Types of Mouse Emulators

Many students with physical disabilities, such as difficulty with fine motor control, or visual impairments or blindness, have difficulty controlling the mouse.  There are many different types of mouse alternatives, also called mouse emulators, that enable students with physical disabilities to use their most reliable, controllable movements to direct the mouse pointer. The following table discusses  mouse emulators and for whom each is most appropriate.  

Mouse Alternatives	Types	Student Characteristics
Trackballs	Mini-trackballs	·      Have good fine motor control but a limited range of motion ·      Have a greater range of motion
	Standard trackballs	·      Have a greater range of motion ·      Have moderate fine motor skills ·      Have good gross motor skills
	Large trackballs	·      Are young ·      Have poor fine motor skills ·      Operate the trackball with feet
	Adapted trackballs	·      Have poor fine motor skills ·      Need to rest wrist on a key guard
Joysticks	Software that converts game joystick input to mouse control	·      Can control a standard game joystick
	Adapted joysticks	·      Need to use switches to click ·      Need a key guard ·      Need to operate joystick with a body part other than hand
Touch screens	Integrated touch screens	·      Are young ·      Need to learn cause and effect
	Add-on touch screens	·      Need a direct, intuitive interface
Head-pointing systems	Headset and reflective dot	·      Cannot use hands ·      Can see and follow the movement of the mouse pointer ·      Have excellent head control
Eye-gaze systems	Camera(s) on monitor and eyeglasses or goggles	·      Cannot use hands or head ·      Can control eye movements ·      Can keep head completely still

The following blog will discuss Assistive Technology and the IEP process. 

Sources:

Dell, A., Newtown, D., & Petroff, J. (2012). Assistive technology in the classroom . (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, New Jersey : Pearson Education.