ConnSENSE

ConnSENSE Review: Intellikeys

Product Reviewed: Intellikeys Keyboard with QWERTY Keyguard
Manufacturer: Intellitools
Corporate Headquarters
1720 Corporate Circle
Petaluma, CA 94954
(800) 899-6687
Info@intellitools.com
http://www.intellitools.com
Price: $395 Intellikeys with cable, CD and standard overlays; $50/standard keyguard.
Reviewed by: Tracy Rackensperger
tdoggog@yahoo.com

Intellikeys is one of my favorite pieces of assistive technology. It is an adaptive computer keyboard produced by Intellitools. Intellitools is a leading manufacturer of educational software and technology for people with disabilities. Intellikeys keyboards are used by both children and adults who have disabilities and/or additional learning needs. It can be used with any type of computer and interfaces with both Windows or Mac.

The keyboard itself has a large, flat, membrane surface. The “keys” are actually printed on separate individual overlays that are placed over the membrane surface. A barcode that is on the edge of each overlay is “read” by the device when the overlay is slipped onto the surface, activating the keyboard configuration. There are various overlays that can be used by individuals, depending on their learning needs. For example, an individual who would benefit from using a keyboard with an ABC orientation (verses QWERTY), can slide an ABC overlay into the device and begin typing without having to do anything further. The overlay “keys” are large, making it ideal for people like myself with limited hand control. Optional keyguards may be purchased to put on top of the overlay for added control. In addition, Intellitools makes a program called Overlay Maker that can be used to make customized overlays in an infinite number of configurations.

The Intellikeys keyboard can also serve as a mouse emulator. By activating the mouse keys on the various standard overlays, Intellikeys is able to function as a mouse when needed. This allows the user the option to use either the regular mouse or touchpad or the Intellikeys. I have used this feature to create complex artwork using Adobe Illustrator, conduct image editing, and do other tedious mouse-driven tasks.

I find the best aspects of Iintellikeys are the following: 1) ease-of-use and 2) dependability/interconnectivity.

Ease-of-Use - Intellikeys is basically a “plug-and-play” device; the latest version of the keyboard, Intellikeys USB, requires a disk for initial setup, but once that is completed you can just plug it in and begin using it. The setup can take place on any number of computers providing access for individuals using multiple computers. It also ensures that support staff who may have little knowledge of technology can easily set up the keyboard as well. In addition, connecting the Intellikeys does not disable the computer keyboard or mouse, so it can remain plugged in and still allow multiple users of the computer with ease.

Dependability/Interconnectivity - I have had the same Intellikeys keyboard for well over ten years. During that time, it has been consistent and dependable. I am very hard on my equipment and while I definitely don’t recommend treating assistive technology the way I do, I can attest to the fact that Intellikeys keyboards are sturdy and durable. When I have needed assistance, tech support has been excellent. Additionally, since I have had my keyboard for a long time, I have used it on all types of computers including Apple IIgs, various Macintoshes, and a variety of PCs. Interconnectivity with all these computers has been wonderful and has enabled me to access technology across a variety of situations and settings.

Intellikeys is switch accessible and can be used in coordination with any program that accepts keyboard input, making it compatible with just about any program you might own. It is an excellent and versatile piece of technology. Grade: A+