Using the HeadMaster with Macintosh, Apple II, and MS-DOS computers

Occupational Therapy and Information Technology: One Decade on

A brief historical introduction outlines the development of computer use in occupational therapy in the United Kingdom, over a decade from its embryonic beginnings at the closure of the governmental technology awareness initiative in March 1985. In an attempt to study the changing pattern of usage, a research project is detailed in which finalist occupational therapy students from Liverpool, between 1985 and 1995, were asked to give their observations of computer use during fieldwork placements. The results indicated a shift towards computer time being devoted to administration, with maximum therapeutic use being seen in specialist centres. The implications for future student education are discussed.

Technology for People with Tetraplegia, Part 1: Accessing Computers

Computers have provided a means for people with tetraplegia to compete equally with able-bodied individuals, develop their intellectual and creative abilities and improve their quality of life. For this group of people to benefit from using computers, alternatives to the standard keyboard and mouse, and software to increase the rate of inputting data, are essential. This article describes ‘transparent’ alternatives to standard hardware and software. It discusses keyboard alternatives, point and shoot devices, switches, voice recognition, keyboard emulation and text acceleration packages. The importance of rehabilitation centres offering a comprehensive and up-to-date computer service is highlighted.