Track ball

[Codegeek]

Would any of you accept a track ball mouse device as being acceptable for accessibility? This would be a kiosk station and operate similar to a mouse on a computer or video game. My initial thought is that it would not be accessible but there is no grasping or twisting of the wrist involved. I'm not familiar with any language in either the 2010 ADA or the 2009 A117.1 that would address it specifically other than the wrist action.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[High Desert]

What's it being used for? Is it accessible to the general public and is it a permanent installation?

 

[Codegeek]

It is intended to be utilized by the public and yes, it would be a permanent installation.

 

[High Desert]

I would say if it met ANSI 309.4 and you could operate it with one hand without tight grasping, pinching or twisting, it seems to comply. Others have thoughts on this?

 

[Paul Sweet]

I have used trackballs for CADD work, and I don't see any accessibility issues. You can move them with a light touch of a finger or your hand. A mouse requires light grasping, but a trackball doesn't. Their main advantage to me is that you can position the curser where you want it, then remove your finger from the trackball to click the buttons so you don't accidently nudge it when clicking.

 

[ADAguy]

Paul, there you go; a track ball can be palmed, yes; however it requires a "finger" on some to operate the buttons. No fingers, no ability to "grasp" or push.

 

[Msradell]

I'm handicapped and have tried using a trackball. I normally use a touch pad on a laptop which I feel is much easier to use them the trackball. The trackball it's very difficult sometimes to remove your hand without moving the cursor and it was easy to do that on a touch pad.