Keytools Assistive Technology Blog

Health and Wellbeing at Work 2012

2012-02-06T15:50:00.000+00:00

Now in its sixth successful year, the Health and Wellbeing at Work event is a two day conference where you can attend seminars, gain new ideas, network with colleagues and discover new and exciting products.

Keytools will be exhibiting at Health and Wellbeing on the 6th & 7th March where you can experience hands on, the range of mice and keyboards available from Keytools in the world of ergonomics and assistive technology.

As well as showcasing exciting new products, we will be featuring old favourites such as the Goldtouch range, the Swiftpoint mouse and the best in ergonomic seating from Herman Miller.

Health and Wellbeing is free to attend, although there is a charge to register with the network. For more information on Health and Wellbeing at Work, visit here.

Come and visit us on Stand 99, Hall 8 at the NEC, Birmingham on 6 or 7 March 2012.

Dyslexia Teacher Training Campaign

2012-01-31T11:04:00.004+00:00

We are proud to support the British Dyslexia Association’s (BDA) recent campaign, and encourage you to do the same.

With one in ten people suffering with dyslexia, many of these go undiagnosed and unrecognised. Often this is because teachers lack the skills to identify and support children who are dyslexic.

There is currently no mandatory minimum level of dyslexia training that the initial teacher training course providers must deliver.

With dyslexia support delivered at school, there should be more people with dyslexia who succeed in their future professions, including medicine, law, business, engineers and electricians.

The BDA is campaigning to remedy this and has set up a petition on the government website. This petition states that there should be a compulsory module on Dyslexia. If this petition reaches 100,000 signatures then this issue will be debated in the House of Commons.

Every signature counts and your signature could make a difference enabling teacher to help hundreds of thousands of dyslexic pupils.

We hope that you feel the same, if you do then please take a moment to sign the petition at

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/20674

Many thanks for your help in supporting this cause.

"Another great Goldtouch product"

2011-12-02T09:34:00.005+00:00

We have just read a really informative and interesting review on the Goldtouch mouse by “ErgonomicInfo.com”.

The author summarised that:

“It’s definitely the best alternative design I’ve used since the Handshoe.”

The review also stated that:

“Ergonomists generally agree that palm-down mousing is bad, but disagree on the best alternative. The most obvious approach, and the one adopted by outright vertical mice such as the Evoluent, is to pull the user’s hand up into a handshake position, 90 degrees from the work surface …

“A different and possibly more sophisticated approach is to compromise between totally flat and vertical. Research indicates that an angle of about 20-30 degrees untwists the wrist acceptably without running into the drawbacks of the vertical design. The Goldtouch uses this alternate approach. The angle is so subtle that many users may never notice it, but they will likely notice the increased comfort and the more “natural” feel of the Goldtouch mouse.”

You can read the full review here or find out more about the Goldtouch mouse here.

BETT 2012

2011-11-25T09:03:00.009+00:00

Meet us at BETT, 11 - 14 January 2012
Olympia, London

If you are involved in or interested in Learning through Technology, BETT is the place to be in January 2012.

Held at Olympia, London from 11 - 14 January, The BETT Show is the world's leading event for educational technology.

Visit Keytools on Stand SN60, where we will have all the latest Assistive Technology available for you to try out and test. For everything from large print keyboards to assistive mice and literacy software along with helpful advice, Keytools can provide the best solution for you.

WEP2011

2011-11-11T15:02:00.005+00:00

We recently attended the inaugural Workplace Ergonomics and Productivity (WEP) exhibition and it was great to see so many of our customers there.

Organised by the Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors, WEP offered a selection of seminars and a host of exhibitors.

We showcased a range of products which can provide the best ergonomic computing solutions for you and your clients, whether at a desk or on the move.

We got lots of interest from Assessors and Occupational Therapists asking about our latest equipment and received excellent feedback on the products and Herman Miller chairs on display.

