TECH EDGE: Lomak: Typing Power for People with Disabilities

By John M. Williams

When David Dikert, executive director of the Assistive Technology Industry Association (www.atia.org) was escorting a media group through ATIA’s exhibit hall in Tampa, Florida a couple of months ago, he said, “One of the companies you should visit is New Zealand’s Lomak International, Limited. They have developed a unique way for people with disabilities to operate a keyboard and other environmental controls.”

I took Dikert’s advice and visited Lomak’s booth. Lomak stands for “Light Operated Mouse and Keyboard.” I watched as a woman in a wheelchair, a male arm amputee, a woman with arthritis in both hands, and several parents of children with disabilities used Lomak. One of the product’s testers told me, “The Lomak enables me, and others like me, who have motor impairments to become engaged in today’s accelerated information technology-driven society.”

A second user, a right arm amputee, said, “This is the easiest way to use a keyboard I have ever seen. It has gaming and environmental control benefits.”

Twenty-two-year-old wheelchair user Michael Flannery had even more praises. “This is terrific for me and other wheelchair users. I do not have to be sitting by my table to use this. I can be ten or twenty feet from here.” After studying the product, I agreed with their assessments.

Lomak is a computer keyboard system that allows people with physical disabilities such as muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, limb loss, carpal tunnel syndrome, or arthritis to use a computer with speed and ease without any adaptation or special software. Using state-ofthe-art light sensor technology a hand or head pointer controls a beam of light that enters, then confirms, the key or mouse function. By confirming each key, only the correct selection is entered, reducing errors, and increasing the speed of operation. Using either the hand or head pointer, users highlight the key (or mouse function) they want. The key lights to show that it has been selected.

The Lomak has two distinct operating modes. Both use the same keyboard, but different pointers. For users with arm movement, the keyboard is laid flat and activated by a hand pointer. The keyboard is slid into a wrist rest, creating an extended, smooth work surface for wheelchair users. It performs the same function for individuals working at a desk and also offers angle adjustment. The needs of a maximum range of users are met by the semi-circular adjustable pointer that nestles into the cupped hand.

A trackball or standard mouse can be used with the Lomak in keyboard mode. It is not advisable, however, to use the Lomak in mouse mode when other mouse units are connected.

Quadriplegics, including individuals with muscle spasms, are typically able to control head movement. For these users, the lightweight pointer is mounted in a light, fully adjustable head band. The keyboard, together with a laptop, is held in an upright position by an adjustable stand. While users can build up their own speed, I believe users could be typing 20 to 25 words per minute in less than an hour.

The system costs around $1,200.

ATIA’s 7th Annual Conference was held in Orlando, Florida from January 18-21. ATIA’s mission is to serve as the collective voice of the assistive technology industry so the best products and services are delivered to persons with disabilities. Lomak definitely fits that bill.

John M. Williams has been writing about assistive technology for more than 25 years. He can be reached by e-mail at jmmaw@aol.com.