To play 'pointer controlled' games, you need to control a pointer on the screen. The term 'Pointer Control Device' is used to describe any device that enables the movement of a pointer, and the necessary clicking of pointer buttons. Usually, this is a mouse. However, a wide range of alternatives exist, including the following:
Special joysticks and Trackerballs
There are a range of joysticks and trackerballs, some of them specifically designed for people with physical or learning difficulties. Some of the helpful features available in these devices can include: a "built-in" ability to easily speed up or slow down the pointer; a robust design; an additional "drag" button that saves the user having to hold the "select" button down to do this; the ability to plug in switches as an alternative to pressing the buttons; and a variety of shapes and sizes of trackerball and joystick rollers/handles.
Headmouse
"Headmice" enable people to control the mouse pointer by moving their heads. Often, either a special hat, cap or shiny dot might need to be worn. Software is available with some of the devices that provides a range of useful facilities, such as slowing down or smoothing the pointer movement. A useful matrix of such devices is provided on The ACE Centre website: www.ace-centre.org.uk
Cameramouse
Cameramouse is a piece of software (or a program) that converts head movement into mouse movement, and works with almost any WebCam positioned on the monitor. You can download a free demo from the Cameramouse website, and information on other similar methods/devices is also provided on The ACE Centre website: www.ace-centre.org.uk
Eye control
If people can only move their eyes, or if it is much easier for them to use their eyes, an eye-control system might be appropriate. While the systems can be very expensive, the quality and reliability issues have improved considerably over recent years.
Dwell Selection
If you are unable to click or drag with your pointer control device, there are special programs available that will enable you to do so simply by 'dwelling' the pointer over the area of the screen you wish to control. Examples include:
Other Pointer Control Devices
Move your finger, not the mouse, with this TrackPad
LogiTech Ergonomic Mouse (move the red ball, not the mouse)
GameOn Tip...
Changing the speed at which the pointer moves can make a huge difference to people either with physical or learning difficulties in terms of their ability to access the computer. Some devices have a speed control "built-in". The speed of the mouse pointer can also be changed within Windows (Start/ Control Panel/ Mouse). In addition, changing the size and shape of the on-screen pointer can also make a big difference to people with learning or visual difficulties. A wide choice of pointers are freely downloadable from The ACE Centre website:
www.ace-centre.org.uk
