Access your PC the way you want with Oska
Posted on: 8/10/2009
New groundbreaking software to assist PC access by offering innovate keyboard and mouse control alternatives.
THE traditional keyboard could soon become the thing of the past. Claro Software has now created Oska, a groundbreaking set of tools to assist users when accessing a PC.
The Oska range of tools is designed to assist people who have difficulty using traditional computer control methods. By offering a variety of alternative input methods, users are able to operate a PC in a way that suits them.
Oska has been created to utilize the latest in alternative mouse technology – such as touch pads, custom mice, switches and numeric keypads.
As well as offering Oska, the on-screen keyboard application, the Oska suite includes a range of applications that combine to offer the user a variety of solutions to aid them. One Switch Mouse has been designed to enable single switch users to control the mouse. With only one switch, the mouse cursor can be fully controlled. This technique is particularly suited to users who have good fine motor control, but poor gross motor control; for example, people with muscular dystrophy.
Another innovation is Scroll Wheel Scanning. This program offer a unique control method by offering a scanning solution that is control by the scroll wheel found on a standard computer mouse. By using the scroll wheel, users can precisely and quickly control on-screen scanning.
Teaming up with these alternative mouse control methods with Oska, The On-Screen Keyboard Application, gives the user full control of their PC. The Oska keyboard is a fully functional Virtual keyboard allowing users to use the input device of their choice to use the keyboard.
The Oska Keyboard is also completely editable for greater user customisation. By using the Oska Editor, users are able to create in infinite number of unique combinations, groups and sequences of keyboard buttons and layouts, tailored to exact user requirements.
Paul Blenkhorn, Professor of Assistive Technology at Manchester University, was inspired to create Oska during his six-week tenure as visiting Professor of New Technologies at the University of Tokyo.
“Oska builds on some of our current programmes, and opens up the range of users we currently have,” says Dr Alasdair King, Claro Software’s Technical Director.
“Oska is endlessly customisable, and people can experiment and create their own keypads. We are giving people the ability to create a whole new keyboard.
“A few years ago we would never have thought it was possible. But the advent of new touch screen and touch input technologies – like the iPhone - have supported the development of Oska.
