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Keyboarding
for Single-Handed Users
Historical Note
In 1945, during World War II, Colonel
Robert Allen lost his right arm. Being a writer, he
now found typing nearly impossible. He contacted August
Dvorak and asked for help. Using his previous research,
August developed keyboard layouts for one handed typists.
These are known as the Dvorak left hand layout and
the Dvorak right hand layout. A few months after using
the Dvorak left hand layout, the Colonel was typing
over 50 WPM.
Overview
Microsoft distributes Dvorak keyboard layouts that
make the most frequently typed characters on a keyboard
Saturday, February 19, 2005
the standard "QWERTY" layout. There are
three Dvorak layouts: one for two-handed users, one
for people who type only with their left hand, and
one for people who type only with their right hand.
The left- or right-hand keyboard layouts can also
be useful for people who type with a wand. You do
not need to modify your hardware keyboard to use these
layouts.
These layouts can be used with the following operating
systems:
- Microsoft Windows 95
- Microsoft Windows NT 3.5, 3.51 and higher
- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups
- Microsoft Windows 3.0 or higher
- Microsoft MS-DOS 5.0 or higher
Click HERE to download the
keyboard layout.
What
Is a Keyboard Layout?
A keyboard layout is a map or a definition of how
keys are laid out on your keyboard. The keyboard layout
you use is determined by software in your computer.
The letters on your keys indicate the standard layout
for your keyboard. There are many different keyboard
layouts in use throughout the world. The one you ordinarily
use depends on the country you are in or the language
you use.
Dvorak
Keyboard Layouts
Dvorak keyboard layouts are based on designs created
by August Dvorak, a professor at the University of
Washington during the 1930s and 1940s. Dr. Dvorak
studied the way people type standard English, and
determined the most common letter combinations. He
then designed new keyboard layouts to speed up typing
and reduce fatigue. These layouts, now called Dvorak
or simplified keyboard layouts, were initially developed
for two-handed typists. Following World War II, Dvorak
layouts were developed for typists who use the right
or left hand alone.
Learning
to use the Dvorak keyboard layouts
The illustrations
of standard and Dvorak keyboard layouts
can help you learn a new keyboard layout.
You may want training materials or stickers to put
on you keys so that you can see the new layout as
you type. For information about training materials
and stickers, contact:
KEYTIME, Inc.
5512 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105-3631
Phone: (206) 522-TYPE (522-8973)
Fax: (206) 524-2238
Email: keytimer@aol.com
http://www.keytime.com
(This
company is recommended by Microsoft's web site.
HHF in no way endorses this product.)
Information
on one-handed keyboards
A lot of good information about
the dvorak keyboard, how it was created, and more
resources for keyboards stickers or dvorak keyboards.
BATT
One-Handed Keyboard
A compact computer input device that uses "chording"
to replicate all the functions of a full-size keyboard,
but with greater speed and portability.
Infogrip, Inc.
1141 E. Main Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Toll-free: 800-397-0921
E-mail: sales@infogrip.com
http://infogrip.com/
About
One Hand Typing and Keyboarding
A One-Hand Typing and Keyboarding Manual and links
to resources for one handed typists. The author, Lilly
Walters, is also willing to assist with questions
on one hand typing.
Lilly Walters
Phone: 626-335-8069
Fax: 626-335-6127
E-mail: Lilly@aboutonehandtyping.com
| FrogPad |
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FrogPad™
is a one-handed keyboard that works with most
USB compatible
devices. This includes all desktops, laptops,
tablets, wearable PC’s,
and gaming applications.
FrogPad™, Inc.
3310 W. Main
Houston, TX 77098 US
Phone: 713-960-9611
Email: info@FrogPad.com
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REACH Guide to computers (Located in England)
This article has some good information and resources,
although many are in the UK.
http://www.reach.org.uk/content/advice/files/Guide%20to%20Computers.pdf
OAK Software
OAK software helps you to more easily type one-handed
using any typical keyboard on a Windows PC. It makes
one-handed typing easier by allowing you to access
all the keys without having to move your hand all
over the place.
Whichever side you use, you can access any letter
on the other side by holding down the spacebar. Please
visit us at www.BigOakSoftware.com.
If you know
of any additional items that would be a benefit to
this site's viewers, please send a message to the
Webmaster.
Thank You!
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