“I have used and tried various other on-screen keyboards, but KeyStrokes is really something different. It is simply a pleasure to work with and gets regularly updated with new features and support for new Mac OS releases. Now it has even allowed me to cross the barrier to Mac OS X!”

I am Jean-Marc Pepin and live in Ottawa, Canada. In 1975, I had a serious car accident that has left me paralyzed from the neck down. Back then, there was not much I could undertake with this disability. Luckily, the development of the personal computer in the 1980s, has provided me with a degree of liberty that would have been impossible to imagine at the time.

I use a HeadMouse (located on the shelf above my monitor) and KeyStrokes to access my computer. (Photo supplied by Jean Marc Pepin and used with permission.)

Like for many people in my situation, the computer is essentially the hub of my existence. Nevertheless, I require special equipment in order to help me access and use the computer's full potential. I use a HeadMouse^® from Origin Instruments to control the cursor by means of head movements. This allows me to point and click. For typing I have been using AssistiveWare's KeyStrokes on-screen keyboard software for several years now. Before that time I have used and tried various other on-screen keyboards, but KeyStrokes is really something different. It is simply a pleasure to work with and gets regularly updated with new features and support for new Mac OS releases. Now it has even allowed me to cross the barrier to Mac OS X!

Here I am typing an e-mail using KeyStrokes virtual keyboard. (Photo supplied by Jean Marc Pepin and used with permission.)

KeyStrokes is absolutely vital in providing me with the tools to access my computer's and, by extension, my own potential. From philosophy, to digital photography and videography, these are just some of the areas that KeyStrokes has given me the freedom to pursue for the last 5 years. KeyStrokes, software that's essential for life!