INTRODUCTION
For many individuals severe physical handicaps have completely cut off most avenues of personal development and employment. Their physical involvement bars them from any constructive or creative activities requiring physical or manipulative abilities. Moreover, their inability to speak, write or efficiently operate even simple communication devices severely impairs their ability to develop and exercise their
mental capacities. This latter problem is basically an output problem in which a normally functioning intellect is trapped within a body having no effective
means of communicating or interacting with the environment.
Fortunately with today's technology, especially micro electronics and the computer, new avenues are being opened for these individuals which promise them not only a chance for a more effective education and a more meaningful mode of self expression, but also a means of self support through employment.
The major problem in trying to realize the full potential of these individuals is in finding efficient means of communication for them. Information output should consist of both written communication and discrete commands with which they can control certain
elements or devices in their environments.
Two years ago we presented one approach for providing the severely physically handicapped with a means to control computers and other data and information
processing equipment. The approach described was developed for individuals who had some pointing capability but who were physically unable to use regular keyboards in an effective manner. In this paper we will be presenting a summary of all of the different basic approaches which have been developed around the world to interface individuals with varying physical abilities. With these different approaches most any individual, no matter how severe his physical handicap, could be provided with an effective means for controlling communication and other interactive devices.