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by alasdairking
2365 days ago
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Most important question: what does your friend want to do that he can't? You're describing his limitations, not his goals. Does he want to read, but not write? A Kindle might be better than an iPad - longer battery life. Does he want to read, but not have to raise his arm to do the page turn? Then back to iPad but using a switch device that can be operated from one finger. I'm not explaining this well, because I'm a technologist, not a therapist: in the UK the role would be "Occupational Therapist". However, in my experience, they are focused on improvement and the regaining of function: only when this avenue is exhausted will they begin to look at assistive technology. But I am probably being unfair. Useful, maybe: http://www.oneswitch.org.uk/gaming.php https://www.webbie.org.uk/oneswitchmouse/index.htm (control the Windows cursor using only one switch: freeware from my employer) https://sourceforge.net/projects/sawat/?source=dlp |
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Your friend's problems are largely about control and typing. They may be able to use one arm, but it may tire fast. Consider alternative mice, including trackballs. A keyboard if possible, perhaps a tablet with keyguards. If not, some kind of switch control for an onscreen keyboard: it will be slow but maybe more useful. One Switch Mouse, above. Built-in features, like Windows here: https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/27936/windows-10-ma...
Eyegaze: cameras that track where you are looking. Hard to use, probably not best if your friend can use an arm.
Speech recognition: you really want Dragon Professional on Windows. If you can't get a trial of that, macOS speech recognition. You MUST MUST MUST have a decent mic. Windows 10 machine, try Windows Key + H in an edit box, or this freeware (my employer again): https://www.clarosoftware.com/login/admin/labs/#clarodrake
Expert in California: https://store.rjcooper.com/
Your friend is still regaining function, which changes the dynamic: using the built-in features, maybe with a trackball, might be best until you know where they end up. Again, this is an OT call.
Good luck!