An efficient text-based communication method based onsingle- keylesser scan matrix for people with multiple disabilities

Abstract

Single-key virtual scanning keyboard (VSK) is a very slow method used by individuals with severe disabilities or special needs for entering text and other data into computers and augmentative communication devices.Thesetechniques employing on-screen keyboardwith scanning and access switch as an alternative input device.The common Arabic on-screen layout is derived from the Arabic typewriter keyboard layout and not enhanced for command entry speed and has several problems. In this paper, we propose an alternative Arabic on-screen layout(non-QWERTY layout) and assess the performance and effectiveness of this innovative layout design for people with severe physical disability. The proposed layout was designed based on human-computer interactions and frequency-of-use for every user, employs block-row-item and rowitem scanning techniques. A repeated experiment was performed to compare the speed and accuracy of text entry and communicationbetween the proposed method and the existing methods. Data's evaluation reveals that the designed method provided enhanced performance for the participant without increasing task difficulty. The performance enhancement of the suggested method is illustrated in the paper with user testing results