Trackball

Mousing alternative that typically consists of a stationary base with a large ball on top, which users can manipulate with their fingers, palm, or other parts of their hand or body.

AT Category: Access
- Physical
- Technology

Low - Mid Tech

Considerations

Take the following considerations into account when selecting and implementing AT to ensure that the chosen tools are well-suited to the student’s needs, align with their goals, and seamlessly integrate into their educational journey. By embracing a collaborative approach and considering the specific skills, tasks, and implementation context, educators can provide students with the necessary support to thrive academically and functionally, promoting inclusivity and fostering their overall success.

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Occupational Therapist (OT): An OT may be a member of the multidisciplinary team that evaluates or reevaluates students suspected of having a disability, including dysgraphia, and participates as an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee member in writing the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), drafting annual goals, and recommending assistive technology services and/or the related services of occupational therapy. An OT may provide services that are academic and/or functional in nature. Examples are graphomotor skills needed for handwriting; fine motor skills which include small, finely coordinated hand movements; visual perceptual skills which include the ability to understand and interpret what is seen; visual motor skills which include the ability to coordinate visual and motor skills; and/or self-care skills which include feeding, dressing, hygiene, and toileting skills for increasing independence in necessary life skills. The OT may be a member of the Local Education Agency (LEA) assistive technology (AT) team.
Physical Therapist (PT): A PT may be a member of the multidisciplinary team that evaluates or reevaluates students suspected of having a disability and participates as an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee member in writing the Present Levels of Academic Achievement and Functional Performance (PLAAFP), drafting annual goals, and recommending assistive technology services and/or the related service of physical therapy. A PT may provide services that are academic and/or functional in nature depending on the age or grade-level of the student's curriculum. Physical therapy in schools primarily addresses gross motor skills of students, and may include exercises designed to develop strength and endurance, range of motion, and flexibility. The PT may be a member of the LEA assistive technology (AT) team.
Recreational Therapist (RT): An RT is a healthcare professional who utilizes recreational activities, leisure pursuits, and therapeutic interventions to improve the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social well-being of individuals with disabilities, injuries, illnesses, or other health conditions. RTs in Texas adhere to state guidelines, which may include licensure requirements, scope of practice regulations, and ethical standards, ensuring the delivery of effective and ethical care to their students.

Skills and Tasks What skills or tasks will the student utilize this tool for? What areas, functional or academic, does this tool support?

An alternative tool to access technology

Implementation Context In what activities, classes, or environments will the student utilize this tool?

The movement of the trackball corresponds to the movement of the cursor on the computer screen, allowing users to control the mouse pointer without the need for fine motor skills or dexterity required by a traditional mouse. This makes trackballs particularly useful for individuals with conditions such as arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or limited hand mobility.

Trackballs often feature customizable settings such as sensitivity and button configuration to accommodate different user preferences and needs. They can be an important tool for promoting accessibility and independence for people with disabilities in using computers and accessing digital information.