Tech and accessibility
My main machine is a 24-inch iMac with an Apple silicon chip, running macOS Sequoia. Almost everything I do on it comes from three things: head movement, voice, and on-screen accessibility tools.
Current setup
- Mac: 24-inch iMac (Apple silicon) running macOS Sequoia.
- Pointing: Head Pointer and Pointer Control using my head to move the cursor.
- Input: Voice Control for navigation, dictation, and clicks.
- Keyboard: On-screen keyboard with layouts tuned for accessibility.
- Extras: Sip-and-puff switch and a QuadStick controller I am working toward integrating.
How I actually use the computer
In real life, it looks something like this:
- Use head pointer to move the cursor wherever I need it.
- Use voice commands to click, right-click, or scroll.
- Dictate text for longer writing, and use on-screen keys for shortcuts.
- Rely on custom layouts to keep important keys close together to cut down on head movement.
Why accessibility features matter so much
For me, accessibility is not an extra. It is the operating system. Without tools like:
- Head Pointer
- Voice Control
- On-screen keyboard and panel editor
I would lose the ability to browse, write, adjust files on my websites, or even answer messages. With them, I can run multiple sites, organize a movie catalog, and experiment with new ideas for work and community projects.
I share detailed tutorials on some of these tools in my Mac help section and on LifesUncertain.com.
Features I am still exploring
I am constantly testing new combinations and setups, including:
- Better panel layouts for function keys and modifiers.
- Fine-tuning head pointer sensitivity for less fatigue.
- Mixing sip-and-puff with voice commands for more reliable clicking.
I am not finished dialing it in, but I document what works as I go so other people do not have to start from zero.