Alternative Keyboards

" A wide variety of alternative keyboards make the computer accessible to almost every student. These keyboards fall into the major categories of expanded keyboards, mini-keyboards, and one-handed keyboards" (Dell et al. 2012). Expanded keyboards provide a larger surface to perform correct keystrokes , and are helpful to students with poor fine motor control. 

Mini keyboards are ones that are smaller than the standard keyboard and differ from one another in size, key size, keyboard layout, and functionality. These can benefit students which only have the use of one of their hands, and some mini keyboards offer a pressure sensitive surface that responds to light pressure. 

one- handed keyboards are a viable option for those who have good fingeer dexterity, but the use of one hand. These keyboards provide full keyboard functionality and are designed to let students type without needing to look at the keyboard.

Until now I had no idea how many alternatives there are to traditional keyboards, and how little changes to them can greatly increase a user's accessibility. 

Reference Below 


Dell, A., Newtown, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive Technology in the Classroom. 
Upper Saddle River, NJ. Pearson Education Inc. 

Pictures Found At
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http://portale.siva.it/files/images/product/full/10964_b.jpg

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