Mouse Type

The pointing device that came with your technology is likely a hand-sized block that slides over the tabletop to move the mouse pointer on the screen.  Some adaptive mice are variations on this idea, but many other options are available.

• Some adaptive mice, like conventional mice, are pushed across the desktop to move the mouse pointer on the screen
• Trackballs have a roller-ball on the top or side which the users move with their fingers or thumb to change the pointer position
• Trackpads and graphics tablets provide a smooth surface that a finger or stylus is moved over to move the mouse
• Joysticks are pushed in the direction the mouse pointer should move.  Some are designed to act like mice, while others can be made to drive the mouse pointer with software or add-on hardware
• There are a range of systems that use cameras to detect movement of the user's body (head, hands, eyes) and use this to move the mouse pointer
• Keys of the keyboard, an add-on keypad, or even ability switches can be used to direct movement of the mouse pointer
• Roller mice use a soft roller on a bar to move the mouse up and down or side to side
• Speech can be used to either direct the mouse (up, left) or to jump to an indicated location on the screen
• Various strategies of moving indicators over the screen and using a switch to indicate when the desired direction or coordinate are reached
• Additional devices that are not direct control can be used to control the position or direction of the mouse.

What type of mouse are you looking for?