Overview

When it comes to computer navigation, a mouse may be a student's best friend! With a mouse's design and function, however, students with disabilities may find their use difficult. To use a mouse, you have to move the pointer to an area on the screen and press down to "click" (select).

This module offers information on alternative ways to move the pointer. We review a variety of "Plug and Play" mouse alternatives that are commercially available and require little set-up time. "Plug and play" means that you don't need a special interface. Just plug the device into a mouse port and it's ready to use! Information on vendors for many of these mouse alternatives is in our Mouse Vendors handout.

Consider using one of these mouse alternatives in combination with low-tech adaptations before investing in more specialized systems. The Specialized Input Systems section may also be helpful for students having difficulty using keyboard and mouse alternatives.

Operating System

Control Panels

Making the mouse pointer easier to locate, follow and move are problems to consider for students with cognitive, sensory or physical disabilities. There are ways to improve how the pointer is seen and controlled.

In the Windows operating systems (95 and 98), open the:Settings \ Control Panels \ Mouse Properties \ Pointers

Mouse Options include adjusting:

• Size,
• Color,
• Shape,
• Theme,
• Speed of pointer movement,
• Speed of click rate, and
• Providing mouse "tails" on the screen, making the pointer easier to follow.

Here you can change how the pointer (and other cursors) looks. The default pointer is Windows Black (Large). Under Mouse Properties, you can change the size and color of the pointer. Or, you can choose a completely new cursor theme, like "Oceans" where the pointer changes to a seashell!

Examples

Biggy (RJ Cooper)
This software utility provides BIG, ultra-visible cursors for all programs. It is an excellent option for Macintosh computers. There is a large selection of pointers and cursors. Some are for 'lefties'. Many are even animated. They can replace all application specific cursors.

MouseKeys

MouseKeys is a computer utility found in Mac and Windows operating systems. Students who can't handle the mouse but who can press keys on the keyboard can use MouseKeys to perform all mouse functions. The keys on the numeric keypad control all the mouse functions. Using MouseKeys can help someone move the pointer in smaller, controlled increments for better control. Check out the Microsoft Guide to Using Mouse Keys!

Hint: Students frequently use the #5 key as the click or "fire" button.

Software Drivers

In addition to the options provided within your operating system, mouse and trackball devices frequently come with software drivers that allow you to use and adjust other features.

Check the device's documentation to see if there are options to:

• Lock the Menu. Click once and the menu stays open.
• Change the click actions. Open file directories with a single, precise click. No more double clicking.
• Change the drag requirements. Click the beginning and the ends of phrases or graphics. You no longer have to hold down the mouse button.
• Set a default point on a special location of the screen.
• Slow the cursor down even more. Provides pixel-by-pixel cursor control for detailed work.
• Change the speed of the pointer. This option delivers a slower slow and a faster fast than the control panel options, giving you even more efficient cursor control.
• Create commands (from printing to saving) to execute with a single click.

Mouse Alternatives

The pointing devices described in this section are "plug and play" mouse alternatives, as they require no special interface. Simply plug them into a mouse port and they're ready to use! We discuss a variety of options but more emerge every day!

Examples

KidzMouse
No need to click on a button! The KidzMouse can be squeezed anywhere to make it work. It's sized to better fit small hands and uses a child's natural responses for better control. Two can be used at the same time so that each young child can have their own to use.
Cost: $23.95

Little Mouse and Tiny Mouse (The Secret Seven Corp.)
These small mice are sized for a child's hand. Little Mouse is 2/3 the size of a standard mouse. Tiny Mouse is even smaller, 1/2 the size of an adult mouse. Longer buttons marked with bright dots also make it easier to use. A mouse with a Mouse Wheel is also available, which can act as a double-click.
Cost: $24.95

Kiddy Mouse ( LeClick)
This mouse is designed for children in primary grades. It is curved to fit a small hand better. Buttons are programmable and a third button on the side makes it easy to double-click. (Windows only.)
Cost: $24.95

Mouse Pen (Fellowes)
Students hold this mouse like a crayon or pen to control the pointer on the screen. The ball mechanism allows this unit to work on almost any surface, including your leg. Mouse Pens are available in both Windows and Mac versions.

IntelliMouse Optical (Microsoft)
This mouse has no moving parts. No mouse ball to clean and no mouse pad needed! It works on all surfaces. It offers ambidextrous pointing options and includes programmable buttons and a scrolling wheel. It offers many options for students with special needs.
Cost: $54.95

iFeel™ Mouse (Logitech)
This mouse uses touch sense technology to let the student "feel" the surface texture of the computer desktop. When icons, links, or pull-down menus are located, the student feels a corresponding bump as she moves the pointer over its edge. Choose from physical sensations such as ants marching, rubbery, car crash, and basketball.
$39.95

Trackballs

A trackball is actually an upside-down mouse with a stationary base. The student never runs out of room to maneuver it on the desktop or lap. The rollerball, which controls the pointer on the screen, sits on top of the base. You move it with your hands, fingers or other stylus.

Trackballs come in a variety of sizes and shapes to meet students' differing needs. Some require minimal thumb control on a small rollerball. Others are large enough to be controlled with an entire hand or headstick. Several come with software drivers that provide additional features, such as programming buttons with customized controls (see Programmable Features) that assist in double-clicking, scrolling pages and Internet use. Read about one success story of a student using a trackball.

