Depending on his computer setup, a switch can be mounted for him. Basically, using some sort of head mouse product, he can move his head to point, and then use a foot-switch to click the mouse button. It doesn't interfere with typing any more than when a "normal" person has their hand leave the keyboard for their mouse.
Most of these products support an external switch.
If he actually cared, they are physically disabled or physically challenged.
As somebody who is disabled, I would much rather be called "handicapped" than "physically challenged". To hear somebody say "physically challenged" within a sentence makes me want to laugh. People with disabilities KNOW they are disabled, and don't need it sugar-coated.
If you don't like the term handicapped, by all means, don't use it. But do me and the rest of the disabled community a favor and steer clear of terms like "handi-capable" or "physically challenged."
I own a HeadMouse, which is a competing product listed on Tracers comparison page. There are some factors that they didn't squeeze in on the chart, that I will list here:
HeadMouse only requires a small metallic sticky-dot to be affixed somewhere on your head, like the bill of your hat.
Tracer requires you to wear some head gear.
HeadMouse doesn't require any batteries.
Tracer requires you to charge batteries on a daily basis.
I should also note that I do not experience "noticeable leg time" while using HeadMouse. Its cursor appears quite responsive, moving as I do. I guess it all boils down to what you need it for. Being a quadriplegic, I personally have several things to consider.
Independence:
For the disabled, getting that head gear on and off isn't going to be easy, possibly downright impossible.
Looks:
This may seem trivial, but it's important. Say I'm screwing around at home, and there is a knock at my door. Trust me, I am not going to want to answer the door looking like I came straight out of a sci-fi movie. If looks weren't important, I would have an umbrella attached to my chair during the winter, and various other doo-dads. (that'll be the day.)
Batteries:
Charging batteries sucks. There isn't much getting around it.
Field Of View:
I'm only using it for desktop use, so I have no need for a 360 degree field of view. I mean, I _do_ want to be facing my computer while I'm using it, right?
I will be the first to say there are shortcomings in both systems. However, as these things are generally geared toward the disabled, I can't ignore the independence issue. Contrary to popular thought, we aren't all waited on hand and foot.;)
I would pay double the price and get the HeadMouse, but only because of my particular situation. Obviously, my condition isn't the norm.
Still, technology _is_ great. If they could just develop it into something smaller...
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Most of these products support an external switch.
As somebody who is disabled, I would much rather be called "handicapped" than "physically challenged". To hear somebody say "physically challenged" within a sentence makes me want to laugh. People with disabilities KNOW they are disabled, and don't need it sugar-coated.
If you don't like the term handicapped, by all means, don't use it. But do me and the rest of the disabled community a favor and steer clear of terms like "handi-capable" or "physically challenged."
Thanks. :)
HeadMouse only requires a small metallic sticky-dot to be affixed somewhere on your head, like the bill of your hat.
Tracer requires you to wear some head gear.
HeadMouse doesn't require any batteries.
Tracer requires you to charge batteries on a daily basis.
I should also note that I do not experience "noticeable leg time" while using HeadMouse. Its cursor appears quite responsive, moving as I do. I guess it all boils down to what you need it for. Being a quadriplegic, I personally have several things to consider.
Independence:
For the disabled, getting that head gear on and off isn't going to be easy, possibly downright impossible.
Looks:
This may seem trivial, but it's important. Say I'm screwing around at home, and there is a knock at my door. Trust me, I am not going to want to answer the door looking like I came straight out of a sci-fi movie. If looks weren't important, I would have an umbrella attached to my chair during the winter, and various other doo-dads. (that'll be the day.)
Batteries:
Charging batteries sucks. There isn't much getting around it.
Field Of View:
I'm only using it for desktop use, so I have no need for a 360 degree field of view. I mean, I _do_ want to be facing my computer while I'm using it, right?
I will be the first to say there are shortcomings in both systems. However, as these things are generally geared toward the disabled, I can't ignore the independence issue. Contrary to popular thought, we aren't all waited on hand and foot. ;)
I would pay double the price and get the HeadMouse, but only because of my particular situation. Obviously, my condition isn't the norm.
Still, technology _is_ great. If they could just develop it into something smaller...