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For children with autism, the orbiTouch® Keyless
Keyboard, developed by Blue Orb, Inc., is a new
technology that reduces the distractions that may
lead to cognitive confusion resulting in an
inability to use written expression. This
ergonomically designed keyboard alternative
eliminates finger motion from the typing process.
Because no finger motion is involved in operation,
it is a viable alternative for users with limited or
diminished fine motor skills. The orbiTouch® has all
of the capabilities of a 128-key computer keyboard
and mouse, but without keys or external mouse.
A Keyboard
and Mouse In One
The orbiTouch® Keyless
ergonomic Keyboard creates a keystroke when you
slide the two domes into one of their eight
respective positions. You type the different
characters by sliding the domes to create letters
and numbers. The orbiTouch® Keyless ergonomic
Keyboard also has an integrated mouse, so moving
the domes gives you full mouse and keyboard
capability!
How does it work
Each dome slides into one of 8 zones to
type a character. The domes do not twist. Either
dome can slide first or move both at the same time.
Domes slide towards the center of their respective
color or character zones -- not directly at the
character.
Slide the right dome to the zone of the character
you want to type; slide the left dome to the color
of that character.
Blue Skies and
orbiTouch®
The orbiTouch® does not require fine motor
skills that are lacking in a large population of
children with autism. It also eliminates the
stimulus presented by the large number of keys on a
standard QWERTY keyboard. In addition, it uses
bright colors as typing tutors, which seem appealing
to many children with autism.
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