Door Knob Extension A door knob extender can convert any knob into a lever opening. It lets people with poor grasp or an armload of materials pass through the doorway unassisted. $10.00/25.00.
Table Top Scissors Push down table top scissors have two "T" shaped pads. The operator presses the handle with the scissor in a stable position, or by "scooting" it across the table. $25.00
Writing Aid Writing aids help people with difficult grasp hold a pen or pencil. A tennis ball with a pen stuck through it can sometimes work. The Writing Bird, pictured here, is only one of the many styles available on the market today. It works well for people who have poor muscle tone. $20.00
Key Turner The large grasping surface on this key holder makes it much easier to use. $5.00/10.00
Wireless Remote Controls Wireless remotes let people activate any appliance or lamp. The remote units plug into a standard wall socket. No need to modify a work setting's electrical system. Starts around $20.00
Track Ball An ergonomic trackball replaces a traditional mouse. It lets users access the computer by moving the ball with a thumb or forefinger. $20/100.00
Book Holder Book holders can put a document at the right eye height and frees up a person's hands. It can adjust to any height and angle. $20.00 and up.
Voice Recognition The users speaks into their computer naturally, without pausing between words. As they speak, their sentences appear on a computer screen. It's useful for people who cannot type, who have learning disabilities, and more. $100/200.00.
Head Mouse It allows the user to control the cursor on the computer screen. A sensor tracks the stick-on dot on the user's forehead. People who cannot use their hands may find it very useful. It translates head movements into directly proportional movements of the curser. It's wireless optical sensor tracks the target on the user's forehead or glasses. When combined with an on-screen keyboard, a head mouse completely replaces all the functions of a conventional keyboard. $1000/2000.00
Head Master The Head Master operates with a puff switch mounted on a headset. A control unit sits on top of the computer's monitor. It emits an ultrasound signal. Three sensors pick up the signal and determines the position of the users' head and moves the mouse accordingly. $1000.00
Jouse Jouse is a joystick operated mouse. Users control it with their mouths. The farther you move the joystick, the faster it moves. A sip or puff into the tube replaces a mouse click. $2200.00
Big Keys The large keys and "abc" layout helps users explore letters and words without confusion. The simplified key-set avoids ambiguity and deflects interference with the computer. This may be ideal for people with dyslexia, learning disabilities, and developmental disabilities. Also comes in QWERTY keyboard. $160.00
Little Fingers Keyboard This keyboard is a full 101 keys, but it's much smaller to fit people with small hands, limited range of motion or people that type with one hand. $100.00
Touch Windows & Touch Screens Simply point and touch. Now people can have computer access at the touch of a finger. Two styles available. One built right into the screen the other is an add-on to any conventional monitor. $200.00 & Up

Even More Ideas...

• Minimize manipulation -- store data on hard drives, not floppies.
• Provide a key guard.
• Stabilize the keyboard and place at a convenient height.
• Minimize document handling.
• Provide a lazy susan carousel within easy reach.
• Use powered equipment where possible. e.g., staplers, letter openers, screwdrivers.
• Raise the edge around the work area to prevent items from rolling off.
• Avoid the need to twist.
• Store items in open desktop storage.
• build up door handles or make loop handles out of Velcro.
• Build up tools with grip tape, foam tubing or bicycle handle grips.
• Minimize writing strain with hard, felt-tip pens on smooth paper.
• Facilitate sliding items, rather than lifting them.

Back to Workplace Technologies: A Tour of Devices

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