Hand Tremor & the Mouse

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Guest

Hi, All!

I teach computer introduction courses to seniors - typically people 60+ and
some in their 80's. Because of hand tremor a few have really major problems
with the mouse.

One guy in my present group has major problems. Because of quite severe
tremor he clicks when he doesn't mean to, can't hold the mouse steady enough
to click on any particular icon or button, clicks and drags when he intends
to just click, etc. The result is very frustrating for him.

Can anyone suggest customisation or other options that would help people
with this type of disability. Voice commands have occurred to me but this
particular learner also has a very strong German accent.

Many thanks for any suggestions!

Richard
 
Richard said:
I teach computer introduction courses to seniors - typically people
60+ and some in their 80's. Because of hand tremor a few have really
major problems with the mouse.

One guy in my present group has major problems. Because of quite
severe tremor he clicks when he doesn't mean to, can't hold the mouse
steady enough to click on any particular icon or button, clicks and
drags when he intends to just click, etc. The result is very
frustrating for him.

Can anyone suggest customisation or other options that would help
people with this type of disability. Voice commands have occurred to
me but this particular learner also has a very strong German accent.
Click to expand...

Trackball? The ones with the larger (palm-sized) ball..
 
Try decreasing the sensitivity of the mouse. That way it is more tolerant to
jitters.
In Control Panel select Mouse
On the Pointer Options tab
Set the Motion slider down a cou[ple of notches.
Also try enabling Snap To, this jumps the pointer to dialog buttons etc.

Regards
Mark Dormer
 
Hi, All!

I teach computer introduction courses to seniors - typically people 60+ and
some in their 80's. Because of hand tremor a few have really major problems
with the mouse.

One guy in my present group has major problems. Because of quite severe
tremor he clicks when he doesn't mean to, can't hold the mouse steady enough
to click on any particular icon or button, clicks and drags when he intends
to just click, etc. The result is very frustrating for him.

Can anyone suggest customisation or other options that would help people
with this type of disability. Voice commands have occurred to me but this
particular learner also has a very strong German accent.

Many thanks for any suggestions!

Richard
Click to expand...

You've received some good suggestions already. Learning some of the builtin
keyboard shortcuts might be helpful too. There are about 3 different lists
in Help and Support that cover all kinds of operations. Type keyboard
shortcuts into the search box to locate them. Print them out to create
handy reference sheets.
 
MouseKeys option in Accessibility Options might be helpful.
Also a trackball is another good idea, and further, do what I do:
Get the self-adhesive Velcro, and fasten the Trackball to the table. It can
be moved for other users if required. Just distribute the Velcro pieces
somewhat evenly for balance.
 
T. Waters said:
MouseKeys option in Accessibility Options might be helpful.
Also a trackball is another good idea, and further, do what I do:
Get the self-adhesive Velcro, and fasten the Trackball to the table. It can
be moved for other users if required. Just distribute the Velcro pieces
somewhat evenly for balance.
Click to expand...
A few months ago I came across an article about a mouse that is suppose
to help with tremors. I couldn't find the exact article, however I did
remember that IBM had something to do with the technology. It has taken
a few days to get something for you and I'm sure that this can set you
on a decent course. The device is manufactured in the UK, costs $99 USD
plus $8 USD shipping. The gentleman having the problem might do right
by checking the item online at:

http://www.montrosesecam.com/index1.html

Good luck
 
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