pat@cs.cornell.edu (Pat Stephenson) (08/09/90)
Index Number: 9615 A friend of mine has lost the use of her left hand. Is there any software out there that assists people to use a mac with one hand only? Presumably such software would provide a way to move the mouse pointer from the keyboard, access shift/command combos, pull down and select from menus, make text selection, and probably other things I can't think of offhand. Any pointers or experience would be greatly appreciated. She has a mac plus with an external floppy, by the way. Pat Stephenson
era@ncar.ucar.edu (Ed Arnold) (08/10/90)
Index Number: 9651 In article <13286@bunker.UUCP> pat@cs.cornell.edu (Pat Stephenson) writes: >Index Number: 9615 > >A friend of mine has lost the use of her left hand. Is there any >software out there that assists people to use a mac with one hand >only? Presumably such software would provide a way to move >the mouse pointer from the keyboard, access shift/command combos, pull >down and select from menus, make text selection, and probably other >things I can't think of offhand. Can't offer personal experience, however, I would suggest you try getting in touch with the following organization: alliance for technology access (ata); jacquelyn brand; 1307 solano ave.; albany, ca 94706-1888 This organization was originally part of Apple Computer, and was known by a different name at that time. They have a nationwide association with technology assistance centers around the country, with an emphasis on Apple solutions for persons with disabilities, so it's highly likely they have an answer to this question. -- Ed Arnold * NCAR * POB 3000, Boulder, CO 80307-3000 * 303-497-1253(voice) 303-497-1137(fax) * era@ncar.ucar.edu [128.117.64.4] * era@ncario.BITNET era@ncar.UUCP * Edward.Arnold@f809.n104.z1.FIDONET.ORG
vlb@magic.apple.com (Vicki Brown) (08/10/90)
Index Number: 9712 In article <13286@bunker.UUCP> pat@cs.cornell.edu (Pat Stephenson) writes: >Index Number: 9615 > >A friend of mine has lost the use of her left hand. Is there any >software out there that assists people to use a mac with one hand >only? Presumably such software would provide a way to move >the mouse pointer from the keyboard, access shift/command combos, pull >down and select from menus, make text selection, and probably other >things I can't think of offhand. Any pointers or experience would be >greatly appreciated. > >She has a mac plus with an external floppy, by the way. Please keep in mind that most Mac applications can be run entirely with the mouse (with the exception of typing characters), so your friend may not need to do this. However, if she finds the keyboard easier to use (or for anyone with trouble using a mouse), APple provides a solution with the Macintosh System Software (A disk labeled Utilities 2). Since (at least) Macintosh System Software 6.0.3, Apple has included software called Easy Access which does just what you describe. It turns the keypad into a mouse. ^ ^ ^ \ | / The keys move the mouse as you might expect 7 8 9 horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. The 5 key is equivalent to pushing <- 4 5 6 -> the mouse button. The control can be very fine (push the key several times 1 2 3 each time, the cursor moves a small amount / | \ or hold the key down for smooth, constant v v v motion. Turning on Easy Access does not interfere with regular use of the mouse, either. Easy Access may already be in her System Folder. Check the Utilities manual that came with the Mac (or try holding down clover-shift-clear (clear is on keypad). I realize this is hard to do with one hand. I apologize on behalf of whoever wrote it. Hope this helps - vicki Vicki Brown A/UX Development Group Apple Computer, Inc. Internet: vlb@apple.com MS 58A, 10440 Bubb Rd. UUCP: {sun,amdahl,decwrl}!apple!vlb Cupertino, CA 95014 USA Ooit'n Normaal Mens Ontmoet? En..., Beviel't? (Did you ever meet a normal person? Did you enjoy it?)