![]() ![]() ![]() Lake Software – Click-N-Type Virtual Keyboard (Windows)Ĭomfort Software Group – Free Virtual Keyboard (Windows) Built-In On-Screen Keyboardĭid you know? That there are built in on-screen keyboards available for free on your computer. WiVik (Windows) Free/Open Source Software Origin Instruments Corporation – SofType (Windows) MountFocus Information Systems – MountFocus Keyboard Designer (Windows) These links are provided for information purposes only.Ĭomfort Software Group – Comfort On-Screen Keyboard (Windows)Ĭorrallo Software – VirtualKeyboard (Mac)Ĭrick Software Inc – Super Keys (Windows) SNOW does not endorse any of the following software or hardware. Links are provided for information purposes only. Resources Manufacturers of On-screen Keyboards How much do upgrades cost? Is there any software management agreement or upgrade package that can be purchased?.How will you get support if you need it? (e.g., a technician in the school, a local vendor, by telephone, by email, remote access, etc.).Is there a trial period or demo copy for testing out the software?.Is it compatible with your computer or device’s operating system? Is it compatible with the software or apps it controls (in the case of a keyboard that completes navigation functions)?.For users with other computer access needs, is it compatible with other required technologies? Are there potential issues that may need to be resolved (e.g., using screen magnification software may result in the user not seeing the keyboard and the place they are typing at the same time without the appropriate set-up).Is the student directly touching the screen? Are there any positioning requirements? (e.g., is the angle of the keyboard adjustable? Does the device need a mount?).What is the learning curve for using the software, especially if using switch scanning?.Is there a single page of keys/commands or multiple pages? Is the student likely to do better with a simpler layout or more items on a single page?.Does it allow customization of the size, shape, borders, colour, layout, and number of keys? Can the keys have text and/or images? Can the colour and size of the font be adjusted?.Will the keyboard block a portion of the desktop or open software programs? Is there an easy way to rearrange the windows so that this doesn’t get in the way of using the computer? Are two screens appropriate (one dedicated to the keyboard) or not?.Does it provide feedback that a key has been pressed (e.g., letter or word echo, auditory feedback, colour change, etc.).How are the keys and items arranged? Are they arranged in a way that is logical to the student and minimizes the amount of physical effort required? Is there flexibility to change the arrangement?.Does it have word prediction software built-in to speed up the typing?.Have you considered whether it is an onscreen keyboard or an alternative physical keyboard, which will best suit your needs?.Does it support a large variety of input devices, including switches?.Is it programmable? (i.e., can you customize keys to perform specific commands/actions?) How easy is it for a student, parent, or teacher to program keys themselves if appropriate?.Consider whether a scanning mode would be required. How will the on-screen keyboard be used? (e.g., pointing devices or in scanning mode using a switch).Is it mainly for text input or also for computer navigation?. ![]() Questions to consider when choosing an onscreen keyboard Features Other on-screen keyboards are those that come as part of communication packages for non-verbal communication. Some on-screen keyboards are for typing text and some on-screen keyboards are for navigating the computer-opening programs or clicking on links, for example. The pointer may be activated by using a standard mouse, or through the use of alternative devices such as a trackball or a switch. The keyboard can then be accessed using the computers’ pointer device. An onscreen keyboard generally appears on the same display used for programs and will remain permanently visible. For many people, an alternative keyboard can be one solution, but for others using a virtual or on-screen keyboard may be the way to go. These reasons can range from differentiated movement or motor control to hand and finger strength. However, many individuals, for various reasons, are unable to use a standard keyboard or a touchscreen. With the popularity of touchscreen devices, on-screen keyboards have become a common way of entering text, while physical keyboards are more commonly used for writing longer passages of text.
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