If you missed us ... and would like information on our products, such the new SAYL chair, please call us on 023 8029 4500 or email info@keytools.co.uk

P.S. Put the date in your diary for next year’s Health and Wellbeing @ Work, 6 – 7 March 2012 (More here). We’ll see you there!

9 days and counting ...

2011-10-17T15:55:00.002+01:00

Workplace Ergonomics and Productivity (WEP) is an exciting new exhibition aimed at those who work in HR, Health and Safety, Ergonomics and Occupational Therapy, taking place in London on 26th and 27th October.

Keytools will be on Stand 46, where we will be showcasing our fully ergonomic workstations and the best in safe and practical solutions for improving comfort and productivity.

At Keytools, you can find many chairs in the Herman Miller range ... and to try them out for yourself, visit our stand at the WEP 2011 exhibition, where you can experience the full comfort, style and ergonomic benefits of the Embody and Sayl.

Don't miss out ... WEP 2011 is free to attend.

For more information and to register, visit here.

Living the Hollywood dream

2011-09-12T14:55:00.003+01:00

Hollywood recently arrived at Keytools as we celebrated our 22nd Birthday.

To add some glamour to the occasion staff members dressed up as famous Hollywood movie characters in aid of our continued fundraising support for Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

The Joker and Zorro switched careers to become your Account Managers for the day, whilst Danny Zuko and Captain Jack Sparrow graced us with their charismatic presence.

However, it was left up to James Bond and Mr Pink to ensure that the free website delivery offered as part of the birthday celebrations, went out the door smoothly.

Currying favour for RSI sufferers

2011-08-16T11:50:00.009+01:00

New research has found that curry could be a new weapon in the fight against Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)!

Scientists at the University of Nottingham and Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich have discovered that curcumin, a member of the ginger family which is found in tumeric, could offer hope for sufferers of tendinitis (including tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis).

They found that can curcumin be used to suppress biological mechanisms that spark inflammation in tendon diseases. They were, however, keen to highlight that curry is not going to provide a cure, only that it was an important new lead in the fight of these conditions through nutrition. You can read more on The University of Nottingham website.

The Keytools staff don’t need much encouragement to eat more curry, but we’ve now got a legitimate excuse – it’s all in the aid of the battle against RSI.

Now, pass the poppadoms will you?

Celebrate with Keytools

2011-08-09T14:06:00.004+01:00

Keytools will soon be 22 years old. To celebrate we are offering FREE postage and packing on ALL website orders.

Anything you order between now and the end of August will have free shipping, with no minimum order value.

With only a few weeks to go, place your order now and benefit from this fantastic offer.

With (nearly!) 22 years experience of supplying assistive technology and ergonomic computer equipment, Keytools can provide the best solutions for you, your staff and your clients. Take a look on our website for our full array of keyboards, mice and software products.

Join us in celebrating our 22nd birthday at Keytools with FREE delivery on all orders placed through our website until Friday, 2nd September 2011.

Visit the Keytools website and place your order today.

Terms and Conditions

1. Orders must be placed via the Keytools website to benefit from free shipping.

2. Excludes furniture.

3. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer or discount.

4. Free delivery available in mainland UK only.

5. Offer ends 3pm, Friday 2nd September 2011.

6. No minimum order value.

Lord Sugar may be interested to know...

2011-07-21T10:49:00.009+01:00

If you are a fan of The Apprentice (as we are here at Keytools), you will know from Sunday's final that Lord Sugar is not so knowledgeable on DSE regulations and prevention of work related upper limb disorders.

The statistics below show just how prevalent RSI is throughout the UK workforce.

If you would like help and advice on how to prevent and reduce RSI in your workplace, call 023 8029 4500 or email us at makingITeasier@keytools.co.uk

For a copy to print off and keep, click here to open the PDF.

Remploy Rendezvous

2011-07-08T16:13:00.005+01:00

Keytools was delighted to be invited to participate in Remploy’s Blue Sky Event this week.

