A standard computer mouse can be difficult to use if you have motor problems. However, for some people, it may be sufficient to adapt the way you use it, including by: making more use of the keyboard adjusting how the mouse works – including its speed and how the click buttons operate using ‘drag lock’ – to make it easier to cut/copy and paste text or pictures. If you do need a different type of mouse, there are many alternatives. It is important to choose one that feels comfortable and easy to use. Possible options include: an ergonomic or vertical mouse – to relieve strain on the hand and wrist a bar mouse – to eliminate the need to reach sideways a trackball mouse – to reduce wrist movement a joystick – with buttons for left, right and double clicks a touchpad – like those often found on laptops a touchscreen monitor or computer. Using head (or eye) movement to control the pointer, together with an keyboard, can also be an effective solution if you have very little or no use of your hands. Our factsheet on Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations also provides information on alternative ways of clicking. External switches, for example, can be operated in a variety of ways by using different parts of the body or a mouth tube. The factsheet also gives contact details for several specialist suppliers of assistive technology. Voice control Continuing advances in technology are enabling growing numbers of people to use voice control to operate their computer, tablet, smartphone or smart speaker. Using simple spoken commands, you can now quite easily: open and run different software and apps produce and format documents and notes write and send texts and email make calendar appointments and programme reminders play music, videos and photo displays. make telephone and video calls get directions stay connected through social media
control smart home appliances search the internet and browse individual websites. Some operations require specialist voice recognition software – for example, like Dragon NaturallySpeaking (for Windows) or Dragon Dictate (for Mac). However, quite powerful speech recognition programmes are now built into new computers, tablets, smartphones and smart speakers. Advances in ‘natural voice’ technology and artificial intelligence have also seen the continuing development of ‘virtual personal assistants’ like Siri (for Apple devices), Alexa (for Amazon Echo devices) Google Assistant (for Android devices) and Cortana (for Microsoft devices). These are further opening up the world of productive possibilities for everyone who struggles to use more traditional computer technology. See our free factsheet on Controlling the computer with your voice for more detailed information. Vision problems after a stroke Around 60% of stroke survivors have vision problems immediately after their stroke, with this proportion reducing to about 20% after three months. There are a number of different vision problems a stroke can cause, and these can add to any sight impairment you might already have. Our free factsheet on Vision impairment and computing gives an overview of how computers can be adapted to help anyone with vision problems. However, for many stroke survivors, voice control may offer a more practical way forward. Increasing numbers of people with impaired vision now use their smartphone more than any other computing device, and our factsheet highlights a number of particularly useful apps. The more recent development of smart home speakers has further negated the need for many to work with more traditional computing devices. Supporting therapy Physical therapy Most stroke survivors experience significant improvements in any physical problems within the first few months. Recovery usually slows down after this but, with physiotherapy, many people continue to gain in strength, balance and fitness over the longer-term.