Keyguards
Keyguard- Key guards allow students who have problems typing to use a keyboard to access the computer. Key guards ar usually acrylic plastic devices that go on top of a keyboard. they are made to fit a vartiy of kebord models and have a corresponding hole for each key. Hiey allow for one key to be pressed at a time and are helpful for students who have poor fine morotr skills. They also allow for a stunt to rest their hand on the keyboard, if they have a physical disability, without making accidental keystrokes. Key guards are also helpful if students don't have fine motor skills to use their finger. Instead of using ones hands a stick or pencil can be used with a key guard to type with accuracy.
http://www.fentek-ind.com/Keyguard.htm#.U07KUV5D6zA
http://www.fentek-ind.com/Keyguard.htm#.U07KUV5D6zA
Trackballs - Traxsys Roller II
Trackballs- Trackballs are an alternative to the traditional mouse. They are stationary platforms that house a ball that controls the pointer on the screen. Track balls come in various shapes and sizes according to the students individual needs. These devices have buttons that replicate the traditional right and left clicking actions of a regular mouse, but are not limited to these functions. There are a variety of trackballs that are made specifically for those with disabilities. One example of a trackball made specifically for students with disabilities is the Traxsys Roller II. This track ball has a key guard build into it and can be used with various switches that can be placed in a way that the student can interact best.
http://www.traxsys.com/AssistiveTechnology/Trackballs/RollerIITrackball/tabid/1419/Default.aspx
http://www.traxsys.com/AssistiveTechnology/Trackballs/RollerIITrackball/tabid/1419/Default.aspx
Joysticks
Joysticks- These devices are very similar to track balls but differ because they use a joystick that is perpendicular to a stationary base. They are a good mouse alternative for students who have limited control of their hands or fingers. They often have adopted handle according to a students grasping abilities, keygaurds, and click lock buttons so the button doe not need to be held down to "Drag". Some like other trackballs have the capability to utilize switches. Often joysticks are simply used by plugging them into a computer or by first downloading the appropriate software. One example of a joystick is Tracxsys Joystick.
"Designed specifically for educational and special needs. Roller II Joystick offers value for money, rugged construction and is easy to use. These products are a direct mouse replacement and require no additional driver software.
This device has the same functions as the Roller II Trackball, but cursor movement is achieved by moving the joystick rather than rolling the trackball. Certain users find this easier, particularly those with more severe motor impairments." (http://www.traxsys.com/AssistiveTechnology/Joysticks/RollerIIJoystick/tabid/1409/Default.aspx)
http://www.traxsys.com/AssistiveTechnology/Joysticks/RollerIIJoystick/tabid/1409/Default.aspx
"Designed specifically for educational and special needs. Roller II Joystick offers value for money, rugged construction and is easy to use. These products are a direct mouse replacement and require no additional driver software.
This device has the same functions as the Roller II Trackball, but cursor movement is achieved by moving the joystick rather than rolling the trackball. Certain users find this easier, particularly those with more severe motor impairments." (http://www.traxsys.com/AssistiveTechnology/Joysticks/RollerIIJoystick/tabid/1409/Default.aspx)
http://www.traxsys.com/AssistiveTechnology/Joysticks/RollerIIJoystick/tabid/1409/Default.aspx
Citations
http://www.infogrip.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/k/e/keyguard.jpg
http://www.micwil.com/images/gallery/traxsys_esterline_roller_ii_joystick_p1_800x800.jpg
http://www.micwil.com/images/gallery/traxsys_esterline_trackball_roller_ii_p1_800x800.jpg
http://www.infogrip.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/k/e/keyguard.jpg
http://www.micwil.com/images/gallery/traxsys_esterline_roller_ii_joystick_p1_800x800.jpg
http://www.micwil.com/images/gallery/traxsys_esterline_trackball_roller_ii_p1_800x800.jpg