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Delaware Assistive Technology Initiative

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Vol. 4 No. 5 Sept/Oct 1996

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A Better Way to Type:
Options for One-Handed Typing

Ed Salisbury, AT Specialist

Most people who type with one hand find that the layout of the standard keyboard makes typing slow and tedious. For these people, there are a variety of key layouts available to make typing with one hand more efficient. Keyboards specifically designed for one-handed or even one-finger use can be purchased. For those who are hesitant to purchase a new keyboard, the standard keyboard can be adapted to any number of efficient key arrangements for a relatively low cost. Since most people who type with one hand are not touch typists, it is generally not difficult for them to learn a new keyboard arrangement or input method.

The Dvorak key arrangement, named for its inventor, is the most common key layout for one-handed use. The typist has the choice of two Dvorak layouts: the left single-handed, and the right single-handed. These arrangements place the typist's hand on the home row. The most commonly used letters are placed directly under the fingers, other commonly used letters are placed within reach of the fingers, and the least commonly used letters are placed on the far side of the keyboard. The Dvorak layouts reduce finger travel by up to one third over the standard “QWERTY” style. As a result, typing speed is increased considerably and the threat of repetitive strain injuries related to typing is decreased.

The Chubon arrangement, also named for its inventor, was designed for people with a limited range of motion. This would include people using one hand, one finger, or even a headstick or mouthstick to type. In this arrangement, the most commonly used keys are placed near the center of the keyboard near the space bar. Also, letters commonly used in combination like “th”, “ck”, and “qu” are placed next to each other.

Layout of the keyboard involves two steps. First, the layout in the form of software must be installed on the computer. Second, the keys need to be arranged according to the new layout. This can be done either by physically removing the keys and placing them in their appropriate location, or by covering them with adhesive keytop labels. If the computer is one used regularly by other people, it would be a good idea to use a keyboard cover labeled with the new key arrangement. The cover could easily be removed when someone else wants to use the computer.

Dvorak layouts for IBM and compatibles can be obtained free of charge from Microsoft by mail; they also can be downloaded from Microsoft’s home page on the Internet. Both the Dvorak and Chubon layouts for Macintosh can be purchased from Keytime in Seattle. Macintosh users who have the Ke:nx hardware/software package from Don Johnston Inc. can use the Assisted Keyboard option to arrange the keyboard in the above layouts or others of their own design.

The Mini Keyboards (for IBM and compatibles, Macintosh and Apple computers) from Tash Inc. utilize the Chubon layout. The Mini Keyboard, having membrane keys measuring only one half inch square, is an excellent choice for people using a single finger, headstick or mouthstick to type. The King Keyboards, also from Tash, are arranged in the Chubon style as well.

Another method of computer access for people typing with one hand is the chordic keyboard. A chordic keyboard contains a reduced number of keys that, when depressed in various combinations, represent all letters, numbers, punctuation and functions of the standard keyboard. Although not designed for one-handed use, the seven-key Braille keyboard is an example of a chordic keyboard. Because the entire hand is used to type each character, the theoretical maximum typing speed of a chordic keyboard is somewhat less than methods that require the depression of a single key for each character. When typing on a standard keyboard using the “QWERTY” layout or any of the one-handed layouts, one finger can be depressing the next key while another finger is lifting off of the previous key. In order to effectively use a chordic keyboard, the typist must learn each chord, comprised of a combination of up to ten keys. Chordic keyboards are excellent for people who have good fine motor control but limited range of motion. Because of their compact size, chordic keyboards take up very little room on the desktop. They can even be placed on a chair armrest or a person's lap.

The BAT from Infogrip is an example of a chordic keyboard. It is a seven-key, ergonomically designed keyboard available in either left or right-handed models. Because learning the chords can be somewhat time consuming, software is included to help the typist learn and practice the chords specific to the BAT. The Minimal Motion keyboard system for IBM and compatibles from the Equal Access Computer Technology Corporation relies on a chordic style input method using five keys on the standard keyboard for text entry. Equal Access also markets a switch interface and switch kits that allow switches to be positioned by a person’s feet or even in a hand splint. A demo of the Minimal Motion keyboard software can be obtained free of charge from Equal Access.

Another one-handed input method using the standard keyboard is called Half-QWERTY. Half-QWERTY for Macintosh or IBM and compatibles is a unique method of typing from the Matias Corporation. This software requires that the person’s left or right hand be placed in the home row position. This hand types keys just as a touch typist’s hand would. To access the other half of the keyboard, the typist holds down the spacebar and types the keys normally typed by the other hand. This method, although somewhat awkward at first, requires no memorization of specific chords like the BAT and Minimal Motion. A demo of the Half-QWERTY is available from Matias by mail or it can be downloaded from their home page on the Internet.

There are many computer access options available to people using one hand to type. Products mentioned in this article represent only a sampling of the hardware and software available. For more information on any of the above products or any other types of computer access equipment, contact your local ATRC.

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