What alternatives to the computer mouse are available?
In addition to using a mouse to point and click in the graphic user interface, users may instead use a touchpad, joystick, trackball, headpointer, or a switch-based mouse emulation program. Touchpads have a small rectangular surface that the user moves a finger over to guide the cursor/pointer. Some touchpads have custom programmable buttons in addition to the standard right and left mouse buttons. These are useful for drag-and-drop operations otherwise inaccessible by users with limited mobility/motor control. Joystick devices are similar to the controllers used to steer a wheelchair. They too have customizable buttons as listed in the touchpad section. Trackball devices are akin to an upside down mouse, where the user rolls a ball to move the cursor/pointer. These too, come with custom/programmable buttons. A number of devices exist which use the motion of the user’s head or eyes, to move the cursor/pointer on the screen. Mouse clicks can be carried out with sip-and-puff switches, ma