Remploy's purpose is to significantly increase the employment opportunities of disabled people and those who experience complex barriers to work.

The Remploy event gave staff an opportunity to have a forward thinking look at what’s around the corner in the area of technology.

Jonathan Smith, Keytools’ marketing manager, showcased the vast range of assistive technology and gave demonstrations of:
- Handwriting Recognition
- Intel Reader
- Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Howard Chambers, Remploy’s Senior Business Analyst for HR People & Process, stated: “We had a good day and enjoyed Keytools’ presentation and Jonathan’s enthusiasm for the subject matter. The presentation brought to life the assistive technology tools and has stimulated much talk on how we can make better use of A.T. in the future.”

Win an Intel® Reader for your college or university

2011-06-17T14:55:00.011+01:00

Intel® Reader
Created for students and adults with dyslexia, low vision, or blindness, the Intel Reader takes a picture of printed text, converts it to digital text, and reads it aloud.

It enables students to access printed text in class, library, or at home.

• Lightweight, fully portable, easy-to-use device

• No Internet connectivity required
• Plays a wide range of digital formats and content

Nominate

To win an Intel Reader you can nominate a UK college or university that serves people with reading-based learning disabilities or low vision.

You can enter the Intel-GE Care Innovations™ Giving contest on Facebook here, and transform the lives of students at your college or university.

Keeping IT in the Pink

2011-06-08T15:05:00.007+01:00

Ergonomic Pink Mouse

Keytools are proud to announce that we are supporting Breakthrough Breast Cancer. Over the next year, we aim to raise £5,000 to help in the battle against breast cancer.

To support this worthy cause, the popular Goldtouch, ergonomic mouse is now available in a fashionable, limited-edition pink version....and Keytools will donate £6 to Breakthrough Breast Cancer for each mouse sold.

Keytools provides the very best ergonomic and assistive equipment and promotes healthy computing - with this ergonomic mouse, the hand is at a relaxed, neutral angle and greatly prevents repetitive stress injuries (RSI) to the wrist and elbow.

RSI Top Tips

2011-05-23T14:36:00.008+01:00

Prevent RSI before it prevents you from doing your job!

There are a number of factors which can cause RSI, such as overuse and repetition, an awkward posture and the use of non-ergonomic products.

Follow our Top Tips which will help you combat the painful effects of RSI and prevent injury.

1. Have a full DSE Assessment - following the Government's regulations This will help establish which changes need to be made and any products required.

2. Use ergonomic equipment - an adjustable keyboard will keep your wrists and hands in a comfortable, natural position.

3. An ergonomic mouse will relieve wrist strain, keeping your hand in a natural handshake position.

4. Take regular breaks away from your desk
and
5. Stretch and follow RSIGuard exercises.

These will help relax your body and mind.

6. Reduce your number of mouse clicks by setting up AutoClick or using keyboard shortcuts.

7. If typing or mousing is uncomfortable, try using alternative computer input such as voice recognition software.
With Dragon NaturallySpeaking, you can control your entire PC with your voice.

8. Follow ergonomic guidelines when on the move.
If you use a laptop, ensure you have a laptop stand, separate keyboard and external mouse.

9. Listen to your body.
Don't wait until the last minute to take action or take painkillers to mask the pain.
See your GP or Occupational Health.

10. Speak to the experts to get help and support.
Call Keytools on 023 8029 4500 for advice.
We'll be happy to discuss how a preventative strategy can help your organisation.

Keytools Vision Day

2011-04-13T13:08:00.008+01:00

On the 12th April, Keytools held a Vision Day at our Southampton office.

Vision impairment specialists; Optelec, co-hosted the day and showcased a selection of the latest portable and desktop magnifiers.

There were many products available for visitors to try out in our hands-on event, such as the ground breaking Intel Reader – the mobile device that reads print aloud; Dolphin SuperNova screen reader and magnification software and a wide array of hi-visibility keyboards.

