Children with Autism Use Alternative Keyboard to Communicate
Thursday, October 22, 2009

Based on Project Blue Skies curriculum

Those affected by autism often struggle with communication. While a personal computer can help, the distraction and complexity of a keyboard can be an insurmountable obstacle.

Using a unique keyboard with only two "keys" and a novel curriculum, teachers with Project Blue Skies are giving children with autism the ability to both communicate and explore the online world.

At the heart of the project is a device called the OrbiTouch. Human-factors engineer Pete McAlindon of BlueOrb in Maitland, Fla., conceived the concept behind the OrbiTouch more than a decade ago as a way to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome and provide computer access to people with limited or no use of their fingers.

Developed with the support of two National Science Foundation (NSF) Small Business Innovation Research awards, the concept of representing keyboard strokes with paired movements was critical to the design from the start.

The Project Blue Skies curriculum is based on the functions of the OrbiTouch, which allows a user to input letters, symbols and any other command by independently manipulating two computer mouse- shaped grips forward, backward, diagonally and sideways. The hardware is matched to lesson plans and includes training aids such as games and assessment tools. The two-grip device is less distracting than a keyboard, does not require finger motion, and can be a good alternative for those with autism struggling with a typical keyboard.

Learn more at Project Blue Skies.

Adapted from an NSF press release.

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