[Athen] Computer mice for tremors

[Katherine Deibel]

Chiming in late, but I want to add that changing digits/fingers/arm may not be a good solution in terms of long-term. With intentional tremors, the tremor is triggered by the intent to perform a certain action. Switching things up may only offer a short-term solution in that the tremor could move or evolve based on the modified intent. It really all depends on the etiology of where the tremor is coming from in the nervous system. Learned this from a student a little while back. He used the double click adjustment mostly as I recall.

Katherine “Kate” Deibel, PhD
Library Accessibility Specialist
Twitter: https://twitter.com/metageeky
GitHub: https://github.com/metageeky

From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu> On Behalf Of Eckelberry, Robin
Sent: Wednesday, March 2, 2022 12:28 PM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu>
Subject: Re: [Athen] Computer mice for tremors

Hi Doug, Bevi, and Dan,

Thank you each very much for your suggestions!

The student and I came up with a good low-tech plan for now, with exposure to other options as needed in the future if the condition progresses.

As a recap of some of the ideas shared and discussed:
Free

  *   Switching digits/fingers for button operation
  *   Adjusted double click speed in settings
  *   Mousekeys
  *   Filter keys (bounce) delay (did not work on Windows 11 for some reason, but works fine on Windows 10)
  *   Good forearm stabilization and base of support with chair and desk setup and positioning
Paid

  *   Many different trackball and other types of ergonomic or vertical mice
  *   AMAneo Assistive Anti-Tremor Mouse Adapter
  *   Dwell clicker 2
  *   Keyguard
  *   Steady Mouse (free version is not recommended due to not being updated)
  *   Possible use of wrist weight (check with provider first if any contraindications)

I hope this list also helps someone else in the future!

Sincerely,
Robin


From: athen-list <athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list-bounces at mailman12.u.washington.edu>> On Behalf Of Dan Comden
Sent: Monday, February 28, 2022 4:33 PM
To: Access Technology Higher Education Network <athen-list at u.washington.edu<mailto:athen-list at u.washington.edu>>
Subject: Re: [Athen] Computer mice for tremors


CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the Colorado Community College System. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Please contact your college IT Help Desk if you have any questions.
Two simple and quick solutions for immediate access:
1. If the tremors are just on the dominant side, it's usually not too difficult to learn to use the other hand for most tasks, including mouse control.

2. Use the numeric keypad as a mouse. "MouseKeys" is what it was called in prior versions of windows, but typing the same into the Win start menu will also get you there. If a typical laptop is primary device, then and external keyboard or numeric keypad may be needed.

If the tremoring makes hitting keys accurately difficult, a keyguard may also be needed.

-*- Dan



On Mon, Feb 28, 2022 at 2:14 PM Eckelberry, Robin <Robin.Eckelberry at ppcc.edu<mailto:Robin.Eckelberry at ppcc.edu>> wrote:
Hi ATHEN!

I am working with a student who is R-hand dominant and would like to continue using R-hand to interact with the computer. It is a Windows 11. The R-hand has recently developed an intention tremor.
Filter keys can assist to prevent accidental double-tapping of keys on the keyboard, but I am not sure what free options exist to prevent accidental double-tapping of a mouse.

I see based on a Google search that some mice have been developed that have filters for tremor-induced actions, such as shaking the mouse or clicking more than intended.
Has anyone had experience with these mice or other options?

Thanks!
Robin


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Robin Eckelberry MS
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--
-*- Dan Comden                       danc at uw.edu<mailto:danc at washington.edu>
    Access Technology Center   www.uw.edu/itconnect/accessibility/atl/<http://www.uw.edu/itconnect/accessibility/atl/>
    University of Washington      UW Information Technology

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