quadriplegic mouse

[island911]

No this thread is Not about dysfunction at Disney studios ...or some rodent in despair, but rather a mouse (computer input device) for quadriplegics.

I have an uncle who would really benefit from using a computer. He is an ex pilot (Navy) now piloting a wheel chair..He has resisted computers for obvious reasons of access.

Anyway, I'm looking to learn what input devices are available ...what's good, what sucks...

I suspect some on the board know something on this topic.

[BRPORSCHE]

Originally Posted by island911

....snip His an ex pilot (Navy)..../snip
.

ahem, Aviator.

[Eric Coffey]

I think some of the eye-tracking software is a lot more accessible (monetarily speaking) that is was a few years ago. You might check into it.


http://www.webaim.org/articles/motor/assistive.php
http://www.eyetechds.com/assistivetech/index.htm
http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/18254

[island911]

Thanks Eric!

The eye tracking does look slick... but pricey.

I thought there was a device that allowed the user to use a mini joy-stick with their mouth.(?)

[svandamme]

Originally Posted by BRPORSCHE

ahem, Aviator.

all pilot's of airplanes are aviators
it's only the Navy that is stuck up about terminology
but in terms of the word "aviator" it just means pilot of a plane that is heavier then air, eg ,not a blimb or balloon

a·vi·a·tor Audio Help /ˈeɪviˌeɪtər, ˈævi-/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[ey-vee-ey-ter, av-ee-] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
a pilot of an airplane or other heavier-than-air aircraft.

so it would be "naval aviator" vs just "aviator" for all the others, and either would be a pilot

[slodave]

This won't really help today, but it's kind of ironic that I saw it on reuters.com.

http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSN2934810420080630

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A new device that uses a tiny magnet can help disabled people steer a wheelchair or operate a computer using only the tip of the tongue, U.S. researchers reported on Monday.

The magnet, the size of a grain of rice, lets people direct the movement of a cursor across a computer screen or a powered wheelchair around a room.

[imcarthur]

You might want to visit Brad Copping. He is a very tough Canuck who has a dream to drive again. He is a frequent poster on Rennlist - Canada & I am sure he could answer your questions. At one of our gatherings, he showed us the video game controller that he uses, so I am sure that he has a mouse solution. A really nice guy too.

Ian

[tcar]

This has been developed to operate a wheelchair, but, it could also operate a 'mouse' it seems.

Very cool.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1030505/Tiny-magnet-allows-disabled-people-operate-wheelchairs-tongue.html

[slodave]

Originally Posted by tcar

This has been developed to operate a wheelchair, but, it could also operate a 'mouse' it seems.

Very cool.


http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1030505/Tiny-magnet-allows-disabled-people-operate-wheelchairs-tongue.html

You're a little late. I already posted that story.

[masraum]

Check this link out. There may be something here that you can use.

http://www.makoa.org/computers.htm

This link is on that page.
http://www.quadjoy.com/

I don't have any affiliation with either.

Here's a forum for just this subject.
http://www.apparelyzed.com/forums/index.php?showforum=22

[Dutchie]

I understand he can,t use his legs and arms sorry don,t know what quadriplegic is. Can he still talk maybe voice recognition software is something for him ? http://www.e-speaking.com/

[masraum]

Originally Posted by Dutchie

I understand he can,t use his legs and arms sorry don,t know what quadriplegic is.

quad -- four

plegic -- paralyzed

quadriplegic means that your 4 limbs are paralyzed, ie no use of arms and legs. Just like paraplegic means you're paralyzed usually from the waist down so you have no use of your legs, but I think it can also be the results of a stroke where you are paralyzed on one side of your body, ie one arm and one leg don't work.