Mouse for handicapped

[Jeff]

I am helping a person with Cerebral Palsy who uses a Windows XP PC with
keyboard and standard Microsoft mouse. This person can use the mouse fine
except for one problem: although this person can move and click the mouse
button fine, she has trouble

a) double clicking
b) releasing the button. This results in the mouse click dragging the
desktop (or Start menu) shortcut instead of starting the program.

I've solved the double clicking problem by selecting "single click" (I think
in the mouse properties), but is there a way to make the mouse in XP behave
such that when the button (preferably either one) is pressed down (but not
released) it acts as a single/double click and not as a dragging tool?

I cannot find a mouse property in XP Home that would allow me to eliminate
the "drag" effect.

Thank you.

Jeff

 

[Beck]

I am helping a person with Cerebral Palsy who uses a Windows XP PC with
keyboard and standard Microsoft mouse. This person can use the mouse fine
except for one problem: although this person can move and click the mouse
button fine, she has trouble

a) double clicking
b) releasing the button. This results in the mouse click dragging the
desktop (or Start menu) shortcut instead of starting the program.

I've solved the double clicking problem by selecting "single click" (I
think
in the mouse properties), but is there a way to make the mouse in XP
behave
such that when the button (preferably either one) is pressed down (but not
released) it acts as a single/double click and not as a dragging tool?

I cannot find a mouse property in XP Home that would allow me to eliminate
the "drag" effect.

I don't think there is such an option. Have a look at the mice on here...
http://www.adapt-it.org.uk/

Perhaps your friend could do with a mouse specially designed for people with
physical disabilities.
I was thinking maybe this one
http://www.adapt-it.org.uk/products/airo2bicmouserighthandedwhiteprevquillmouseusb.asp

The problem your friend has is probably caused by tightening of the muscles
when the button is pressed? Maybe that mouse above will give them a better
natural position and help them be a wee bit more relaxed with the fingers.

That is a UK website, donit know if you are UK or not, but I am sure you can
find the same or similar products wherever you are.

 

[Jeff]

I don't think there is such an option. Have a look at the mice on
here... http://www.adapt-it.org.uk/

Perhaps your friend could do with a mouse specially designed for
people with physical disabilities.
I was thinking maybe this one
http://www.adapt-it.org.uk/products/airo2bicmouserighthandedwhiteprevquillmouseusb.asp

The problem your friend has is probably caused by tightening of the
muscles when the button is pressed? Maybe that mouse above will give them
a
better natural position and help them be a wee bit more relaxed with the
fingers.
That is a UK website, donit know if you are UK or not, but I am sure
you can find the same or similar products wherever you are.

Thank you. I will look into it.

Jeff

 

[paulmd]

I am helping a person with Cerebral Palsy who uses a Windows XP PC with
keyboard and standard Microsoft mouse. This person can use the mouse fine
except for one problem: although this person can move and click the mouse
button fine, she has trouble

a) double clicking
b) releasing the button. This results in the mouse click dragging the
desktop (or Start menu) shortcut instead of starting the program.

I've solved the double clicking problem by selecting "single click" (I think
in the mouse properties), but is there a way to make the mouse in XP behave
such that when the button (preferably either one) is pressed down (but not
released) it acts as a single/double click and not as a dragging tool?

I cannot find a mouse property in XP Home that would allow me to eliminate
the "drag" effect.

Thank you.

Jeff

If you can find one, try one of the Apple single button USB Optical
mice. THe whole mouse surface acts as a button, you can use the gross
muscles, plus they're pretty. And they really do work on PCs.

Also, as mentioned, there are many devices out there especially
designed for those with motor control issues. Trackballs, and so on.
You may have to go through several sets to find one that suits her
specific needs.