Assistive technology has come a long way in recent years, with some weird and wonderful gadgets for all types of disabilities. But disability products don't have to be complicated and expensive to achieve the desired results.

See, find and press
Large key keyboards are a simple and inexpensive solution for those with physical challenges wishing to use a computer.

Maintaining the standard size of a keyboard and only enlarging the keys, means the large print keyboard is an attractive and discreet solution. This makes it popular within modern office environments and appealing to those who wish to retain to look and feel of a standard keyboard.

Make IT easier
Keytools can offer a wide range of technology solutions which can help "make IT easier". Choose from a range of assistive mice, keyboards and software which can be adapted to suit your needs.

BigKeys
BigKeys keyboards are standard size keyboards with one inch square keys, making them easier to see, find and press. Keytools offer 18 models with various lowercase and colour keysets.

Prevent accidental keystrokes
The extra benefit of a having a BigKeys keyboard is the keyguard which Keytools is also able to offer. Users with hand tremors will find the BigKeys keyguard very helpful in aiming the finger at the right key, and giving some support to the hand. The polished rounded holes guide the finger to the correct keys and the sturdy keyguard provides support for the hands while the correct key is located.

Roller Plus Joystick
Compared to a standard mouse, this joystick requires very little energy to operate. Other mice or trackballs require lots of pushing to move the mouse around. The Roller Joystick just needs holding in the direction that you want the cursor to travel - and the computer does all the hard work.

The RollerPlus Joystick is supplied with a removable finger-guard which helps locate the correct switch and avoids pressing the wrong keys. There are also ability switch sockets to assist impaired hand control.

Keytools have over 20 years experience in helping people use computers productively and efficiently. Call us on 023 8029 4500 for help and advice.

What's new in ergonomics? Keytools wanted to know. So we sent our General Manager, Simon Colebrook, to the biggest ergonomics conference in the world to find out.

The 14th Annual National Ergonomics Conference and Exposition (or Ergo Expo!) was held at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. This is a huge get-together for world-leaders in ergonomics, including 12,000 of the biggest organisations in the world.

What what was the Ergo Expo about? We were most interested in some of the trends in the US and how that could have an impact in the UK. We were particularly interested in any new products on the market, and any new angles which we can adopt in the UK.

We also wanted to meet up with existing suppliers. It was great to meet up with colleagues who we have a long relationship with, such as Goldtouch.

How is America different to the UK?

America is at the forefront of ergonomics. This is mainly due to a system in the States called Workers Comp. This is a compensation scheme for staff enabling them to claim against injury at work. This includes Musculoskeletal injuries such as Repetitive Strain Injury. Subsequently, all companies are trying to minimise the cost of compensation and why ergonomics is such a big industry in America.

"Surprisingly, 20% of working Americans are aged 65 or over... Although there are cultural differences between America and the UK, experts suggest that this trend will be replicated in the UK. "

Any implications for us in the UK?

I learnt that, surprisingly, 20% of working Americans are aged 65 or over. This has huge implications on the workplace; visual impairment and physical challenges like hand tremors and RSI to name a few. Although there are cultural differences between America and the UK, experts suggest that this trend will be replicated in the UK.

We are already being told by the government that the number of pensioners in the UK are growing. People are living longer and working past retirement. Now is a good time to start addressing these issues.

What was the highlight of the show?

There are a number of new products that Keytools are very interested in offering our customers. There are some new Goldtouch products including a travel keyboard - watch this space!

This year's show also featured the Attendees' Choice Awards. These were products thought to be the most likely to increase productivity and profitability, while improving workplace health and safety. Winners included Goldtouch Go! Travel Keyboard by Goldtouch and the Herman Miller Embody chair.

We're pleased to discover that an internet cafe designed for the blind and visually impaired will be open to the public later this year.

The aim of the project is to:
*Reduce the 75% unemployment rate of people with sight loss
*Help 35 people a year into work
*Assist 45 visually impaired people a year retain their job

The RNIB have said, "It will also ultimately show the vast majority of employers that people with visual impairment can also be valuable members of the workforce."