Expert Keytools staff were on hand to offer guidance and advice when choosing products for those with visual impairments.

"Always informative, clearly presented", "Valuable use of my time", "Very useful and informative" – just some of the feedback from Vision Day attendees.

If you would like any information on the best solutions for your clients, staff or pupils, please call us on 023 8029 4500.

Staff fooled with Brighton Rock

2011-04-04T16:52:00.005+01:00

Staff at Keytools were fooled by their boss when they turned up for work on Friday, April Fool’s Day.

The workers from Keytools had been warned that they were due to attend an intensive all-day training session. On turning up for work, instead of learning in the classroom, they were whisked away to Brighton for a day out at the seaside.

Owner, Tim Roberts said: “All the staff at Keytools have been working hard and I thought that a day out in Brighton was a great way to reward them.”

Mr Roberts claimed: “No one suspected a thing. They were all fully expecting a day of training and had a pleasant surprise when they were given the chance to let their hair down.”

Vision Day at Keytools

2011-03-21T16:50:00.005+00:00

On the 12th April 2011, Keytools will be holding a Vision Day at our Southampton office.

The day is being hosted in association with the world leaders in life changing vision impairment technology, Optelec. You will be able to find out from the experts how you can get the most out of the latest technology and try out our top products for those with visual impairments.

Come along and try out:
- The latest Screen Reader Software
- A variety of handheld Magnifiers
- An assortment of Hi-Visibility Keyboards
- The ground breaking Intel Reader

The Vision Day will take place in our Demonstration room from 2pm to 4pm on the 12th April 2011 at our Southampton office.

Book your place
Places are limited, so please reserve your place by emailing us here. Alternatively, call us on 023 8029 4524 to find out more details.

Health & Well Being@Work 2011

2011-03-08T14:42:00.004+00:00

Keytools are currently exhibiting at the Health & Wellbeing @Work conference which is being held at NEC in Birmingham.

It's only the first day but the show is going great. There are some fantastic conferences taking place and we're meeting many customers.

Are you sitting down?
There has been a lot of interest in our two new chairs on display; the HǺG Capisco Puls and the brand new Herman Miller Sayl.

The show finishes tomorrow, so if you're planning to visit make sure you come and see us on Stand 87a to check out our latest products that can benefit health at work.

P.S. Whilst visiting our stand [87a] don't forget to enter our prize draw to win an Assessor Pack featuring our bestselling ergonomic equipment.

BBC First Click

2011-02-22T16:46:00.004+00:00

One click at a time
On Monday we ran our first BBC First Click campaign, with the aim of helping people learn to use a computer and get online!

The course is aimed at the 9.2 million people in the UK who have never been online, with primary focus devoted to the two-thirds who are over 55.

The scheme is part of the wider Media Literacy project being run by the BBC which is being partnered with RaceOnline2012 & Digital Unite amongst others.

First things first
Our first session focused on the basics - how to switch on a computer, use the mouse and the keyboard, simple stuff to those who know how, but a challenge for those who don't!

By the end of the session and with the added help of the BBC First Click mouse and keyboard web games, those who attended had new computer skills and were already looking forward to the next session - Internet & email!

New suppliers of HÅG Chairs

2011-02-03T09:37:00.003+00:00

Keytools believes that ergonomic chairs are the starting point of a healthy and productive workstation. We’re delighted to extend our range of ergonomic chairs by offering HÅG chairs.

According to HÅG’s philosophy, the next sitting position is always the best. HÅG chairs are designed to allow you to move your entire body, without having to think about it. This lets you perform better while safeguarding your well-being. You are always prepared for a new movement and a new task!

The body is not made for sitting still but for movement and variation.

The latest addition is the HÅG Capisco Puls. HÅG Capisco Puls is a modern and flexible office chair – the latest evolution in form, function and comfort. Its light and dynamic design makes it perfect for a new generation of users.

