Successful use of the touchpad mouse requires proper chair and desk height to be set first. Please see section relating to Ergonomic Chair and Height Adjustable Table for more information.
There are many other touchpad models and other alternative pointing devices available. Many have programmable features. Visit local Assistive Technology Centers in Arizona for more information. (see General AT listings in kiosk)
If at all possible, persons with diagnosed physical access conditions should be seen for evaluation by a physical motor specialist (OT, PT or Rehab Engineer). The physical motor specialist can prescribe therapeutic chair settings, table height and placement of adaptive keyboards.
Who: Persons with fine motor limitations (i.e. carpal tunnel, arthritis, MD. etc) may prefer using a touchpad instead of the mouse. In One-Stops, the “tap” feature should be turned on for the touchpad which means the Click may be done by a single tap on the touchpad, without having to press a button style switch. This is often beneficial for persons with sensitive joints.
What: All comprehensive One-Stops have the . Other brands of this type are available commercially.
Where: Resource Room ADA computer. The touchpad may be moved with permission to training room computer. Simply unplug from USB port and plug into any other computer. Some features may not be available on other computers since the touchpad does use special software to configure programmable features.
When: Anytime for mousing!
Why: The user can move their finger and re-position their arm instead of grasping the mouse and having to pick it up to re-position. The touchpad gives some tactile feedback (the person can “feel” the direction they are moving if needed) and the buttons (especially the “tap” feature) are usually easier to manage. Click and drag tasks can be a problem, however…
How: Try it, see if you like it!
*Technical Assistance (AT/IT Specialist):