Programmable+keyboard



1. Who needs this assistive technology?  The use of a programmable keyboard can benefit many individuals with limited mobility. Programmable keyboards are most often tailored around users with one hand or missing fingers. These customers require keyboards that can be adapted to 1-hand typing with options of moving numpads and the general layout. Other customers that could benefit from a programmable keyboard include those people suffering palsy, arthritis, heightened muscle weakness and those needing assistive communication for any variety of complications.

2. What is the history of the assistive technology?  The earliest patents found regarding programmable keyboards start in 1965 and continue throughout the 1970’s. The keyboards we see today are a compilation of many different patented improvements including pressure sensitivity, macro software, color schemes for children’s keyboards and other designs including ergonomic keyboards. No one person can claim complete intellectual property over the programmable keyboard due to the myriad of customizations that are created by companies and users. The programmable keyboard has also adapted to a wide gaming market, creating an entirely new user base to improve and adapt the technology. With the demand of gamers for easily programmable keyboards, nearly every keyboard produced outside of a generic model is customizable and programmable.

3. What benefits does the assistive technology provide?  The programmable keyboard allows users to move key elements in the keyboard layout. One of the first options created on a programmable keyboard was the ability to move the num pad from the traditional right side of the keyboard to the left side of the keyboard. This allows those with missing hands or digits to still make effective use of the num pad without strain. Another useful feature with programmable keyboards is the ability to macro any combination of keystrokes to one single key. This can be very effective for those with limited control over hand movement or eye coordination. Wider key settings, larger keys, and colored keys are just some of the ways that you can personalize a keyboard for your specific needs. They also have touch-sensitive keyboards for those with weakened joints or overly shaky hands. These can be set for ultra sensitivity or turned down for lower sensitivity. Another useful feature that can be added is called a layover. Layovers assist with the ability to pick specific keys, while limiting the accidental pressing of other keys. These layovers can be imperative for customers with poor vision or motor skills. The design of the layovers can be as simple as a plastic sheet with individual holes cut for each key or as complex as raised keys levels, raised rows or wider spacing. This can assist those who have motor control issues while typing or whose hands tire easily.

4. How does the assistive technology work?

The programmable keyboard can be very user friendly or very complicated and clunky. The more specialized the equipment, the more assistance the average user might need in creating macros or user-specific settings. Creating macros varies on the user’s computer and keyboard interface. Some keyboards offer onboard macro capability while other require you to purchase separate software or download assistance from other sites. Many online sites offer assistance, and pre-written macros for the novice.

5. Exemplary examples of how the assistive technology would be integrated into an english classroom. This technology is not only great for those who need assistance with typing or communication; it also can be used to create quick keys for students to use to open programs. Plastic layouts can help students improve their typing by guiding their fingers to the correct slots. A teacher could use a programmable keyboard to set up certain websites or programs to open when the teacher needs them. This can eliminate time typing in separate websites, opening side programs etc. The greatest benefit is to those students who have trouble with the general technology provided.

The resources below are six well-known manufacturers and distributors of programmable, customizable keyboards. These websites provide product details, usability options and in some cases, testimonials concerning the effects of programmable keyboards on the lives of a myriad of different users.

[|www.ksikeyboards.com] [|www.Fentek-Ind.com]  [|www.techmatrix.org/ProductProfile.aspx?pid=67]  [|www.ikey.com]  [|www.dell.com]  [|www.datacal.com/programmable-keyboards.htm]

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