During our last class, we had an opportunity to experiment with different ways of accesssing a key board. First of all, it was an amazing revelation that all those possibilities existed right on my laptop. Who knew what an array of choices existed under "settings"!
We experimented with using a keyboard with a one hand or one finger approach by making an adjustment to the caplock feature which is done just before Upper case is needed.
Then we tried using a method that required manipulation of a single key with a hovering setting if the use of fingers was limited. This was extremely time consuming and challenging. Lastly, we experimented with a method of using a dot placed on our nose to direct the hovering to choose keys.
I had observed several individuals in the past using a key board through a head switch. The experience of accessing the key board in the different ways gave me a great appreciation for the patience, determination and focus that individuals using this technology require.
I am very impressed with the accomplishment of any individual who masters these alternative ways of accessing the technology. I think it is a testament to the ingenuity and determination of the human spirit to find ways to communicate with one another.
I think it would be interesting for students, as a hands on experience of disabiltiy awareness to try some of these approaches to keyboarding!
As our population ages, and there are more people who are affected by strokes or conditions that affect mobilty, I think these ways of keyboarding will increase options and bring hope and new life to users.