Mac OS X has assistive technologies that can help you navigate your computer, even if you have difficulties using the keyboard, mouse and track pad.

Mac OS X Features

Slow Keys

The Slow Keys setting adds a delay between when you press a key and when it takes effect to help prevent unintended multiple keystrokes. It also lets you take your time as you navigate.

Sticky Keys

Sticky keys lets you create “key chords” (pressing multiple keys simultaneously, such as Command-Q and Shift-Option-8) by pressing them sequentially. With Sticky Keys active, each key in the sequence is translucently displayed on screen so you can verify the sequence and correct it, if necessary, before it’s executed. If you can press only one key at a time, this feature gives you more flexibility.

Keyboard Settings

You can use the Keyboard & Mouse settings in System Preferences to modify key repeat and delay rate to your preferences. You can use this feature in conjunction with Slow Keys to adapt to your ability to use the keyboard effectively.

Keyboard Navigation

Keyboard navigation allows you to navigate the operating system and applications using the keyboard. Keyboard shortcuts let you quickly perform tasks on your computer by pressing keys on your keyboard. Shortcuts are customizable and can be used systemwide or assigned to individual applications.

Mouse Keys

If you have have difficulty using the mouse, you can use the numeric keypad to move the cursor around the screen. Mac OS X also lets you navigate menus, the Dock, windows, toolbars, palettes and other controls via the keyboard. Everything you can do with a mouse you can do using the keyboard.

Speech Recognition & Talking Alerts

Speakable items lets you command and control the computer using your voice, without requiring you to train the computer. You can use commands to open and close programs, navigate the menu bar, switch between programs, control application-specific items, to enter keyboard shortcuts and speak front window controls such as check box names, radio button names, list items and buttons.

The talking alerts feature gives voice to alert and dialog windows by verbally identifying the application and reciting the contents of its dialog box.

Third Party Solutions

AEC Software

• FastTrack Schedule 8
  Organize, track and manage all your project details. Full support for Section 508b, offering accessibility for persons with disabilities.

Always Thinking, Inc.

• Thinking Home
  Home automation software that works with inexpensive X10 computer interfaces to operate lamps and appliances throughout the home. It requires no wiring to set up.

Boost Technology

• Tracer
  A computer mouse that you control with head movements.

Chuck Rogers Consulting

• Command Sets
  kits to extend your voice recognition software’s command and control capabilities. Thousands of commands are available for Microsoft Office, all of the iApps from Apple, and many other programs. Versions are available for PlainTalk from Apple, ViaVoice from IBM, and iListen from MacSpeech.

DataDesk Technologies

• LittleFingers Children’s Keyboard and Trackball
  Sized to fit the hands of kids.
• SmartBoard Ergonomic Keyboard
  Encourages typing in the most natural position.

DataHand Systems

• DataHand Ergonomic Keyboard
  Increases keyboard user comfort and reduces repetitive stress (RSI) associated with flat keyboards.

Eye Response Technologies

• ERICA
  An eye gaze computer mouse control system.

FrogPad, Inc.

• FrogPad
  One-handed keyboard for USB and Bluetooth-compatible computers.

IBM Corporation

• IBM ViaVoice Simply Dictation
  Use your voice to dictate, edit and correct text in SpeakPad, the voice-enabled word processor that comes with Simply Dictation and easily transfer completed SpeakPad.

IntelliTools, Inc.

• IntelliKeys USB 2.0
  Consists of 576 membrane keys that can be grouped to form larger, custom keys. Comes with six pre-programmed overlays.

MacSpeech, Inc.

• iListen
  Speech recognition software which allows you to dictate, correct, transcribe, edit and format in virtually all applications; includes text macro feature; AppleScript compatible, hands free.

nFinity, Inc.

• QuickVoice
  A feature-rich digital voice recorder, voice email, and voice stickies software for Mac OS X. Record quick voice notes or entire lectures.

FireBird Software

• IPexten Server Suite
  Lets you access X10 home automation devices over IP; includes server, control panel application and automation application.

James Sentman

• X2Web
  Gives you a web interface for the XTension home automation package.

Kinesis Corporation

• Kinesis MPC Contoured Ergonomic Keyboards
  Include “Instant Configuration” feature to optimize for Mac environments.

Matias Corporation

• Matias Half Keyboard
  Allows fast one-handed text entry, using existing touch typing skills.

Niemeijer Consult

• Keystrokes
  On-screen keyboard for users who can use a mouse or alternative mouse
• SwitchXS
  Switch-based computer access solution for users who cannot use a mouse or keyboard but can only press a single switch. It works with any standard Mac application and offers full mouse and keyboard emulation.
• TouchStrokes
  On-screen keyboard for a touch system.

Origin Instruments

• Head Mouse
  Replaces a standard computer mouse for people who cannot use their hands.

Perceptive Automation, LLC

• Indigo
  A home control server that integrates X10 hardware devices. With Indigo you can automate your lights, appliances, sprinkler system, and more.
• Indigo/Phlink Scripts
  A collection of scripts which allow you to use a touch tone phone to control your home...

RJ Cooper

• CrossScannerX
  A single switch emulator with two new modes — Inverse Scan and 2 Switch Step Scan.
• SmartClickX
  Allows people that cannot click (or who can only single click) but can move the cursor (mouse, trackball, joystick, SmartNav) to perform all button actions.
• SAM-Joystick
  A configurable 4-button USB joystick.
• SAM-Trackball
  A configurable USB trackball.
• SmartNav
  A mouse alternative that allows people to control their Mac by head movement.

Serac Software

• X10 Scripting Addition
  A shareware package provides a collection of home automation scripting commands to control appliances, and lights.

Troll Touch

• Troll Touch
  Touchscreen systems for the Apple iMac, iBook, eMac, 17-inch Studio and 22-inch Cinema Displays.