Phil
>He is too capable to use a scanning keyboard program and has better
control
>with his mouth than perhaps a head switch.
By "too capable" I assume you mean that he has more control than would
apparently warrant the use of a switch system. However, it is often better
for someone with CP to work comfortably within their physical limitations
rather than right at the limit. They may be able to work longer, with less
stress and work more reliably in these circumstances. Although a scanning
system may be slow, if its use can be more sustained, it might actually
result in more text being produced and the student having a more comfortable
time.
>We have tried him with the Headpointer and Wivik (supplied by Liberator).
Although he has had
>some success with this, the program kept crashing and also he had
>difficulty with keeping the puff switch in his mouth. He is presently
>using a =91chopstick=92 - (the plastic eating variety) to enter text via
the
>keyboard with the Windows Disability Access Pack to help with sticky keys,
etc.
(I assume for Headpointer read HeadMaster) I've always found WiViK to be
quite stable so I don't know what your problem with it is. What software are
you running with it? Is the PC/Windows configuration otherwise stable? Can
the student use Dwell Select mode and thereby avoid the Suck/Puff switch or
use an auxiliary switch by hand (or other body part - obviously not by
head!)
When using the chopstick have you set up a predictor (KeyREP, Prophet, etc)
to reduce the number of keystrokes required? (I know this doesn't always
gain much and the student may find that watching the monitor is difficult
when pecking away with a mouth stick.) Beware of RSI type neck problems with
this method!
>This is one solution but I am not convinced that it is the best one
>available. So if any of you out there have had experience in this
>area or can point to other specialist organisations, then I would be
>grateful for your input.
If they don't respond to this posting anyway, you could try giving ACE a
ring - they are the ones with all the experience!
Phil Satchell
Technical Project Officer,
Office for Students with Disabilities, Open University
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