Hi everyone!

Here's a reply from my friend and collaborator Don Dalton, who has been
providing assisitve technology for people with disabilities for 15 years.
 He got it to me when the discussion was hot, but I've been slow to post
it. Apologies to all.

Don is a nationally-recognized expert on voice recognition software. He's
also insistent on crafting the solution for the individual whenever
possible. And, BTW, Don is a quadriplegic.

Check out my web site or his for our library solution, the AccessInfo
System.

Regards!
Audrey

Audrey Gorman
Access for All
http://www.accessall.net

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Audrey,

A couple of things come to mind.  First of all, I would use voice
recognition software.  Specifically, Scansoft NaturallySpeaking
Professional
version 6.1.  This software allows total control of the mouse and keyboard
by voice.  As the user becomes more familiar with the software, he/she
could
take advantage of the powerful macro facility of NaturallySpeaking and
create many shortcuts, further enhancing productivity.  A real good
addition
to NaturallySpeaking is some sort of head mouse.  Although
NaturallySpeaking
completely controls the mouse, a head mouse is much faster and more
natural.
I would recommend the TrackIR from Naturalpoint.  It is reasonably priced
and works well.  This recommendation assumes that the end-user is of
average
intelligence and requires and efficient solution.  With NaturallySpeaking
you can type at around 150 wpm and a head mouse provides the closest speed
of operation to a regular mouse.  This solution will avoid frustration to
the end-user.

I need to remind whoever [reads this] that my recommendations are not cast
in
stone as I have never met the end-user/individual.  An appropriate
assessment
is always the best beginning.

DD

Don Dalton
President
Assistive Technologies, Inc.
http://www.assisstivetechnologies.com