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Easy to Use Mice for Handicapped Persons?

Posted by Cliff on from the alternatives-to-clicking dept.

Gavin Miller asks: "I've got a good friend with a disease that limits the use of his limbs, mainly his fingers. He says he can move a normal mouse but is no longer able to click. Does anyone know of input peripheral options that might be easier for him to use? I don't know exactly how much movement he does have in his fingers, or what he can or cannot do. I'm simply looking for some options that he can look into. Thanks!"

5 of 36 comments (clear)

  1. Tried a Mac mouse? by leonbrooks · · Score: 2, Insightful

    That's nearly too easy to click, and with one of the plastic covers to return it to normal size, easy enough to handle as well.

    --
    Got time? Spend some of it coding or testing
  2. apple mouse? by amorico · · Score: 2, Informative
    The apple mouse does not have any buttons and can easily be clicked with handscale motions.
    Apple keyboard and mouse

    The wireless mouse has a single button that makes it easy and comfortable to use, regardless of the size of your hand. Whether you have a light touch or a heavy hand, the thoughtful click-force adjustment feature makes it more customizable. And the optical engine provides accurate and responsive cursor movement unhampered by performance-inhibiting dirt and dust buildup.
    --
    "The plural of anecdote is not data." -- Roger Brinner
  3. Touchpad by AuMatar · · Score: 2, Informative

    He might be better off with a laptop style touchpad. Especially if you can find one thats pressure sensitive (heavy pressure=click).

    --
    I still have more fans than freaks. WTF is wrong with you people?
  4. windows assist and voice by ForestGrump · · Score: 2, Insightful

    microsoft put some disability assisy programs with windows. you might be able to use those as a free solution.

    if you want something less "hands on" try something like Dragon Naturally Speaking.

    --
    Is it true that more people vote for the winner of American Idol, than vote for the president? -Ali G.
    1. Re:windows assist and voice by slinky259 · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Or he could buy a Mac... Tiger's going to have voice support built in (to a greater extent than Panther does), and he gets the benefit (never thought I'd be saying this) of an Apple mouse.

      ~stephen