Tag Archive for 'Accessibility'

Recently in our Computer Skills Class, we have had more and more people who need training on keyboarding using one hand.  We looked at a couple of solutions for this.  First off, we just tried having a person use a DVORAK keyboard.  Basically, the DVORAK keyboard is just like a normal keyboard, but the layout of it is done in an ergonomic way.  Here is a picture of the DVORAK layout:

DVORAK Keyboard

If you are already used to the QWERTY keyboard, learning this new way of typing can slow you down at first, but in the end you will save time as the layout is much better for typing, as the QWERTY layout was actually made to slow you down to stop the old typewriters from jamming when people were typing.

The nice thing about using a DVORAK keyboard is that any standard QWERTY keyboard can be turned into a DVORAK one.  For a step by step way to do this, check out this how to page.

Another solution to typing with one hand is the Maltron single hand keybord.  Here is a picture of the keyboard:

Maltron One Handed Keyboard for the Left Hand

As you can see, this keyboard is laid out much different than the standard keyboard, but it has a lot of ergonomic value in the layout of the keys.  The only downfall to this keyboard is that the price tag (I will let you find that) and the fact that it is such a specialized keyboard.  If you learn to type with this keyboard, you have to always use this layout, and if you need a replacement, you will have to get the whole device.  It is not as easy to replace if you would use a standard QWERTY or DVORAK keyboard.

One other solution that you can use is FGHJ method.  In this, the typist puts their fingers on the FGHJ keys and types.  This method works, but like anything, takes a lot of practice to get proficient in.  The best advantage to using this method, is that no special keyboard needs to be purchased.  A one handed typer using this method could use any keyboard and anyone could also use their keyboard.  Here is a picture of the layout and a description of what fingers use which specific keys:

For further instructions on how to use this method, check out this link: http://www.aboutonehandtyping.com/howto.html.

One last method of how you can type, is the use of Dragon Naturally Speaking.  Dragon is a program that you can use to type using your voice.  Basically, you talk into a headset or microphone, and the program turns your voice into text.  For more information on Dragon, see their website: http://www.nuance.com/dragon/index.htm

There are a lot of different methods that people with one hand can use to type.  Each specific method has its ups and downs, so if you are trying to decide which method might be best for you, you are going to be best suited to talk to a professional in the field.  The nice thing is that there is plenty of options for people with this certain type of disability.  Technology can level the playing field for you, so take advantage of it when you can!