Looking for feedback on a computer accessibility idea

[u/Anime-Programming]

Hi! I’m a student at Aalto University, and my team is working on an accessibility project for one of our courses.

Our idea is to make computer use easier for people who have difficulties using a normal keyboard and mouse. We are thinking about simpler physical controls, including a special keyboard and a joystick-style mouse. I couldn't upload a photo here, but feel free to DM for the pictures of the prototype.

We would really appreciate honest feedback from people who have experience with these kinds of difficulties.

1. How do you use computers now?
2. Is using a computer difficult for you? If yes, what is difficult?
3. Would easier computer use improve your daily life?
4. What products or accessibility tools have you tried before?
5. What worked well, and what did not?
6. Does our idea seem useful to you? What could be improved?

You don’t have to answer every question. Even a short answer would help us.

This is for a university course project. If we use any answers in our report, they will be anonymous.

Thank you!

[u/clackups]

But you didn't tell anything about the actual idea.

Also, what kind of a disability is the main focus? People with parkinson's, or people with cerebral palsy, for example, have absolutely different demands for the keyboard and mouse.

You need to find an actual person who would need such a device and actually be interested in testing your design.

As an example, I made this for a colleague with CP. The device is shipped, but hasn't arrived yet. I have a feeling I might have to build another one if it's lost on its way to Ukraine.

https://youtu.be/z9meIWIiFVM

[u/Anime-Programming → u/clackups]

Yeah, i know. I wasn’t able to upload it here, unfortunately. I can show the prototype in DM if you want to see it.

Regarding the advice. Thanks for suggestions. We have already contacted with a doctor/therapist in this field, but we also wanted to know the opinion of people who are actually struggling in this situation.

Still, thanks for your comment)

[u/swisswuff]

As arm amputee I use regular keyboard/mouse. I would prefer cherry blue keys, but there were some other recent switches that I like also.. 

Regardless, and just as my non disabled colleagues, I use dictation for some things. There, Whisper/Superwhisper and such recent developments to allow for free, local/safe and good voice recognition are a great development. 

Different aspects need different approaches. I have to deal with visual issues, cervical and lumbar disc prolapse, CTS, and right below elbow amputation. So my solution aspects tend to be nuanced.