Abstract: A method includes user actuating X and Y transducers (16, 17, 38A, 39A, 66, 422A, 704A) to selective X and Y positions; producing x and y electrical signals as functions of the positions; moving a cursor (388) of a display (390) at velocities that are functions of the x and y electrical signals; clicking the cursor (388); correcting initialization errors in one of the transducers; providing a deadband (288A, 288B) in which the moving step is obviated; selectively adjusting the deadband (288A, 288B); delaying transmission of one of the electrical signals to the cursor (388); and stopping the moving step irrespective of the delaying step. The clicking step comprises user actuating one of the transducers (16, 17, 38A, 39B, 66, 422A, 704A) more rapidly; user actuating a manual switch (372, 550, 551); user actuating a sound pressure switch (432); user actuating a voice recognition IC (394), or user actuating an another switching device (384).

Abstract: A rate-of-change mouse (420, 720) positions a cursor (388, 724) of a display device or monitor (390, 726) in response to a user actuating transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, 722), and performs switching functions, such as left click, right click, or click and drag mouse-switching functions, when a rate-of-change of an electrical signal of one of the transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, or 722B) exceeds a predetermined limit. In addition, macro select, “hot key” actuation, and any other selected switching functions are actuated by moving a body member such as a head (18), hand (64), or finger (67) more rapidly. Optionally, more rapidly actuating one or both of the transducers (16, 17, 422A, 422B, 722A, 722B), in selected directions and/or in selected sequences, accesses and controls augmentative and alternative communication devices (AAC) devices, environmental control units (ECUs) (14), and/or accesses and controls power wheelchairs (12), and/or accesses and controls other apparatus (26).