UniControl by Ricardo Lastra Olsen (rlolsen@vortex.ufrgs.br) 21k

UniControl is an on-screen keyboard for Windows. The keyboard is divided into three regions, each of which is highlighted for a certain length of time. When the user presses the left mouse button, the highlighted region is divided further until the users presses the button to choose the desired letter or command key (row-column scanning). The scanning rate and the position of the keyboard on the screen can be adjusted by editing the unictrl.ini file, but the keyboard layuot cannot be changed. While it may not be as configurable as commercial versions of on-screen keyboard software, it is a possible, less expensive alternative. This is a helpful program for those with limited movement. Like a switch, the mouse could be placed near any part of the body the person can move. The left key might be built up with a wooden block or piece of foam to make it easier to activate.

 

The author requests a $30 Shareware fee for the program, but will take less or nothing from those with limited financial resources.

 

 

Shorthand 3.0 (for Windows 3.x) 116k
Shorthand 5.3 (for Windows95) 825k NEW VERSION!
by Christopher Lim (74542.1670@CompuServe.com)

Shorthand is an abbreviation/expansion (macro) program, which allows the user to make abbreviations for frequently used words. For example, I can have the program type "Denise Lance" when I type "\dl". This can increase typing speed and decrease physical effort. $25 Shareware

NOTE: "Persons with disabilities can purchase Shorthand Licenses at discounts. Please email 74542.1670@CompuServe.com for more information."

VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS

Clip & Talk 1.0 (for Windows 3.x or Windows95) 429k
by PC WholeWare (WholeWare@aol.com)

This program reads the contents of the clipboard using digitized speech. While not the best quality, the speech pitch, speed, and volume can be adjusted to make it more understandable. Words which have unusual pronunciation can be edited and added to the dictionary. The program can be used in any program which can copy text to the clipboard. This freeware version will read up to 600 words. A full version is $25 shareware.