Alternate Access Methods

These links connect you with porducts that allow individuals with disabilities to access technology through alternate means such as eye gaze, muscle movements or head tracking. (Updated July 3, 2008.)

• Applied Science Laboratories Company
• Boost Technologies Company (Tracer)
• Brainfingers Company
• CameraMouse (FREE!!!!)
• Eagle Eyes (FREE with approved application)
• EMG Switch (D-Switch)
• ERICA
• Eye Can Company
• Eye Gaze Company
• Eye Tech/Quick Glance Company
• Head Mouse Extreme from Origin Technology Company
• IBM Head Tracking Pointer (FREE)
• InvoTek Accu Point (NEW head tracker)
  
• Jouse Company
• MCTOS Brainwave Switch Info Page
• Natural Point Company
• NaviGaze from Cybernaut Company
• New Abilities Tongue Touch Keypad
• PCbility Mouse Company
• PRC Tongue Switch
• Quadjoy Company
• Qualieye from Qualilife Company
• SCATIR Switch
  
• Tetramouse Company
• Tobii Company
• Tracker from Madentec Company
• Turk Head Switch
• Use Your Head Gesture Central Company
• Visioboard Company
• Wild Divine Biofeedback Company
• Words+ IST Switch

Thinking Cap

Today Physorg had an article about Hitachi introducing a device that read brainwaves to preform as a switch. Activity in the frontal cortex, such as doing mental math, activated the switch. The device uses optical topography meaning it uses infrared light to monitor blood flow in the brain. Hitachi realizes the two pound cap isn't the best design for users.



Of course similarly functioning products have been around in A.T. for a few years. Cyberlink's Brain Fingers uses biofeedback to allow people with severe or multiple disabilities to access computers and AAC. Brainfingers has the advantage of taking multiple data allowing many different electrical impulses from the face, head, eyes and brain to control the application.


The MCTOS switch (Mind Controlled Operating System) uses biosignals from the brain, through a device worn on the forehead, to activate the switch. It is compatible with all toys and devices that can be used with a regular 1/8 adaptive switch. There is a MCTOS page for more info.