Keytools hopes this sets a precedent and more employers around the country become involved assistive technology for their workforce.

Detox? Diet? Fitness? We're only 2 weeks into January and most of us have already given up on our good intentions for 2009! But here's a promise we can all make ourselves this year which will keep us healthy, and it's easy to do...

Here's 3 suggestions to help you protect yourself from Repetitive Strain Injury:

1 Use keyboard shortcuts

Using keyboard shortcuts means less repetitive mouse clicking.

CTRL + C: Copy

CTRL + X: Cut

CTRL + V: Paste

CTRL + Z: Undo

CTRL + B: Bold

CTRL + U: Underline

CTRL + I: Italic

Find more Keyboard shortcuts for Windows

2 Take regular breaks

RSIGuard - It's a really clever piece of software which monitors how much you use your mouse and keyboard and helps you use your computer in a healthier and more efficient way.

There are lots of big organisations that use RSIGuard - BBC, IBM and Reuters to name a few. All listening to their workforce and taking a proactive stance on healthier computing.

Call us for information on a trial on 023 8029 4500

3 Use Ergonomic equipment

Goldtouch Ergonomic Keyboard - We're all different shapes and sizes (especially after the Christmas binge!) and we all work slightly differently at our desks. So, it makes sense that our keyboard should be adjusted to fit us as individuals.

The Goldtouch Ergonomic Keyboard is the only fully adjustable keyboard on the market, and can be moved horizontally and vertically to suit you. This means you're more comfortable and your boss is happier (because you're more efficient!)

" ... the Goldtouch keyboard is a dream to use. My shoulder pain has stopped. I would not swap back now. Congratulations to Goldtouch."

Kirsty Hornsey, Health & Safety Officer, Chichester College

Buy a Goldtouch Keyboard

Keytools also offer a wide range of other assistive technology to help with your new ergonomic workstation

Finally, a resolution you can stick to. And all from the comfort of your new ergonomic workstation.

Go on, have a cream cake to celebrate!

Dyslexia sufferers have enough challenges to deal with, so they won't welcome the latest ignorant outburst from a politician.

Labour MP, Graham Stringer, has publicly claimed that dyslexia is a 'cruel fiction.' The MP's argument is that dyslexics have simply experienced confusion over teaching methods.

Emma Strong, Education Manager at Keytools disagrees strongly with Mr Stringer, "Keytools helps support thousands of students who suffer from dyslexia. We're sure that Mr Stringer's remarks won't be welcomed by the Student Support Officers throughout UK education establishments, whose tremendous efforts enable a great number of people to enjoy equal access to education."

"Next time Mr Stringer wants to share his views, we think that he should do some extra homework!"

Our Assistive Technology is featured in a number of newspaper articles about Repetitive Strain Injury today, including The Daily Mail and Metro.

They highlight our range of ergonomic solutions including our FOOTIME foot mouse and ergonomic keyboards.

Keytools is able to provide training on a number of software solutions.

Professional on-site training from Keytools offers a number of benefits that improves the quality of a learning experience.

* Focus exclusively on your requirements and staff with customised delivery
* Mixture of instruction-led and practical workshop based methods - depending on your needs
* Technical support following all training
* Plus significant savings by avoiding travel and hotel accommodation fees

Products include:
JAWS
TextHelp
Dragon Naturally Speaking

"Throughout the whole process the trainer, Peter, demonstrated the processes until we both felt that I had an understanding of them - which has given me more confidence. Peter's kind manner and clear understanding of the subject made the whole training day valid and I am happy to recommend him to teach and train others."
Shura Simons, Cornwall Partnership Trust

Call us on 023 8029 4500 to discuss the many ways on-site training can help you.

The Special Needs Fringe
14-16 January 2009
Olympia Hilton, London

First of all, Happy New Year to all of you! We hope you enjoyed the break and feel rested and refreshed.

We're starting 2009 gearing up to exhibit at The Special Needs Fringe 2009, next door to the BETT Show.

The Fringe focuses on assistive technology, which as you know, Keytools are experts in!

Come and visit us on stand S28. You can find a map helping you find Keytools here.