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Assentive Computer Technology - Infrared Head Pointing
By: Renata Bursten, Dragonfly Staff
The Tracker and the Smart Nav AT can be helpful for users with carpal-tunnel syndrome, severe arthritis, quadriplegia, ALS, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis. Head pointing should be considered for computer users who have good head control and poor (or no) fine motor skills in their hands. Pointing is the quickest, most direct way of controlling the computer. Many people with disabilities have been forced to use scanning, mouth sticks, and other alternative devices when all they really needed to do was somehow point. One 'point' to remember when considering this kind of alternative mouse: you can use your head, but you don't really have to. You may use any body part that has reliable movement and control, like an arm or a knee, to place the dot upon. Also, you may use a hat, a headband, or a sweatband to hold the dot if you do not want to place the dot directly upon the skin.
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Occupational Therapy: Developing Hand Strength with Strength Putties and Therasaurs
It is important for children with fine motor delays to gain as much hand strength and dexterity as possible because it makes all other skills much easier to learn. A set of Tactile Putties or Therasaurs are perfect for children who need to improve their fine motor skills. As each level becomes easy, go to the next level up. Strong and limber hands help all fine motor skills.