5. Physically Disabled

5.1. Keyboard Navigation

There are features that are built into the Linux operating system that allow for additional keyboard configuration. In some of the X Windows desktops these settings can be changed from the control center. An application has also been developed for X Windows called AccessX and it provides a graphical user interface for configuring all the AccessX keyboard settings. These settings are:

• StickyKeys enable the user to lock modifier keys (for example, control and shift) allowing single finger operations in place of multiple key combinations.

• MouseKeys provide alternative keyboard sequences for cursor movement and mouse button operations.

• SlowKeys requires the user to hold the key down for a specified period of time before the keystroke is accepted. This prevents keystrokes that are pressed by accident from being sent.

• ToggleKeys sound an audio alert that warns the user that a keystroke created a locking state for keys, such as Caps Lock, and Num Lock.

• RepeatKeys allow a user with limited coordination additional time to release keys before multiple key sequences are sent to the application.

• BounceKeys or Delay Keys have a delay between keystrokes. This function can help prevent the system from accepting unintentional keystrokes.

5.2. Assistive Technologies for the Physically Disabled

The following is a list of assistive technologies for the physically disabled:

5.3. Additional Resources

The following is a list of additional Web sites that may be of interest to users with mobility impairments:

• This site provides a kernel patch that can be downloaded to enable a one-handed keyboard. The download is available at: http://www.fourtytwo.de.

• Configuration and information on Adapting the Linux Keyboard for a one handed user is available at: http://www.eklhad.net/linux/app/onehand.html.

• Morseall allows the user to control a Linux shell by tapping Morse code on the left mouse button: http://sourceforge.net/projects/morseall.

• The keyboard and console HOWTO provides additional keyboard configuration information. http://www.ibiblio.org/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/Keyboard-and-Console-HOWTO.

• There is a Speech Recognition HOWTO, written by Stephen Cook that provides complete details for anyone interested in learning more about speech recognition applications. http://www.linuxdoc.org/HOWTO/.