AbilityNet Factsheet - March 2024

Stroke and Computing

Each year in the UK, over 100,000 people have a stroke. A stroke is a brain attack. It happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to your brain. Without blood your brain cells can be damaged or die. This damage can have different effects, depending on where it happens in your brain. Strokes can affect anyone, at any age.

Whatever the effects, there are many ways that assistive technology can help to improve confidence and the quality of life for people affected by stroke, including by:

  • making computers and tablets easier to use
  • supporting physical therapy
  • helping with cognitive difficulties
  • making communication more effective.

Last updated: March 2024

1. Making computers and tablets easier to use

Physical problems after a stroke

Most people will have weakness in their muscles after a stroke. This affects how well you can move different parts of your body. It is quite common for muscle weakness to affect a whole side of your body, or you may only have it in just one arm or leg.

Other physical effects of stroke can include:

  • problems with fatigue. Can also affect speech and language
  • spasticity – this makes it more difficult to move your arms and legs because your muscles have become very stiff and tight.)

Such problems can prevent you from being able to use ‘normal’ computing equipment, especially if it has not been properly adapted to match your needs.

Practical alternatives to using standard input devices are summarised below. These options are covered in more detail in our free factsheet on Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations.

Further advice is also available at My Computer My Way. This gives easy-to-follow instructions on how to adapt your computing equipment to meet your particular needs. It is an interactive tool developed by AbilityNet that makes any computer, tablet and smartphone easier to use. You can use My Computer My Way for free at www.abilitynet.org.uk/mcmw

Keyboard adaptations and alternatives

For some users, adapting your existing keyboard may be all that is necessary to enable you to continue to use it successfully. There are a number of ways you can do this, including by:

  • modifying the keyboard’s response – for example, by using ‘StickyKeys’ which allows you to input any command by pressing only one key at a time
  • using a keyguard over your keyboard – to make it impossible to press two keys at once
  • using mounting equipment – to raise up or tilt a keyboard (or tablet), or to attach it to a wheelchair (or something similar).

Possible alternatives to the standard computer keyboard that might better suit someone experiencing more substantial motor difficulties include:

  • keyboards with a smaller number of larger keys – like the BigKeys LX
  • single-handed keyboards
  • chording keyboards – like the Cykey, which work well for one-handed users with independent movement in their fingers
  • customisable adaptive keyboards – for example, like the Helpikeys
  • typing without a keyboard – for example, by using an on-screen keyboard or your voice.

Mouse adaptations and alternatives

A standard computer mouse can be difficult to use if you have motor problems. However, for some people, it may be sufficient to adapt the way you use it, including by:

  • making more use of the keyboard
  • adjusting how the mouse works – including its speed and how the click buttons operate
  • using ‘drag lock’ – to make it easier to cut/copy and paste text or pictures.

If you do need a different type of mouse, there are many alternatives. It is important to choose one that feels comfortable and easy to use. Possible options include:

  • an ergonomic or vertical mouse – to relieve strain on the hand and wrist
  • a bar mouse – to eliminate the need to reach sideways
  • a trackball mouse – to reduce wrist movement
  • a joystick – with buttons for left, right and double clicks
  • a touchpad – like those often found on laptops
  • a touchscreen monitor or computer.

Using head (or eye) movement to control the pointer, together with an on-screen keyboard, can also be an effective solution if you have very little or no use of your hands.

Our factsheet on Keyboard and mouse alternatives and adaptations also provides information on alternative ways of clicking. External switches, for example, can be operated in a variety of ways by using different parts of the body or a mouth tube. The factsheet also gives contact details for several specialist suppliers of assistive technology.

Voice control

Continuing advances in technology are enabling growing numbers of people to use voice control to operate their computer, tablet, smartphone or smart speaker.

Using simple spoken commands, you can now quite easily:

  • open and run different software and apps
  • produce and format documents and notes
  • write and send texts and email
  • make calendar appointments and programme reminders
  • play music, videos and photo displays.
  • make telephone and video calls
  • get directions
  • stay connected through social media
  • control smart home appliances
  • search the internet and browse individual websites.

Some operations require specialist voice recognition software – for example, like Dragon NaturallySpeaking (for Windows) or Dragon Dictate (for Mac).  However, quite powerful speech recognition programmes are now built into new computers, tablets, smartphones and smart speakers.

Advances in ‘natural voice’ technology and artificial intelligence have also seen the continuing development of ‘virtual personal assistants’ like Siri (for Apple devices), Alexa (for Amazon Echo devices) Google Assistant (for Android devices) and Cortana (for Microsoft devices). These are further opening up the world of productive possibilities for everyone who struggles to use more traditional computer technology.

See our free factsheet on Controlling the computer with your voice for more detailed information.

Vision problems after a stroke

When you have a stroke your brain becomes damaged and this might be why you have vision problems.

Our free factsheet on Vision impairment and computing gives an overview of how computers can be adapted to help anyone with vision problems. However, for many stroke survivors, voice control may offer a more practical way forward.

Increasing numbers of people with impaired vision now use their smartphone more than any other computing device, and our factsheet highlights a number of particularly useful apps. The more recent development of smart home speakers has further negated the need for many to work with more traditional computing devices.

2. Supporting therapy

Physical therapy

Most stroke survivors experience significant improvements in any physical problems within the first few months. Recovery usually slows down after this but, with physiotherapy, many people continue to gain in strength, balance and fitness over the longer-term. There are many apps that may be of use.  We would advise that you speak to your Occupational Therapist who should be able to make some suggestions on what apps might help you out. 

Vision therapy

An orthoptist (an eye care specialist) or opthamologist (medical doctor specialising in eye diseases) can advise you on possible treatments if you have problems with your vision after a stroke.

