Laser-operated mouse for a physically disabled child

Although a wealth of educational software exists, severely disabled children cannot benefit from it because of difficulties of access, which is usually via a computer keyboard or mouse. A laser mouse has been developed which enables this software to be utilised. In the case described, the laser source is secured to the front of a head sweat-band but it is small and tight enough to be manipulated by other parts of the body. This method of using a laser beam and photo-cells replaces the standard mouse device to give a severely disabled child the ability to interact with standard commercial software packages. The equipment was developed with the aid of a group of MEng students who responded to a request for help from a local school. Experience of using such a device is given, along with future developments