Apple On-screen Keyboard

Being independent in life is important to the majority of society. When a  person is confronted with a life-changing disease or injury, independence is usually lost.

Society tends to forget about those who do not have the ability to completely manage their affairs; however, those people are starting to regain their independence through assistive technology.

With technology advancing at a rapid rate, computers are becoming a necessary part of life. For people who have difficulty typing, this can mean a great deal of unnecessary frustration. Apple has introduces an on-screen keyboard to assist disabled persons in typing.

The on-screen keyboard has all the options that a traditional keyboard offers. It can be controlled with a mouse or joystick, which makes it even easier to use for people with little use of their hands.

The Apple on-screen keyboard can also be programmed to select a key by simply placing the mouse cursor on it. The options allow the user to set the amount of time to hover above the key before selecting it. Without having to push a button to select a key, users with arthritis and other joint diseases can type a document with minimal nuisance.

Slow keys settings allows the user to press a key without worrying about multiple keystrokes. The amount of delay can be adjusted to best suit the needs of the user. With a longer delay, the user is not rushed to change keys.

When a command button, such as shift or lock, is pressed, the button stays illuminated until it is pressed again. This makes it easier for the user to fully utilize the features.

Apple on-screen keyboards can be set to control the operating system of the computer. Shortcut keys can operate any function on a computer more quickly. Features of the keyboard allow its user to customize the shortcut keys, which makes the keyboard more efficient.

On-screen keyboards can also be set to different types. Standard is simply the main letter keys and the keys necessary to correctly type. The enhanced keyboard includes the side number pad, which is easier for some people to use.

Since the enhanced keyboard has more keys, a number of people find it simpler to use the standard keypad.

Another innovation to assist users in controlling their Apple on-screen keyboard is monitors controlled by eye movement. Users can operate the keyboard by simply directing their vision at it. For persons that are not physically capable of clicking on the keys, these monitors allow them even more freedom in typing.

To operate the monitors, the user must follow an on-screen dot for ten seconds to allow the system to become familiar with pupil movement. After this process is complete, the user is able to control everything on the screen with their eyes.

Although no computer software can restore motor functions or abilities, persons with impairments deserve the resources to assist them in activities, whether necessity or for pleasure. The Apple on-screen keyboard is allowing people to operate systems that would otherwise be too challenging.

It is important when choosing an Apple computer to ask questions about its features. Most systems are standard with an on-screen keyboard, however, you can never be too sure. By using an on-screen keyboard, users gain the independence and pride that comes with typing their own work.