Path: utzoo!attcan!uunet!tank!ncar!asuvax!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!Ron.Rothenberg From: Ron.Rothenberg@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org RON ROTHENBERG (Ron Rothenberg) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Information Message-ID: <9535@bunker.UUCP> Date: 12 Jan 90 02:18:29 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Ron.Rothenberg@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 1:129/89 - BlinkLink, Pittsburgh PA Lines: 119 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 6203 (continued from previous message) Announcing the Magic Wand Keyboard by In Touch Systems The Magic Wand keyboard is a miniature IBM-style computer keyboard designed specifically for mouthstick users and one- handed typists. No strength, reach, or dexterity is required; it works with the slightest touch of a wand. There are no mechanical keys to press and the entire keyboard measures 7" x 6" x 0.5", with the keypad area only 5.4" x 3". The true magic of the keyboard is that now a disabled computer user can access a PC exactly like everyone else. That's because the Magic Wand keyboard is not a "keyboard emulator"; it is a regular PC keyboard. Therefore, it requires no cumbersome devices, no installation, and no special programs or adaptive cards--it simply plugs into the standard keyboard socket of any IBM PC computer or compatible. It uses no memory and is 100% software compatible. My husband originally designed the Magic Wand keyboard so that I could use a computer (I am a quadriplegic, having had polio as a child). I've used it almost daily for over a year. I am a writer and do all of my word processing on an IBM PC (not to mention playing an occasional arcade game). For more information, just leave me your name and address in EasyPlex on CompuServe (74425,1633), or write: In Touch Systems 11 Westview Road Spring Valley, NY 10977 Or call me at 914-354-7431. --------------------------------------------------------- Hi, everyone! Jerry and I would like to announce that the Magic Wand Keyboard is now available for all IBM computers: the IBM PC, XT, AT, and PS/2 computers and compatibles. The Magic Wand keyboard is a miniature IBM-style computer keyboard designed for anyone who cannot easily press a key, hold down two or more keys at the same time, or reach from one end of the PC keyboard to the other. It offers mouthstick users and one-handed typists the opportunity to use a computer fully, easily, and exactly like everyone else--with a real keyboard. No uncomfortable devices to wear or set up. That's because the Magic Wand keyboard is not a "keyboard emulator"; it's a full-function PC keyboard. It plugs into the standard keyboard socket of any IBM computer or compatible and requires no installation, no special software or adaptive cards, and uses no memory and no screen display. My husband, Jerry, originally invented the keyboard for me, and now I (and anyone else) can use a computer independently and still not sacrifice any of the power of an IBM--PC, XT, AT, or PS/2. For the first time ever, I am able to use a PS/2 computer in spite of its humongous keyboard. I'll gladly answer any questions about the keyboard on this forum, or you can write to us at: In Touch Systems 11 Westview Road Spring Valley, NY 10977 Msg#:17615 *ABLED Echo* 11-05-89 16:38:00 From: RON ROTHENBERG To: PAUL HAMLET Subj: REPLY TO MSG# 17614 (ONE-FINGER KEYBOARD) Alternate Input Devices Probably the first (and most expensive) place to check is IBM themselves. Through their National Support Center for Persons with Disabilities. Their voice/tdd number is 800-426-2133, they also have a TDD only number (404) 988-2729. They have some pretty exotic hardware in their Voice-Activated Keyboard Utility. Nevertheless, what may be needed is an alternate keyboard input device. Some alternatives for someone paralyzed from the neck down include various kinds of head pointers and mouthsticks, and software and in some cases hardware to operate them. There are also communications boards that, when pointed to with the above devices, emulate keyboard input to your PC. Of course one can also depress a standard keyboard with them. Special software, also available in Public Domain, that acts as keyswitches will also be needed. KEYLOCK comes to mind, found as KEYLOCK.ARC on several BBS's. Keyswitches enable a user to type uppercase (Shift-A) letters and use the Control and Alt key combinations with one finger, or mouthstick. Somthing that would be physically impossible without it. There are other sources but here's a good place to start, or finish. ITEM: Mouthsticks COMPANY: Fred Sammons, Inc. Box 32 Brookfield, IL USA 60513 (800) 323-7305 They have several models that have a V-shaped mouthpiece that allows tongue movement. They can be used for typing or page turning, can hold a pencil, pen, or brush. They also have a Vertical Pincher Mouthstick that has a tongue-controlled pincher at the end which can be used to insert paper into a typewriter or printer. ITEM: Viewpoint Optical Indicator 6 COMPANY: Prentke Romich Company Mr. Mike Molter 1022 Heyl Road Wooster, OH USA 44691 (800) 642-8255 or (216) 262-1984 This is a small lightbeam projector that mounts on the user's head with a headband. It enables you to point to things (such as selections on a communications board) by directing the spot of light toward the desired place. The spot of light is a little over 1/2 inch in diameter at a distance of 2 feet. The position and angle of the pointer on the headband is adjustable. This in only one of many solutions available from this company. They also have an Evaluation Kit, which will help you determine what type of devices are best suited to the person with the disability. ************************************************************************** PROKEY 4.0, a software program by Rosesoft, POB 45880,Seattle, Washington,98145-0880. Has a one-finger mode designed for disabled computer users. Allows any compound keystroke (such as Ctrl-Alt-Del) to be entered sequentially with one finger. The program is also of user to persons with disabilities because it can memorize any series of keystokes, and up to 30,000 keystrokes can be assigned to one key, and thereafter invoked by typing one key. Prokey can be ordered direct from Rosesoft, at 206-2820454 or the company will send full information upon request.This company appears quite sensitive to the needs of disabled IBM/compatible users. ... I hate quotations. Tell me what you know. - Ralph Waldo Emerson ... It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick-D. Barry's Mom -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!Ron.Rothenberg Internet: Ron.Rothenberg@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org