People who are unable to use a keyboard can still have access to computer programs and other computer-activated devices like communication devices and environmental control units. This is typically done through the use of on-screen keyboards or computer programs that have a scanning array on-screen - these allow the user to do everything with a click. First, take a look at some of the on-screen options:

Onscreen Keyboards: You've seen the free one available through Windows. Here's a link to one that's quite popular for more advanced use: http://www.goqsoftware.com/wivik.php

Onscreen Scanning Programs: For a demonstration of scanning software, go to the following link: http://faculty.washington.edu/dowden/tcollab_aac_files/aac_module_scanning/aac_scanning_patterns.htm. You will need to click the "start" button, and then use the "switch" button to select a letter. Try out the different scanning options to see how they operate. Attempt to spell your name. If you find it challenging at first, slow the speed down.

Now, consider some of the pointing devices/mouse emulators:

• Joysticks: these are like traditional joysticks that are used with computer games power wheelchairs. They do require a way to "click" when the user gets the onscreen pointer to the desired target. The one you will see at the site below uses sip-and-puff technology (a tube is built in to the end of the joystick) to mimic the functions of the two buttons you typically find on a mouse.
• Eyegaze: this technology uses staring and blinking at a target to move the pointer, and make selections.

There are many others. Have a look at the video of eyegaze technology in use: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mCeOMoQPn_8

Speech recognition is another means of inputing information to a computer without using a traditional keyboard.