One Hand Typing and Keyboarding For The Disabled Student
© Lilly Walters, International speaker, best selling author,
If the student has a severe disability regarding an upper limb, they receive a great deal of support from occupational and vocational therapists, who usually suggest alternative keyboards, and voice activated computers.
However, the student with good use of one hand, usually does not receive much attention. They are able to make their way in the world, and don't seek professional advice. So, when it comes to learning to keyboard and type, they are often told by the non-professional, "Oh, you'll learn something else." I know, I fall into this category. In today's world, keyboarding skills are vital.
Keyboarding Choices For Those With A Hand Disability
1) Learn the ONE HAND QWERTY method on the standard keyboard (least hassle, absolutely mainstream, my personal choice if one hand has close to full use)
2) Change the keyboard over to ONE HAND Dvoark or HALF QWERTY (Dvoark is a free set up in MAC's or PC's. HALF QWERTY uses only half of the keyboard, but a cost is involved. Both are easier on the hands, faster, less fatiguing - but, also not my choice as they are not used in the mainstream!)
3) Buy a one hand keyboard, or alternative devices (easiest on the hand, but comparatively expensive. $300 - $1000)
4) Use alternatives to typing: voice activation and macros (whichever system is chosen for the one hand typist, sometimes voice activation and always the use of macros will ease the work load on the hands, and can often be used to supplement other systems.)
Before the one handed person makes a decision of the choices above, ask:
1) Is the "good" hand strong? Can it take the burden normally shared by two hands? (Then my choose is the standard ONE HAND QWERTY, the keyboard used by 99% of the English speaking world.)
2) Does this person work on their own - perhaps they are retired? Will they need to use other people's computers, or will others need to use their computer? (If not, adaptive devices and alternative keyboard layouts can be suggested. However, if possible to the circumstances of the one handed typist, avoid alternatives if they plan share a computer at work or at play. But, if they work at home on their own equipment, a fancy one hand keyboard might be a terrific tool).
