handed typing, left-handed use, a tremor or visual impairment. Some have additions such as key guards to assist those with a tremor, or keyboard stickers to improve visibility. Keyboards may be compact or cordless to help with mobility and dexterity difficulties. Students with severe mobility and dexterity difficulties may use on-screen keyboards that respond to single switch access.
Mouse options include designs to minimise repetitive strain injury, offer better support for students with mobility and dexterity difficulties, or be used with head or eye pointing. You can choose a cordless mouse, a mouse for left-handed use, trackballs, joysticks, pens, glide pads and touch screens. Specialist software can change the features of a mouse, so for instance there is no need to click, just hover over an item to make the computer react.
Touch screens are particularly useful, especially in information booths on campus.
How are they used?
These items are all designed to make computers more accessible, and some should be available in computer labs or where there are open-access computers.
Different designs suit different courses, so consider matters such as the need for accuracy in computer aided design, where a highly responsive optical mouse may be a better choice than a joystick mouse. The skills of the user must also be taken into account.
Any issues to be aware of?
Some adaptations may not be compatible with intricate work.
Keyguards and ergonomic designs tend to take up more space than generic designs.
These items are portable and so may disappear over time. Lockable storage space may be required, along with an inventory of items and possibly a loan system.
