Testing with Alternative Computer Input Technology
Alternative Computer Input (ACI) assistive tools allow students with various impairments (such as physical and visual impairments) to interact with a computer without using a traditional mouse and keyboard setup. For instance, ACI technology such as PCEye Mini tracks students’ eye movements, while Dwell Clicker 2 allows students to use a mouse without having to click the left or right mouse buttons.
TDS does not include any embedded alternative computer input tools, but it supports several third-party alternative computer input technologies.
The table below provides a list of third-party ACI devices that can be used in TDS. Please note that this list includes only the devices that CAI has thoroughly tested against the secure browser application, but there may be additional supported ACI devices that have not been tested yet. If your students need to use an ACI device not listed here, please test it in a practice test first to ensure that there are no issues with it.
Third-Party ACI Devices | ||
Product | System Requirements | Additional Details |
Windows 8.1, 10; Server 2012 R2, 2016 R2 |
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Supported Version: 2.0.1.8 | Windows 8, 8.1, 10; Server 2012 R2, 2016 R2 |
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Windows 8, 8.1, 10; Server 2012 R2, 2016 R2 macOS 10.13–10.15 |
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Windows 8, 8.1, 10; Server 2012 R2, 2016 R2 macOS 10.13–10.15 | N/A | |
Supported Version: SW2 | Windows 8, 8.1, 10; Server 2012 R2, 2016 R2 macOS 10.13–10.15 |
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Configuring PCEye Mini with Windows Control on Student Devices
To configure the PCEye Mini, it should be plugged in to a computer that uses Windows Control software and should be installed by following the product’s installation instructions manually.
For students using PCEye Mini with Windows Control software, the Word Prediction feature should be disabled by opening the application and navigating to Settings > Keyboard.
Configuring Dwell Clicker 2
To configure Dwell Clicker 2 settings, open the application and select the keyboard icon, then click the Options key. In the window that pops up, ensure that the Use Text Prediction checkbox is not checked.
Configuring HeadMouse Nano
To configure HeadMouse Nano when using the SofType keyboard, open the SofType application and select View > Word Bar from the menu. Then ensure that the Prediction radio button is not marked.
Configuring HeadMouse Nano for macOS
The HeadMouse Nano for macOS can be used to mimic mouse-clicking movements only in conjunction with an Access Switch device (such as an AbleNet Switch) and the regular Apple on-screen keyboard. When completing a test with a Switch, students can left-click, drag-and-drop, double-click, and right-click (right-clicking would require an additional Switch).
To configure HeadMouse Nano when using the Apple on-screen keyboard, open System Preferences > Keyboard > Text. Then ensure that the following checkboxes are unchecked:
Add period with double-space
Capitalize words automatically
Correct spelling automatically
Configuring Swifty: SW2
To configure Swifty Switch Access according to the student’s needs, the following DIP Switches should be set when using a Switch. After you modify DIP Switch settings, unplug and re-plug Swifty to activate the settings.
DIP Switches | |||
Switch 1 | Switch 2 | USB Device | Interface Actions |
ON | ON | Mouse | Left, Right, Middle |
OFF | ON | Joystick | Btn1, Btn2, Btn3 |
ON | OFF | Keyboard (For iPad) | Enter, Space, Tab |
ON | OFF | Keyboard | 1, 2, 3 |