Examples

Turbo Mouse & Expert Mouse (Kensington Technology Group)
This popular trackball provides a stable base, large ball and four large, easy to program buttons. The design fits both left and right-handed users.
Cost: $99.99

Orbit Trackball (Kensington Technology Group)
This trackball provides a natural wrist support to interact with the large ball and two programmable buttons.
Cost $29.99

BIGtrack (Infogrip)
BIGtrack is the largest trackball available for both PC and Mac. It helps children use the computer successfully right from the start. The large ball requires less fine-motor control, which makes positioning the mouse cursor easier for children. It works with any software that supports a mouse.
Cost: $79.00

Roller Trackball (Infogrip)
Roller Trackball has a large 2.5", sturdy, easy to roll ball, which offers greater control than a traditional mouse or trackball. It has separate buttons for click and drag. A flashing light indicates that the drag button is active. It also comes with a removable fingerplate that helps users locate and target buttons
Cost: $290.00

Touch Pads

Touch pads require the light touch of a finger gliding across the surface to move the mouse pointer. A tap of the finger acts as a "click". They call for accurate, yet minimal arm and wrist motion. Driver software provides for customizing the buttons for easier control. Laptop computers often use this technology.

Examples

SmartCat Touchpad (Cirque Corporation)
This touch pad offers a small touch area, requires little dexterity, and is not pressure-sensitive. You can place it anywhere, such as on your lap, the desk, or the floor. Little or no movement is needed from the shoulder, arm, wrist or hand.
Cost: $59.00

Touch Screens

The transparent touch window/screen mounted on or integrated into the computer monitor is another pointing alternative. It's a pressure-sensitive screen detecting your touch for cursor movement, clicking, and dragging. The student simply touches the area on the screen to select it. This is the most direct input, as all of the student's visual, physical and cognitive abilities are focused on a single target. Many bank and grocery market kiosks use this technology. Touch screens are available for most computer platforms, even for laptops.

Removable Screens

Touch screens that mount with hardware or Velcro are recommended for classroom use as they are removable and can be used on more than one monitor. Read a success story of one student who used a touch screen.

Examples

Magic Touch (KEYTEC, Inc.)
This touch screen mounts on ANY monitor (including laptops) and works with ANY mouse driven application. It can help children start learning how to use the computer without the difficulty of using the mouse.

• 15" screen for 9-15" monitors with USB or Serial connections: $179-209
• 17" screen for 16-17" monitors with USB or Serial connections: $239-269
• 19" screen for 19-21" monitors with USB or Serial connections: $379-409

Touch Window (Riverdeep)
The TouchWindow is ideal for students who have trouble manipulating the mouse. It is especially effective with early learners, and is recommended for students with developmental or physical disabilities.

• 15" screen for 9-15" monitors with USB, Serial or ADB connections: $335.00
• 17" screen for 16-17" monitors with USB, Serial or ADB connections: $365.00

TouchStar E-iMac (Troll Touch)
This touch screen is available for iMac computers as an external mount or internal solution. The Troll Touch iMac touch screen controller also provides an ADB connection for those who may wish to use an existing ADB device.

• Universal 15" Add-On:$395.00
• Universal 17" Add-On: $495.00
• Universal 20" Add-On: $695.00

Integrated Screens

For certain monitors, the touch screen is integrated into the monitor for ease of use. There is no need to mount an external device; the mouse, keyboard and screen all provide access to the computer software.

Examples

MagicTouch Monitor (KEYTEC, Inc.)
This company provides built-in, internal touch screens for monitors for most computer platforms, including Mac, iMac and PCs.

MicroTouch Screens (3M)
This company provides integrated touch screens for 14-21" PC, Mac monitors and iMac computers. MicroTouch introduced Clean Screen technology, which includes antibacterial-protected touch screens. Cost: varies

Troll Touch (Troll Touch)
This company will install touch screen technology into any LCD display screen from 3 inches to 50 inches. They will install the technology into your personal Macintosh computer, including iMacs, iBooks and the new Apple 22 inch Cinema Display.

Hint: Troll Touch will also make most laptop computer systems into touch screen devices. You will need to send them your laptop for integration of the system. The company also offers touch screen integration of all standard sized computer displays and monitors.

Keyboard Use

When a student prefers to use a keyboard to control the mouse, a few options are available:

Turning MouseKeys on will allow any keyboard, including an onscreen keyboard with a numeric keypad, to control mouse functions.

Macrat (EKEG Products)
Macrat is a touchpad mouse for the Macintosh that uses Mouse Keys. Instead of numbers, Macrat has eight arrow keys. When you hold down the desired arrow key, the cursor moves in that direction until you release the key. The speed of the cursor is adjustable. There is also an on/off key. When you press this key, it puts you in and takes you out of MouseKeys Mode. Macrat measures 9" x 9". Clear plastic covers the keypad surface, making it waterproof.
Cost: $475.00

The IntelliKeys keyboard (IntelliTools) operates as a mouse with the standard "Arrows Overlay" pictured here.

• Make sure MouseKeys is on. Using the Basic Writing Overlay, press the "M" key to have the arrow keys move the mouse pointer in four directions; or press the Mouse Arrows ON key on the Setup Overlay.
• § Put the Arrow Overlay on IntelliKeys to operate the mouse.