SerialKeys Quicksheet

Some people cannot use the keyboard and mouse at all due to a physical impairment, and must use some specially designed input device (e.g., an augmentative or alternative communication [AAC] device) while accessing a computer. The Macintosh SerialKeys software is designed to allow an AAC device to communicate with the computer through a serial port connection, and changes that information into keyboard or mouse events, just as if the user were typing on the keyboard or using the mouse. Macintosh SerialKeys follows the connection and communication protocol outlined in the General Input Device Emulating Interface (GIDEI) Proposal*.

You can obtain a free copy of SerialKeys for the various computer platform/operating systems as follows:

DOS 3.3 or newer

AccessDOS (SerialKeys included).

Available from:

• IBM (800) 426-7282
• Microsoft (800) 426-9400, (206) 637-7098
• FTP download off Trace Server at: ftp://ftp.trace.wisc.edu/pub/access_utils/dos/accesdos/

Windows 3.0, 3.1, 3.11, and NT

Access Pack (File name "ACCP.EXE," for Windows 3.x, SerialKeys included).

Available from:

• Microsoft (800) 426-9400, (206) 637-7098
• FTP download off Trace Server at:
  ftp://ftp.trace.wisc.edu/pub/access_utils/win/winacpak/

Windows 95, 98, ME, NT, 2000

SerialKeys is included as part of the standard commercial package and built into the operating system (default install)

Macintosh System 7.0 through system 9.0

SerialKeys for Mac.

Available from:

• FTP download off Trace Server at: ftp://ftp.trace.wisc.edu/pub/access_utils/mac/macskey/
  
• FTP download off the Apple Disability Server at: ftp://ftp.info.apple.com/Apple_Support_Area/disability-solutions/

* Please contact the Trace R&D Center if you would like more information regarding the GIDEI.

For more information on Macintosh SerialKeys, please refer to: SerialKeys Information Page