Computer keyboard and mouse

Living with Parkinson's Daily life
1
HAS ANYONE GOT ANY ANSWERS TO HANDLING THE SHAKES ON THE ABOVE ITEMS.
IS THERE A PARTICULAR MOUSE THAT ANYONE CAN RECOMMEND ?
WITH TOUCH SCREENS NOW AVAILABE HAS ANYONE FOUND THEM OF BENIFIT ?
2
Hi and welcome,

Someone told me about an Apple keyboard (can't remember which model).

From Google, here is a link to do with computers.
http://adapt-it.net/it-disability-expert.co.uk/blog/?p=35

My laptop keyboard is better than my desktop one. Sorry, can't help on the touch screen as don't have one.
3
Hi Arren1

We've got a handy page on our website about accessibility options and help getting online for people with Parkinson's - http://www.parkinsons.org.uk/gettingonline

Though we can't recommend a specific mouse, an organisation called AbilityNet may be able to help you. The organisation aims to make computer technology available to people with disabilities. Their FREE helpline 0800 269 545 offers expert advice and information.

The AbilityNet website is http://www.abilitynet.org.uk/

There is also a discussion that was on our forum last year called "Are iPads helpful to people with Parkinson's?"

You can still see the thread at http://bit.ly/18l1qMx

Hope you find some of this useful.

Best wishes
Dave
Digital Team
4
I have Dragon software, rarely need to use the mouse or the keyboard. Having said that I have a roller ball mouse!!! which I use with my left hand.

Caroline
5
Many thanks for all the replies with great links and advice
6

Hii,

Using a standard keyboard and mouse extremely frustrating, but there are several alternatives that may help.

For the mouse, some people find a larger ergonomic mouse, trackball mouse or vertical mouse easier to control than a small conventional mouse. A trackball can be particularly useful because you can move the pointer using your fingers or thumb without having to move the whole mouse across the desk. Adjusting the pointer speed and enabling features such as ClickLock in Windows may also reduce the need for precise movements.

For the keyboard, changing the keyboard settings can sometimes help. Windows has options such as Filter Keys, which can ignore brief or repeated keystrokes caused by tremor. A larger-key keyboard or an alternative keyboard layout may also make typing easier.

A touchscreen can be useful for some people because it removes the need to control a separate mouse. However, tremor can also make it difficult to tap small icons accurately. Increasing the display scale and using larger buttons can make a significant difference.

Another option worth considering is Dragon speech-recognition software. Instead of typing or using the mouse for everything, you can dictate emails, documents and forum posts using your voice. Dragon can also be used for many computer commands, which may reduce the amount of time spent using the keyboard and mouse.

There is no single solution that works for everyone, so it may be worth trying a trackball, touchscreen and voice-control software to see which combination works best for you.

7

Trackball using my non dominant left hand has been my saving grace when using a computer. I am nearly as fast as I was with a mouse on my right hand…

Bonus points go to it stays in one place on your desk.