Joysticks can be used as an alternative to a mouse. They allow more control to a person who may not have the fine motor skills required to manipulate a standard mouse. It allows the whole hand to grip the neck of the joystick and move the cursor, rather than relying on just the fingers to move the cursor.
There are numerous types of joystick available. Some joysticks have button guards, which can help the user press the buttons more easily. Most joysticks can also be mounted to a wheelchair or wheelchair tray and have the ability to be paired with a switch should this be necessary. There are also various different types of joystick knobs to meet specific individual needs.
Workplace solutions and adjustments
A joystick may be required to assist someone with a disability to be able to use the computer independently. A person may have difficulty using a standard mouse due to:
- poor motor control
- poor grip
- poor hand control
- hand tremors.
A joystick can be used in conjunction with on-screen keyboards to allow a person to type independently without the use of a standard keyboard. The link below provides more information about on-screen keyboards:
References
Aidis Trust 2006, Joystick II and Joystick II Plus, Aidis Trust, London, viewed 11 March 2011, http://www.aidis.org/support/joystick_i.php.
Option Keys 2006, Adaptive technologies for people with a physical disability, Centre for Learning Innovation, Sydney, viewed 11 March 2011, http://www.cli.nsw.edu.au/optionkeys/students/solutions_2.htm.
Spectronics 2011, Point it! Joystick alternate knobs, Spectronics Inclusive Learning Technologies, Rochedale, viewed 11 March 2011, http://www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/point-it-joystick-alternate-knobs.