PubMed Health⌕ Search
Home/Archive/PubMed

PubMed · 2939247

A microcomputer keyboard substitute for the disabled.

J H Wells·S W Smye·A J Wilson
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

A microcomputer keyboard substitute for use by the disabled is described. The system displays the characters of a standard keyboard as a matrix where each character is enunciated by an LED. The matrix of characters is scanned by two simple switches until the desired character is reached. This is then entered into the computer using one of the two switches. The system is designed for use on the BBC Model B microcomputer but is relatively easily adapted for use on other machines. It operates in parallel with the conventional keyboard and does not depend on additional system software. It does not use any of the standard computer interfaces, and the character grid can be changed to suit the needs of a particular user.

Explore related subjects

Communication Devices for People with DisabilitiesComputersData DisplayEquipment DesignHumansMicrocomputersSelf-Help DevicesJournal Article

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

J H Wells, S W Smye, A J Wilson. A microcomputer keyboard substitute for the disabled.. https://doi.org/10.3109/03091908609032513

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related citations

PubMed2001

An overview of technological resources used in rehabilitation research with people with severe/profound and multiple disabilities.

PURPOSE: This paper provides an outline of technological resources used in rehabilitation research with persons with severe/profound and multiple disabilities, and discusses the practicality of such resources. METHOD: Research articles published during the last 8 years (1993-2000) are considered. With regard to each of the technological resources used in the articles (i.e. microswitches, speech output devices, computer-aided instruction systems, audio recording systems, orientation systems, mobile robot, and SIBIS), accessibility, cost and implementation issues are examined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Some technological resources are easily accessible and affordable (i.e. microswitches, speech output devices, audio-recording systems and SIBIS). Other resources are still at the prototype level (i.e. computer-aided instruction systems, orientation systems and robot) and are much more complex and costly. In spite of this, the latter resources might still have an important role in daily contexts.

Communication Devices for People with Disabilities↗
PubMed2001

Communicating with mechanically ventilated patients: state of the science.

The literature clearly establishes the problems and difficulties of loss of speech among mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit. Critical care nurses typically receive little or no training in the interpretation of nonvocal communication or in the assessment and application of augmentative communication methods. This article presents an integrative review of the research and related literature on communication with adult patients in critical care settings. Clinical issues and technological advancements in assistive and augmentative communication applicable to critical care are discussed and a new research agenda is proposed.

Communication Devices for People with Disabilities↗