Customize your computer for special needs

For simplicity's sake, let's assume you are running Windows 95 or later (We will tackle DOS, Win 3.1 and the Mac later).  If so, there is a lot you can do to adapt the computer to your special needs.  You can shift the mouse to left-handed use, modify the keyboard to half-keyboard functionality, and more.

Settings are usually changed via the Control Panel, accessed from My Computer.  Here are some possibilities... 

Left-handed mouse

You generally will not need to purchase a special mouse - unless yours is specifically shaped for the right hand. Instead, do one of the following:

Make a global change to left-handed use: You can usually reverse the functions of your current mouse to work with the left hand via the Windows 95/98 Control Panel.  Click on Mouse Properties, then Button Assignment (The exact titles may vary, depending upon your version of Windows).

Make an application-specific change to left-handed use: If you prefer (perhaps because several people use the same computer), many programs allow you to reverse mouse button functions within the particular program. When you close the program, the mouse returns to the default right-handed settings. 

Half keyboard Dvorak

If you are one-handed, you may find it convenient to control all the keys by using only half the keyboard.  The Windows operating system makes this possible.  And it is easy to arrange in under a minute.

Using Windows you can shift standard keyboard functionality to a half-keyboard for either right or left hand.  Keys are not arranged in usual QWERTY fashion with this option, however.  Instead the Dvorak keyboard layout is used.

The Dvorak layout aims to make the more frequently used keys more accessible, with something like 70% of all keystrokes involving only home row keys.  By strategic placement of
the letters and punctuation, Dvorak typists can attain the same output with reduced finger movement, reducing the strain on hands, wrists, and arms.

Possible drawbacks/limitations to the Dvorak include:

Decided to change to a half-keyboard Dvorak?  Here's what you do:

Other keyboard options

To set these keyboard options, go to My Computer, then Control Panel and click on Accessibility Options.

StickyKeys

Having to depress a key, then stretch half way across the keyboard to reach another key and press it can be quite a trick.  The StickyKeys setting enables you to execute multi-keystroke commands by pressing first one key, then the other.  You don't have to hold both down simultaneously.  This works with Shift, Ctrl and Alt.

FilterKeys

Do you struggle with fine motor control?  Setting FilterKeys causes Windows to ignore brief or repeated keystrokes or to slow the repeat rate.

ToggleKeys

Would you like an auditory confirmation of pressing Caps Lock, Num Lock and Scroll Lock?  ToggleKeys will do the job.  Each time you enter one of these controls, a tone sounds to confirm the action.

Other Control Panel options 

You can control other settings within the Control Panel as well.  Need fonts and colors designed for easy reading?  Enable High Contrast (a Display option).  Want to control your pointer with the numeric keypad on your keyboard?  Just select MouseKeys (a Mouse option). 

If a physical limitation interferes with your computer use, browse the options available via the Windows Control Panel.  Then experiment.  Keep the settings you like, return the rest to their defaults.

Customizing DOS or Windows 3.1 

Customizing Windows 95 and later is a breeze.  However, earlier operating systems can also be altered without great difficulty.  The files to do this are free from Microsoft and can be downloaded directly from their site.  

Microsoft has loads of accessibility information available at http://microsoft.com/enable/

Customizing the Mac

If customizing a Windows PC is easy, customizing the Macintosh is even easier.  Apple's machines offers similar accessibility features to Windows PCs - plus a few.  The keyboard is adjustable, system software includes StickyKeys, SlowKeys, and MouseKeys, you can disable key-repeat, etc.  Noteworthy are the Mac's CloseView screen magnification software, electronic documentation, visual alert cues, text-to-speech synthesis and voice recognition (PlainTalk).  

All of these features are standard with the Macintosh’s system software (System 7.x, 8.x, and 9.x).  For information and instructions on using the various options, go to: http://www.apple.com/disability/easyaccess.html

Accessibility devices you can buy

Free is nice, but sometimes you need more. If the in-built options are not adequate to free up your computing, there is a lot more stuff out there. Products address the entire range of disabilities, from cognitive function to limited mobility, vision or hearing, etc., and include everything from input devices to text-to-speech processors to special computer furniture.  Here is a quick run down of some possibilities:

Keyguard:  A keyguard is a rigid template placed over a standard keyboard that lets you rest your hand on it without a key being pressed. Holes in the template guide the user's finger or pointing device to then strike only the key associated with that hole. The keyguard thus enables a more precise key selection than otherwise possible due to tremor or poor motor control.

Alternative Keyboards:  These replace the standard keyboard with keys or buttons that are more accessible to those with
limited dexterity. The alternative keyboard may have larger, more widely spaced keys, or may be curved, divided in the middle, or have extra functionality.

Trackballs: A trackball allows cursor control with very limited movement. About the size of a tennis ball, a standard trackball can installed at head height for chin control ( mounted on a mechanical arm from a table or wheelchair).  It replaces the computer's mouse. 

Miniature trackballs - hand held, table mounted or wheelchair mounted - work with laptop computers.  Roughly marble-sized, these small trackballs require even less motion and are often controlled using a finger or thumb.