This is an introduction to keyboard skills for blind and partially sighted people and their supporters. It is not intended as a complete list of all products and services available, nor should it be inferred that products and services mentioned in this information sheet are recommended or endorsed by RNIB.
Why develop keyboard skills?
Whatever your sight difficulty, learning your way around the keyboard and learning to touch type are important skills to learn. At the most basic level these skills allow you to increase the speed at which you can prepare documents and input information into a computer. For many tasks, using a keyboard can often be faster than using a mouse.
For people with little or no useful vision, keyboard input is usually the only realistic way to both input data and control a computer. Although great strides have been made in voice recognition software, the most practical and accurate way for someone with sight problems to control a computer is by use of a keyboard. If a blind or partially sighted person has an additional disability which meant that input using a keyboard was impossible, then voice input would be considered but only in combination with a speech output system.
A number of programs and courses are available for people with sight problems to enable them to learn keyboard skills. The choice of program is a subjective one, and it is important to try one or more programs to find the most suitable one. A number of the computer-based courses listed are available as free demonstration versions that can be downloaded from the internet. Demonstrations may also be available on disk from the supplier of the product.
The section dealing with computer based programs contains a range from mainstream programs to those programs specifically designed for blind and partially sighted users. Some people may prefer more traditional methods, for example a tape based course, which will teach them how to touch type. Other people may simply wish to improve their keyboard skills and this can be accomplished through familiarisation with keyboard shortcuts. Keyboard shortcuts can be of great use to anyone and using a keyboard rather than a mouse can often be substantially faster for many actions such as cut and paste for example.
Program designers have long used keyboard shortcuts as part of their program designs, and all computer programs should provide keystroke combinations as alternatives to the use of a mouse for control. This means that people with sight problems who only use a keyboard can have as much control over a computer as someone who is using a mouse.
How do these courses work?
All keyboard courses are based on a series of exercises that are designed to familiarise the new user with the keyboard layout as well as the correct finger and hand positions for typing.
Once these have been learnt a series of lessons are worked through which are designed to cover the whole range and use of the keyboard. Some of the programs give feedback and allow the user to repeat and store lessons. Some programs have the ability for the fonts and / or colours displayed within the program to be altered, the benefit of these alterations varies but they may enable some partially sighted people to use them. However this is a judgement that can only be made by the user.
If the program is being used solely by a person with sight difficulties, then one of the specialist programs designed for blind and partially sighted people would probably be the most beneficial. These programs give additional help by means of user configurable displays so that text on screen can be enlarged, and text colour or / and background colour can be changed. In addition the programs listed in the Specialist Software section all have additional assistance in the form of speech output. The speech includes features such as having instructions read, instruction on what needs to be typed and repeat what has been typed.
If the person is a screen reader user, it may be necessary to temporarily disable the sound output from either the talking typing tutor or the screen reader to avoid repetition of speech. Other typing courses rely on cassette tape based information and may be more suitable if the individual wants to develop skills using a word processor or standard typewriter.
Mainstream software
These programs are typically found advertised for sighted people to develop keyboard skills. They may be suitable for some partially sighted people using screen magnification software at low settings. But it is important to try before buying to make sure the product is right, as suitability is a judgement only an individual can make. The display area of these programs is usually fixed at a certain display resolution, but by adjusting the monitor resolution, the accessibility of the program for some partially sighted people may be improved. It is important to note that how useful this software is depends very much on the amount of vision the you have and how much the program can be modified.
Accutype
It has a degree of user customisation to allow some changes to colours and font sizes to be changed. Trial version available to download from Accu-Type 5. Priced from £9.95.
Type Quick
A mainstream typing tutor that may be suitable for some partially sighted users. Trial version available to download from Typequick. Priced from £23.95.
Type Quick for Students
A mainstream typing tutor that may be suitable for some partially sighted students. Type Quick for Students tells a story of Kewala in a compelling and believable environment in which the user can easily lose themselves for the ten hours it takes to learn to touch type. Trial version available to download from Typequick. Priced from £9.95
Specialist software
This software has been specifically designed to allow people with sight problems to learn to touch type using a computer. This means that individuals can develop their keyboard skills at their own pace without the need for formal lessons or a teacher to be present. All of these products provide voice output as well as allow font size and colours to be changed. This allows people with all levels of vision including those with no useful vision to carry out the typing lessons.
These products can be used by people with sight problems, without the need to immediately purchase screen reader or screen magnification software. However it is only the typing tutor that is voiced, and consequently some form of access technology will be needed to use any other program on the PC. Most screen reader and screen magnification software packages do work with these products, although the speech output from the typing tutor or screen reader may need to be disabled to minimise repetition of output.
Azabat Touch-Typing Tutor
Designed specifically for blind and partially sighted people. The beginners version introduces touch-typing and teaches the basic layout of the keyboard through letter and word drills. The advanced version builds on this foundation and develops typing speed and accuracy. Both versions are self voiced and do not require an additional screen reader. They also run direct from the CD and do not need to be installed. The Azabat Typing Tutors are available from RNIB priced £30.00 each or £50.00 for both.
Iota Touch Type
Text can be altered to the needs of the user according to font style, size and colour. The built-in speech output speaks out the letters as you progress, it also informs you of your progress and where you need more practice.
Available from R-Comp priced £39.00.
Key Speak
It has complete speech output and speaks to you as it guides you around the computer keyboard and introduces you to all the keys available. Available from Portset priced £95.00.
Talking Typer
In addition to speech output the text displayed can be customised, allowing size, font and colour of text to be changed. Available from American Printing House for the Blind priced $79.00 (US Dollars)
Alternative methods for developing keyboard skills
This section contains information about alternative ways for developing touch typing skills, such as cassette tape based typing tutorials. This section also contains information about resources for learning other keyboard skills.
Further education colleges
Some local colleges offer typing courses, however these are primarily aimed at mainstream users. Depending on the level of vision and the resources available for users with sight problems, these may provide a suitable alternative to self taught PC based courses. It is important to check with your local college about the availability of such courses and whether any additional resources are available for students with sight problems.
Learning to touch type
This is a basic course comprising three cassettes and a booklet. A typewriter or computer is used to complete the exercises. It is suitable for someone with no useful vision. This Learning to touch type course on cassette is available from RNIB priced £15.00.
Aesop
Aesop can be connected to a PC keyboard as a teaching aid for keyboard skills. A PC is not required. It is not a typing tutor but announces keystrokes by artificial speech and calculates typing speed up to 99 words per minute. Available from Techno-Vision priced £139.00.