What are they?
Programmable keyboards are alternative input devices.
What do they do?
They allow individuals who are unable to use a standard keyboard to enter information into a computer by pressing an icon on an overlay on the alternative keyboard. Good candidates for these keyboards include persons who type very slowly, who tire easily, who have limited dexterity, who have difficulty writing, who have low reading or spelling skills, or who are interested in the process of producing written material but frustrated by the cognitive and/or physical demands of the standard keyboard.
How do they help?
Programmable keyboards are versatile, and can be used in a number of ways to help persons with cognitive disabilities.
They can represent the typical qwerty keyboard in a simpler format, with fewer keys, larger keys, smaller keys, or a different arrangement, depending upon the needs of the particular individual. Most programmable keyboards come with several premade overlays which represent the qwerty keyboard, or a portion of it, in a simpler format. This function is useful to persons who understand how to use a computer keyboard to enter information.
They can also be programmed to represent other information through the use of special software. This software allows an individual to create a customized overlay to represent exactly the specific information desired, in exactly the most accessible way. The limited option cash registers often used at fast food restaurants are a good example of this.
Teachers often create special overlays to allow students with cognitive disabilities to demonstrate knowledge typically demonstrated by peers through the use of worksheets or tests, or to learn new material. Several examples follow:
What kinds are there?
Three programmable keyboards commercially available are the Intellikeys by Intellitools, the DiscoverBoard by Don Johnston, and the FlexiBoard by Zygo Industries.
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Image sources: donjohnston.com, intellitools.com, zygo-usa.com
| Product Name | Discover Board® | Intellikeys | Flexiboard |
| Manufacturer | Don Johnston, Inc | Intellitools | Zygo Industries, Inc. |
| Address | 26799 W. Commerce Drive Volo, IN 60073 |
55 Neveroni Court, Suite 9 Novato, CA 94949 |
P. O. Box 1008 Portland, OR 97207-1008 |
| Phone | (800) 999~4660 | (707) 773-2000 ( 800) 899-6687 |
(503) 684-6006 (800) 234-6006 |
| Fax | (847) 740-7326 | 707-773-2001 | (503) 684-6011 |
| URL | www.donjohnson.com | www.intellitools.com | www.zygo-usa.com |
| Cost | $499 | $395 + cables ($25-$39) | contact manufacturer |
| Features | *Easy to set up and use *Full keyboard and mouse functions *Powerfull for providing access to any particular program *Available for free 30 day trial preview |
* Change Looks and Fuctionality with overlays (templates) * Ships with 6 standard overlays that are ready to use with any word processor *Create Custom Activities/ Overlays
*These programs work automatically when user loads the included software *Online demo of product using Shockwave plug-in |
*Built-in optical overlay-detection method - the keyboard always detects which overlay is placed on top of the keyboard. Because overlays can be changed without commands to the computer, the user can handle a large range of overlays independently! *Does not require any active program in order to work. The computer perceives it as any other keyboard - and it works with any computer, operating system and program that uses an ordinary "IBM-compatible" keyboard. No special programs are needed to move the Flexiboard from computer-to-computer. *Offers work independence for those with developmental disabilities. *Software for creating overlays is included with the Flexiboard. *The pressure sensitivity of each overlay is adjustable to accommodate different types of functional disabilities. *Rental program available. |
| Specifications / Requirements |
MacOS 7.5.3, 8 MB RAM, 68030, 6MB hard disk space, CD-Rom Windows 95, 16MB RAM, Pentium Processor, 28 MB hard disk space, CD-Rom (minimum) |
Works with any Macintosh mdel with a keyboard port (except Mac 512K and Mac Plus) including PowerBooks and Power Macs. Need iMate USB to ABD adapter for Macs with USB ports. All PC compatible computers with standard keyboard port including most laptops with a keyboard port. |
Flexiboard may be used with all "IBM-compatible" personal computers. Flexiloader overlay creation software requires a 386-processor or higher, with Windows 3.1 or higher installed. Size: 20" x 13 x 1-1/4" (51 x 33 x .3 cm) Overlay: 2-letter size pages, side-by-side Weight: 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) Operating force: 3.6 oz (1 N) |
| Item Code | M91BA1 | Mac-IIGS cable: IK-ADB-FOO, IBM-AT cable: IK-AT-FOO, IBM-PS/2 cable: IK-PS-FOO |
Contact Manufacturer |
Some examples of template overlays
Images Source: Don Johnson, Inc.
Switches -- Accessible Devices