Accessible Mice

Try It Yourself:

Several built-in utilities help with moving the pointer and clicking:

Mouse Keys: Allows the numeric keypad to be used for pointer control. This keypad is on the far right side of most desktop keyboards. On laptops, it can be accessed by using the "Fn" key, although it is usually easier to add an external keypad, which can then be positioned as users prefer. Mouse Keys uses the "5" key to emulate the left mouse click, the "0" key as the first step in emulating a dragging function, and the other numeric keys for moving the cursor in the corresponding direction (e.g., pressing the "3" key moves the cursor down and to the right, while pressing the "8" key moves the cursor straight up). The "+" key emulates a right click.

• XP: Go to “Start,” “Control Panel,” “Accessibility Options,” “Mouse”
• Vista, Windows 7: Go to “Start,” “Control Panel,” “Ease of Access Center,” “Make the mouse easier to use,” “Turn on MouseKeys”
• Macintosh: Go to “Apple,” “System Preferences,” “Universal Access,” “Mouse & Trackpad”

Single-click option: Eliminates need to double-click most items on the desktop or in a window. The labels for icons that can be activated via a single click can be set to appear underlined either all the time or only when the user moves their cursor over the label.

• Windows: Go to “Start,” “Control Panel,” “Folder Options,” “Click items as follows”

Pointer speed modification: Allows modification of the distance the pointer moves in response to mouse movement. This can be a helpful adjustment for people with jerky movements, as well as for those who feel the pointer moves too slowly.

• Windows: Go to "Start," "Control Panel," "Mouse," “Pointer Options,” “Motion”
• Macintosh: Go to “Apple,” “System Preferences,” “Universal Access,” “Mouse & Trackpad”

Button configuration: Allows the functionality of the left and right mouse buttons to be swapped for the benefit of left-handed users.

• Windows: Go to "Start," "Control Panel," "Mouse," "Buttons," "Button Configuration"

ClickLock: Allows dragging without having to hold down the mouse button.

• Windows: Go to "Start," "Control Panel," "Mouse," "Buttons," "Click Lock"

SnapTo: Automatically moves the pointer to the default button (the one that is highlighted) in a dialogue box.

• Windows: Go to "Start," "Control Panel," "Mouse," "Pointer Options," "Snap To"

Operating systems The software structure for a computer or mobile device; it provides a framework for applications like word processors and address books. and most applications also have keyboard shortcuts that can substitute for mouse use; e.g., instead of clicking on the Close Box icon to close a window, Windows users can press the ALT and F4 keys simultaneously, and Macintosh users can press the Command and Q keys simultaneously. There are lists available online of keyboard shortcuts for Microsoft products and keyboard shortcuts for Apple products.

Third-Party Options

Alternative Mice Controlled With Hand Use

Many types of alternative mice are available. Some provide simple variations on the standard design, while others are almost unrecognizable as mice:

• Trackballs allow users to control the pointer by moving a ball with either their fingers or palm, reducing overall arm movement.
• Joysticks work like the controller for an electric wheelchair or a video game. They can be easier to grasp and move than standard mice.
• Touchpads, like those built into most laptops, are also available in models that can be plugged into a desktop. These are popular among people who prefer to use a single finger for mouse control, or who have hand pain.
• Touch screens allows users to directly select the item they want, which can be cognitively easier than using a standard mouse. This is also the interface used on many portable devices, such as smartphones and iPads, as well as point-of-sale kiosks.
• Other variations include mice shaped like the standard model but in a smaller or larger size, mice designed specifically for left-hand use, and mice that allow users to keep their hand vertical instead of horizontal when mousing.

Hands-Free Mice

• A few mice are designed to be used with one or both feet. However, these can be very hard on the ankles, particularly if the feet need to be moved in any type of circular way.
• Head mouse hardware consists of a small infrared unit that is attached to the top of a monitor. The user then wears a silver-colored dot on their head or other movable body part. The infrared unit tracks the movement of the dot and translates it into pointer movement. One or more switches Switches allow mechanical devices to be operated using capabilities other than standard dexterity. The device needs to have a port so that the switch can be plugged in. Switches can be activated by fist, light touch, head movement, breath, blinking, and a variety of other capabilities. are then used to perform clicking functions. Head mice can also be used in conjunction with an on-screen keyboard to emulate keyboard functions.
• Eyegaze technology works similarly to head mice, but is controlled by eye movement.
• Some voice recognition programs have commands that can be used to emulate mouse functions. These commands may literally substitute for mouse operations (e.g., saying "Mouse click" to emulate a left click) or may function more like keyboard shortcuts (e.g., allowing the user to say the name of a menu to have that menu pull down).
• Auto-clicker software doesn't eliminate the need to move the mouse, but does eliminate the need to press any mouse buttons. The software automatically performs the click when the user keeps the pointer paused over a clickable item for an adjustable amount of time.