ATMac

For users whose main method of computer interaction is via a mouse or other pointing device. These users generally use an on-screen keyboard or dictation software for inputting text.

The Laboratory for Understanding Collaborative Technology at Northwestern University is working on a project to build and evaluate new original technologies for users with disabilities. They are currently recruiting subjects with a variety of impairments (cognitive, sensory or motor) from the Chicago area.

Many of Mac OS X’s standard keyboard shortcuts, such as “New Folder” (Shift + Command + N), “Save As” (Shift + Command + S), and “Paste and Match Style” (Option + Shift + Command + V), require pressing multiple keys simultaneously. While this isn’t very difficult to do with KeyStrokes or SwitchXS, it would be much easier if you could save yourself two or three clicks by triggering complex commands like these with one button. Fortunately, LayoutKitchen makes this possible … and it couldn’t be easier!

Ever realised that you can set up your computer so it will do different things depending on whether you are close with your Bluetooth phone, and on what wireless networks are available.

The iPhone and iPod touch come with very accurate accelerometers - the programs which are running can know when the device is being moved, and how much/how far/which direction it’s being moved. Game developers have taken advantage of this capability to develop some games which just rely on the device being moved or shaken!

pearPad is a two-part application that lets you use your iPhone or iPod Touch as a wireless trackpad or keyboard for your Mac. There is a program you run on the Mac - available for Tiger or Leopard - and a program from the iTunes App Store which is run on the iPhone or iPod Touch.

PDFpen is a PDF editing and form-filling application for Mac OS X. PDFs are important to many people with disabilities because scanned documents are usually converted to PDF format. So for those who can’t handle physical paper, being able to edit or add to a PDF file is important.

Some people burst with talent and will manage to create amazing stuff irrespective of the physical setbacks one suffers if affected by ALS. Tucker is certainly one of those people. Being confined to a wheelchair and having to control his computer with his head this sound designer, video editor and multimedia magician is as creative as ever.

MacWorld has released a great new article which has a bunch of productivity tips for those using Leopard. If your disability impacts your computer use then it will take longer for you to get things done, so making sure you’re saving as much time as possible can make a big difference in how much you can do.

LazyMouse looks like a useful utility for users who have trouble moving the mouse - it jumps the mouse cursor to the default button when a dialog box pops up, and optionally jumps the mouse back to its original position when the dialog is dismissed.

iSoftPhone VoIP software now supports SMS as well as voice calls and also sports tight integration with OS X.