Dexterity Impairment (Arms/Hands/Fingers) — Reduced function of arms and hands makes activities related to moving, turning or pressing objects difficult or impossible. This does not influence speech communication itself but makes it hard to make a phone call or use a wide range of other equipment.
Cannot use fingers — This can seriously affect a person's ability to use a computer keyboard and mouse.
Cannot use one arm — Causes difficulty in typing. The constant reaching for a mouse and increased demands on the useful arm puts persons in this category at high risk of developing Repetitive Strain Injury in the working arm. A person in this category must be provided with the best possible workstation ergonomics as well as the appropriate assistive device.
Dexterity Impairments (all types) —
Hand Tremors — Causes difficulty in writing, keyboarding, mouse use etc.
Reduced co-ordination — Hand/eye coordination is necessary on traditional computers. Cursor movement on the screen responds to minute movements of the mouse by the hand. Typing also requires a certain amount of coordination and dexterity.
Reduced strength — Refers to persons who have disabilities that affect depressing computer keys, mouse clicks, lifting reference material etc. May require adaptations to the workstation that allow for low or no impact computing as well as other workstation modifications.
Reduced Strength—Arm — Persons who have disabilities that affect depressing computer keys, mouse clicks, lifting reference material etc. May require adaptations to the workstation that allow for low or no impact computing as well as other workstation modifications.
Reduced Strength—Hand — Persons who have disabilities, which affect depressing computer keys, mouse clicks, lifting reference material etc. May require adaptations to the workstation that allow for low or no impact computing as well as other workstation modifications.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) — Extremely prevalent in recent years due to the intensive computer use. It is a separate category even though many of the symptoms are covered in other categories. RSI is a result of repetitive procedures that gradually affect the user. It sometimes becomes so severe that the person cannot even pick up a pencil. Risk of RSI can be reduced dramatically through ergonomically designed work stations and prevention training. All computer users should take frequent short breaks and vary physical activities during the day. A saying among health professionals is, It is much harder to get RSI than it is to get rid of it. Prevention is key. Treatment can last up to a year or longer and may include surgery. There are assistive devices designed to aid persons with RSI work in a more natural position and put less strain on the body.
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