Mumble Report post Posted January 7, 2010 Firstly, I know they're called 'mice' not mouses... I was wondering if anyone could give me any suggestions for a good computer mouse (USB connection to laptop) or alternative to a computer mouse for someone with very poor motor-control, preferably one that is more 'adult'? I cannot use a laptop touchpad thingy at all. I have been using a kids' novelty mouse bought as a joke present with two giant eyeball buttons which actually worked quite well for dyspraxia type issues (I hit the wrong button with a normal mouse as they touch) but this is no longer suitable to my needs. I have a significant continuous tremor in my hands, which makes controlling a standard mouse very difficult and frustrating, especially when navigating through menus/pop-outs, because if you 'miss' one, you have to go back and start again. I've adjusted the mouse/accessibility settings on my laptop as much as possible to make it easier (so mouse is slower etc) but really I need to be looking into a mouse that addresses my issues as these are going to be long-term. I've tried speech recognition software to circumvent the need for a mouse at all, and whilst this does work, I just don't have the patience to use it. Also, I produce a number of diagrams and charts in my university work and so need the flexibility to use something that works as a standard mouse. Any ideas, either here or by PM, greatly appreciated, thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tally Report post Posted January 7, 2010 No specific product suggestions, but just wanted to point out that there are companies who make computer supplies for people with quite specific disabilities. There was one, for example, who made keyboards for people with only one hand. They were very confused that this specialist product was so popular and found that gamers were buying them so they could play one-handed! I just tried googling "disabled computer access aids" and it brought up quite a lot of companies. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted January 7, 2010 There was one, for example, who made keyboards for people with only one hand. They were very confused that this specialist product was so popular and found that gamers were buying them so they could play one-handed! That's funny Although the image is then either that they (the gamers) have two computers and are playing both one handed, or else there is a burger or other such one-handed food in the other hand... I just tried googling "disabled computer access aids" and it brought up quite a lot of companies. Yep - which is good, but also the problem because I'm not sure what would be best, hence any personal recommendations would be great. I'll also ask my disability adviser, they need some work to do... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
got the tshirt Report post Posted January 8, 2010 We have a microsoft easyball, which is a ball slightly larger that a tennis ball which sits in a bowl thing and has one large button on the front to click, it was designed to be used by younger children and although I haven't seen them around for a while you might be able to get hold of one , if you google microsoft easyball you should find a picture, if you think it would be any use to you ,ours is redundant so we could send it to you it has done all three of my children. The only problem would be whether it would work with the most up to date versions of windows? I wouldn't know this but could ask OH. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mumble Report post Posted January 10, 2010 We have a microsoft easyball, which is a ball slightly larger that a tennis ball which sits in a bowl thing and has one large button on the front to click, it was designed to be used by younger children and although I haven't seen them around for a while you might be able to get hold of one , if you google microsoft easyball you should find a picture, if you think it would be any use to you ,ours is redundant so we could send it to you it has done all three of my children. The only problem would be whether it would work with the most up to date versions of windows? I wouldn't know this but could ask OH. Thanks - other people have also suggested similar (called a trackball) - so I think I'll definitely look into this and see if I can borrow one to try. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dr0ne Report post Posted January 12, 2010 i've used a logitech trackman wheel for a few years and would recommend it to anyone. you whizz the ball about with your right-hand thumb, the buttons (and scroll wheel) with your fingers. they make a 'trackman marble' which centralises the ball, but no experience of that one. i chose it cos it negates the need for mousemat space ie. you could rest it on your knee if needed! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites