Mini-keyboards provide access to those who have fine motor control but lack a range of motion great enough to use a standard keyboard. A track ball or other input device can replace the mouse. For those with more severe mobility impairments, scanning and Morse code inputs are available. In each case, special switches make use of at least one muscle over which the individual has voluntary control, e.g., head, finger, knee, or mouth. In scanning input, a light or cursor scans letters and symbols displayed on the screen or an external device.
Individuals activate switches to make selections.
Special adaptive hardware and software translate Morse code into a form that the computer understands so that standard software can be used. Voice input provides another option for individuals with disabilities. Speech recognition systems allow users to control computers and provide input by speaking words and letters. Special software can further aid the mobility impaired. For example, word prediction software can anticipate entire words after several keystrokes thereby increasing the input speed of those with mobility impairments.