The most wonderful thing about keyboards is there is a keyboard for everyone! Although you can certainly purchase unique and customizable keyboards like these …

… there are many more keyboards available that can help individuals with disabilities, or individuals experiencing pain from repetitive stress injuries, access the computer with ease.

 

In this blog, I will introduce you to popular types of keyboards individuals with disabilities, or those experiencing fatigue or pain due to repetitive stress injury, use to type. Think of this blog as a brainstorming board to help guide you when looking for keyboard options!

 

Ergonomic Keyboards

Freestyle 2 The Freestyle 2 keyboard’s best feature is its ability to be positioned in many different ways.  Various accessories are available for purchased so users can position the keyboard at different angles, or even vertically. A wrist support accessory is also available.

Tru-Form Pro The Tru-Form Pro Keyboard is contoured and has a split-key design for ergonomic comfort, and includes a built-in touchpad that acts as a mouse. The keyboard also features full wrist support.

Advantage Keyboard The Advantage keyboard features split and concave keys to reduce fatigue. They keys are positioned to prevent strenuous positioning while typing.

 

One-handed Keyboards

Half-Keyboard The half-keyboard is intended for one-handed typing. It comes in both left or right hand designs. The letters under your hand are exactly the same as on a regular keyboard. For the other half of the keyboard, you need to hold down the space bar. When you hold down the space bar, the keys under your hand change to the other half of the keyboard.

Mini Keyboard The mini keyboard features a smaller footprint. Keys are closer together for access, so that typing with one hand causes less strain. This is also great for individuals with small hands.

Maltron Single-Hand Keyboard The Maltron single-hand keyboard is designed specifically for one-handed typists. The shape matches natural hand movement and the key arrangement minimises finger movement. The special shape and letter layout have been very carefully planned, taking into account the limited number of keys that can be accessed quickly and comfortably.

 

Chording Keyboards

BAT Keyboard The BAT one-handed keyboard replicates all the functions of a full-size keyboard. Different key combinations represent different characters.

Watch the video below for a more detailed explanation.

orbiTouch The position of the orbiTouch domes determines what character is typed. The orbiTouch requires no finger or wrist motion.

Watch the video below for a more detailed explanation and demonstration. 

 

Enlarged Keyboards

BigKeys Keyboard BigKeys are large, simplified keyboards. Great for users of all abilities and individuals with low vision. They come in different styles and colors.

Large Print Keyboard Stickers Large print keyboard stickers are an easy way to make the characters on any keyboard larger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Customized Keyboards

IntelliKeys IntelliKeys is a customizable keyboard, great for individuals with physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and low vision. The keyboard can be modified with shortcuts and macros for ease of use. IntelliKeys uses overlays on its programmable surface. The overlays can be easily switched in and out throughout the day.

 

Keyboard Accessories

Typing Aid Typing aids allow users with physical disabilities access to the keyboard.

Keyguards Keyguards help individuals with physical disabilities such as tremors better hit the key the want to hit.

 

Keyboard Software

Click-N-Type An on-screen keyboard that can be used with any type of mouse. Features include word prediction, the ability to create macros, and ability to be customized.

          

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dasher A software designed for users with physical disabilities who can use any type of mouse input method. Combined with word prediction, users guide the mouse to the character or word they would like to type.

Watch the video below for more information and a demonstration.

 

If you have any questions, or if you would like to schedule a demonstration to explore different types of keyboards at an IPAT office feel free to contact IPAT and ask for an AT Consultant!