101 Keys - Get Intimate

People with low vision or are blind are highly dependent on the computer keyboard as a substitute for limited usage of the mouse or not being able to use the mouse at all. As a long time vision impaired computer user, at times I take my ability to use the keyboard for granted. But. what of those who have acquired site loss in later life, Many sighted people have learned to touch type on the normal alphabetical part of the keyboard with out looking at the keys, but what about the Modifier Keys, Alt, Windows, Control and Shift for Pc users and Command, Option, Control and Shift for the Mac. When held down, The Modifier Keys change or modify the behavior of another key when pressed, thus making the computer perform an action like opening a document, saving a document, sending an email or copying and pasting text. Many people have not learned touch typing at all, rather inventing their own unique style of typing that involves looking down at the keys to make sure they are striking the correct keys. This is fine if you still have your eyesight. But, people are living longer and often now dealing with age related sight loss. Technology is vital for people in this situation if they still want to communicate with others and remain involved in their community.
for speech 9 in the Toastmasters Classic Basic communications Manual, “Persuade with Power”, I discuss the inportance of being able to use the keyboard and why.