Stick Keys and Mouse Keys usage?

Question

Hi. I'm getting ready to replace my current Dell Laptop with a new laptop. I've been using PC based computer since 1989 but this time I'm seriously considering getting a Macbook shortly after WWDC. I'm just fed up with Windows. I'm paralyzed from the neck down and type with a stick I hold by mouth (mouthstick/typing wand). Currently in WinXP I use StickyKeys and a trackstick (trackpoint) in the middle of the keys to move the pointer and do the clicking (w/clicklock enabled) for clicking and dragging with a usb mouse. Since macbooks don't have a trackstick my current trackstick/mouse combination won't do on the macbook. And I can not move a mouse around.
I assume sticky keys works the same on OS X as on WinXP (one press of a modifier key holds until the combo key/s are press) but will pressing a modifier key twice lock it until the modifier key is pressed again?
One thing I've never been able to do is use the Fn key combinations because stickykeys on WinXP doesn't hold the Fn key for combinations. Does sticky keys on OS X hold or lock the Fn key like the modifier keys?
As for mousekeys on OS X, pressing the "Option" five times everytime I need to move/click the pointer then five more times is a bit much (thats why I use the trackstick/mouse combo rather than mousekeys on WinXP). Is there a quicker way? If sticky keys treats the FN key like a modifier key on OS X to press twice to lock it and once to unlock it that would be a great alternative. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Dell Inspiron 8500   Windows XP  

Answer 1

Hello!
I'm paralyzed from the neck
down and type with a stick I hold by mouth
(mouthstick/typing wand).
A solution that works well is a HeadMouse from AssistiveWare, seen used by a tetraplegic artist.
I assume sticky keys works the same on OS X as on
WinXP (one press of a modifier key holds until the
combo key/s are press) but will pressing a modifier
key twice lock it until the modifier key is pressed
again?
Yes, it does.
One thing I've never been able to do is use the Fn
key combinations because stickykeys on WinXP doesn't
hold the Fn key for combinations. Does sticky keys on
OS X hold or lock the Fn key like the modifier keys?
Yes, it does.
As for mousekeys on OS X, pressing the "Option" five
times everytime I need to move/click the pointer then
five more times is a bit much (thats why I use the
trackstick/mouse combo rather than mousekeys on
WinXP). Is there a quicker way? If sticky keys treats
the FN key like a modifier key on OS X to press twice
to lock it and once to unlock it that would be a
great alternative.
That's one solution. Another is to use VoiceOver to navigate; you can lock the option and ctrl keys so that all VO commands are performed with single key presses, since Sticky Keys will hold the shift or cmd keys.
Yet another is a cheek switch as used by Marie-France Bru. No doubt there are plenty of other adaptations you could try, but those are the ones I know about.
HTH
Archie