Abstract: An interface device that enables a severely handicapped individual to control a telephone to place and terminate calls and to carry on a conversation regardless of whether the individual can speak or use his or her hands. A personal computer is programmed to display a menu for the handicapped individual to read wherein a selectable area of the menu is active for a period of time. After the period of time, the next selectable area of the menu is active for another period of time. The program makes each menu selection active in a predetermined order. A sensor that detects voluntary motion of the handicapped individual is connected to a transducer that converts the motion detected into a computer input, such as a mouse “click,” which selects the active area on the menu. Advantageously, the process may begin again or may move to another menu, depending upon the item selected.

Abstract: An interface device that enables a severely handicapped individual to control a telephone to place and terminate calls and to carry on a conversation regardless of whether the individual can speak or use his or her hands. A personal computer is programmed to display a menu for the handicapped individual to read wherein a selectable area of the menu is active for a period of time. After the period of time, the next selectable area of the menu is active for another period of time. The program makes each menu selection active in a predetermined order. A sensor that detects voluntary motion of the handicapped individual is connected to a transducer that converts the motion detected into a computer input, such as a mouse “click,” which selects the active area on the menu. Advantageously, the process may begin again or may move to another menu, depending upon the item selected.