| NOTE: If the student has small hands, consider a smaller keyboard, or a space spacing keyboard (see resources at http://www.aboutonehandtyping.com/resourses.html). A lap top has a smaller keyboard, but since the keyboard must be offset to the side of the body for the one handed typist, the screen will also be offset, not directly in front of the head, when a lap top is used. Not impossible, but a hard on the neck if long hours are spent with the lap top computer. Positioning the Equipment: Positioning the equipment correctly is vital to the one-hand typist! * Keyboard: Offset from the center of your body, directly in front of the arm that will be used to type * Mouse: Place the mouse on the same side of the keyboard as the hand to whom you plan to assign the job of Mouse Master! (see more at later) * Screen: Directly centered in front of the body * Chair: Directly in front of the screen Mouse - Adapt To The Circumstance: Place the mouse on the same side of the keyboard as the hand to whom the job of Mouse Master is assigned. If there is use of the less-able hand, then give it the job of Mouse Master. This will balance the workload of the body, and help keep the student sitting up straight. Place the mouse directly in front of the arm to be used as Mouse Master. If they only can use one-hand, experiment with the mouse. Consider placing it between the keyboard, and the screen. Or, they might find a small pillow, with a very thin, but wide book, to set into the lap as a good spot of the mouse. There are also many pillow type lap trays available now in stores. Strictly one-handed typists will need to use the mouse as little as possible. The one good hand is going to be very busy typing other stuff! So, whenever possible, use keyboard commands instead of the mouse. There are keyboard commands for almost everything on a computer. If, after diligent practice, the student find using the standard mouse too difficult with the use of only one hand, consider purchasing a pedal mouse, operated by one, or both feet (examples at http://www.aboutonehandtyping.com/resourses.html). Chairs and Rules On How To Sit: Everybody gets pained and fatigued doing the same motions over and over. These pains can lead to serious, and permanent injury. Listen to those pains and adjust until they ease. Rules: * Find a chair that is comfortable. You will only be a good student for as long as your derriere is comfy! * Sit up straight. The spine should be going straight up towards the sky. * The body must not be twisted to the left or right. * The head should be looking straight forward, not downwards, upwards, nor to the side. * The arms should come naturally from the body. If they are held up, fighting gravity, they will become tired much too soon. Adapting The Rules To Your Body's Challenges: Many find the less-able hand does not bend the way a traditional hand bends. Some find that that using a very large bean bag to hold the mouse at a 45% angle allows the wrist be in a more natural position alleviates all strain. Experiment, working towards comfort. For more on one handed typing and keyboards: http://www.aboutonehandtyping.com (c) Lilly Walters, 2000, may only be used or duplicated with permission. Lilly Walters, Phone 626-335-8069, Fax 626-335-6127, E-mail [email protected] |