For more information, please call us on 023 8029 4500

Swiftpoint mouse - Review

2011-01-24T09:42:00.004+00:00

We were interested to read a recent review on the Swiftpoint Mouse.

The review, by IT.Enquirer, praises the mouse in general and also highlights some of the specific ergonomics benefits. Interestingly the reviewer picked up that these benefits don’t only extend to “on-laptop” use but also can apply in the desktop environment.

"After having worked with the Swiftpoint for about two weeks I am enthralled by the device. I still can’t believe my wrist and shoulder hurt much less ..."

"... it is so efficient and effective at what a mouse is supposed to do, that I can’t but love it."

You can read the full review here.

The Swiftpoint mouse is available from Keytools for £51.05 (ex VAT). Buy here.

Keytools at BETT

2010-12-24T09:06:00.003+00:00

Keytools will be exhibiting at BETT in January 2011, the largest education technology exhibition in the world where you will have the opportunity to view, touch and test all that is new in the industry.

The Special Needs Zone at BETT continues to be the most comprehensive gathering of educational ICT providers for special needs in the UK. The zone is focused on new techniques, new information and new resources to help reach that goal.

Keytools staff have a vast experience of helping people and communities to use computers without risking their health and enabling them to achieve their goals. Keytools expertise in assistive technology for facilitating computer access has helped many thousands of people.

Come and try the Intel Reader
We can help with all aspects of IT access for students and will be showcasing the new Intel® Reader – the latest reading tool for dyslexia sufferers and those with vision impairments that reads printed text aloud.

Special Offer
Until 31 January 2011, the Intel Reader is available at a reduced price.
Call us for more details, 023 8029 4500.

Come and visit Keytools in the SEN zone on stand SN3 between 12 and 15 January 2011.

Intel reader – review

2010-12-08T10:46:00.002+00:00

We were interested to read Disibility Review's recent assessment of the Intel Reader.

They found that the Intel Reader is:

“a seriously mainstream piece of kit. About the size of a book, or of other e-readers on the market, it looks and feels good.”

And:

“… it will read to you in a warm, very authentic sounding synthetic voice which is remarkably coherent and understandable even at the kind of high speeds which practised listeners can tolerate.”

They summarised their review by stating that:

“it’s possible to use the reader hand-held and on the fly to get remarkably accurate readings of things like letters, bills or that ever-handy pizza menu.”

So that’s a thumbs up from Disability Review – and a double pepperoni for us. You can read the article here. You can find out more on the Intel Reader here.

The next big thing...but it's actually quite small

2010-11-29T10:27:00.010+00:00

When the Swiftpoint mouse arrived in the Keytools office this month, it was immediately clear that this mouse for small spaces, would be a big hit.

And it would seem that we’re not the only people who think so! The mouse for users on the move has recently become the proud recipient of Popular Science magazine’s “Best of What’s New 2010” and was also included in the publications December issue, as one of “the greatest 100 creations of the year”.

Not settling for just one award, the stylish mouse has also become a recipient of a CES Innovation 2011 award.

The mouse benefits from Portability, Speed and Comfort and is the perfect accessory for anyone using a laptop on the move.

One of the biggest problems that come with using a laptop is the standard touchpad, the Swiftpoint mouse allows the user to navigate a laptop quicker with it being up to 40% more efficient than a touchpad.

The Swiftpoint is not a conventional laptop mouse and includes a “SlideScroll” feature that increases the effectiveness of scrolling. A rapid-charge function can ensure that just a 30 second charge will allow the mouse to work for up to an hour.

The Swiftpoint mouse is now available from our website.

Hair-raising

2010-11-15T13:44:00.008+00:00

We’re half through Movember and the gentlemen of Keytools are looking good (so we’re told…). Judge for yourself with the images below.

But we still need your support. You can sponsor the Keytools 'Mo Bros' by donating here. The funds raised through Movember’s UK campaign benefit the The Prostate Cancer Charity, the UK’s leading prostate cancer charity.