This person has a spinal cord injury; he can use his arms, but not his fingers. During my evaluation, I provided him with typing aids, which allow him to type on a keyboard easily.
This person's hands are fixed in position; it is not practical for her to type with them at all. I recommended a different style of typing aid, which fits the side of her hand and works very well for her.
Many individuals can use their hands for typing if they have the right keyboard. This person types very slowly with only one finger; I supplied him with this very adjustable keyboard during his evaluation. This keyboard allows him to keep his finger on a key as long as he needs to before moving to another key. After I adjusted it for him, he can type very accurately.
Many individuals with hand tremors prefer a thumb-controlled pointing device; they are often able to control it more precisely.
Some people cannot type on any physical keyboard. I have often recommended an on-screen keyboard for individuals that can only use a pointing device. This allows them to "type" by clicking on a letter at a time. I have seen some users type as fast as 20 words/minute with an on-screen keyboard.
I have also helped people learn to type with only one hand. This modified typing style was designed for individuals who can only use one hand fully.
I have also recommended headpointers for some computer users; this person has involuntary hand and arm movements that keep him from using a standard keyboard or pointing device. With a headpointer, he can type and use a special pointing device I provide to him during my evaluation.
I also provide evaluations for clients who have vision impairments; I set up this magnified screen image on an extra-large monitor for her use. She can read these letters easily and is reviewing my training notes independently, even though she had not been able to read a computer screen for several years.
I also address ergonomics during my evaluations, especially if the person has repetitive stress injuries. This client prefers to use a "split" keyboard that I suggested; note that the keyboard halves line up with his natural arm position. This reduces his horizontal wrist angle, allowing him to type longer and more comfortably.
After evaluating this college student, I recommended an alternative pointing device, a smaller keyboard, and a custom workstation to accommodate her wheelchair. She is now able to use her computer independently.
This person has very limited mobility; however, he is able to type independently using a special pointing device and on-screen keyboard, which he selected during my evaluation.