There are many apps that may be of use.  We would advise that you speak to your vision specialit who should be able to make some suggestions on what apps might help you out..

3. Helping with cognitive difficulties

Cognitive impairment is very common after a stroke and most people experience some difficulties with their thinking, especially in the first few months. The kind of cognitive problems that affect many stroke survivors are:

  • memory problems – many of which are actually caused by difficulty concentrating
  • concentration problems – getting easily distracted and finding it hard to focus
  • problems with planning and problem-solving – potentially affecting your ability to work out how to do some things, complete tasks or ‘read’ people
  • other problems – including difficulty finding your way around, not recognising things and feeling confused.

Such cognitive problems are likely to improve very quickly over the first few months of recovery. There are also many ways that assistive technology can help make them easier to live with, including by using computers, tablets or smartphones to:

  • help you relax – for example, by playing restful music or meditating
  • remind you to take your medications at the right time
  • keep track of appointments and set alerts for important events – using built-in calendars
  • create labels and signs, and print pictures, to help you remember what to do and where things go
  • make notes before and after medical appointments, create ‘to do’ lists for the next day and write out instructions for you to follow when you do things
  • make voice recordings if ‘typing’ is difficult.

Although it is an entirely different and progressive illness, people with (early-stage) dementia face quite similar cognitive problems. Our factsheet on Dementia and computing provides more detailed information on the many ways that assistive technology can help to support key aspects of daily life for anyone who has problems with memory and thinking.

4. Making communication more effective

Stroke is the biggest cause of aphasia – a communication disorder resulting from damage to the language centres of the brain. Aphasia causes difficulty speaking or understanding what is being said. Around one-third of people who have a stroke will experience aphasia and, while many recover, about half will have long-term communication problems. Other conditions which may occur after a stroke include Apraxia which affects communication and motor control, as well as dysarthria. which makes communication more difficult. 

There is an extensive range of both low- and high-tech communication aids that can help to improve communication for someone with aphasia by supporting:

  • augmentative and alternative communication (AAC)
  • speech and language therapy.

Some of the options utilising assistive technology are outlined below, and further information is available in our factsheet on Communication aids.

Augmentative and alternative communication

AAC describes various methods of communication that can ‘add-on’ to or replace speech to help people express themselves and aid understanding. It includes simple, everyday methods such as pictures, gestures and pointing, as well as more complex techniques involving computer technology.

There is no single ‘best’ type of AAC system, and the most suitable one for an individual will depend on their own specific needs, abilities and preferences. With so many (often costly) options available, it is important to seek specialist advice, training and support from a local speech and language therapist (who can refer you on to a specialist centre if necessary).

Voice output communication aids (VOCAs)

VOCAs use a computer-generated voice to play electronically-stored speech. They can be operated easily in a variety of ways to select pre-recorded messages. Sentences and longer messages can be strung together from individual words or phrases, and the vocabulary can contain several thousand words. If you can still use a keyboard, some VOCAs will convert typed text into synthesized speech – the quality of which has much improved.

There are many factors to consider in determining whether a VOCA would benefit an AAC speaker, and also in selecting the most suitable option. A local or regional AAC assessment service can advise on possible equipment that could be tried as part of an assessment. Some centres (and suppliers) are also able to lend equipment for you to try out before buying.

Software and apps

An extensive range of software and apps for communication is available for computer, tablet and smartphone. Many of these use symbol sets to augment communication, with different sets available to match different communication needs and abilities. You can form personalised messages by selecting and grouping symbols together, and some applications will let you add text, photos, videos and sound.

Comprehensive symbol and text communication packages with speech output, catering for beginners to advanced users, include:

  • Grid 3 (for PC)
  • Grid Player (for iPad)
  • Proloquo2Go (for iPad)
  • Predictable (for iOS and Android)
  • Talking Mats (for iPad).

There are so many apps available that it is quite difficult to decide on which is the most appropriate app for you to use.  The Stroke Association has come up with some really good points to consider before downloading an app. The Stroke Association has also developed a useful guide on how to get online for people with aphasia

 

Speech and language therapy

Computer-based therapy can also help to improve your communication skills after stroke, especially when this is tailored to your individual needs. It is very important that anyone with aphasia has a thorough assessment from a speech and language therapist to determine which particular tools and techniques will best support their personal recovery.

There are many apps that may be of use.  We would advise that you speak to your speech therapist who should be able to make some suggestions on what apps might help you out. 

Other recommended apps

To help you find your way through an ever-expanding range of potentially useful media, a number of organizations have developed their own lists and tools to help people with aphasia find apps and software that may be useful to them.

These include the Aphasia Software Finder – a website developed with the support of the Tavistock Trust for Aphasia – that allows you to:

  • search for specialist software and apps that work on different aspects of communication
  • get information about a particular app or piece of software
  • compare the key features of available apps and software
  • find other general apps and software that may be useful for someone with aphasia.

To use the Aphasia Software Finder, visit www.aphasiasoftwarefinder.org

Call Scotland have produced two 'wheels' of AAC apps – one for iOS, one for Android. These provide categorised guides to useful apps for people with complex communication support needs. You can download both the wheels at:

The Stroke Association also has a very useful software finder. 

5. Useful contacts

Stroke Association

The Stroke Association is a UK-wide charity dedicated to conquering stroke. It provides information and support to anyone affected by stroke and campaigns for better stroke care and to find better treatments.

It operates the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100, or you can email info@stroke.org.uk

The Association has also produced a self-management tool called My Stroke Guide. This provides practical tools to help stroke survivors understand stroke and deal with its effects alongside peer support to combat feelings of isolation. The guide is available online at www.mystrokeguide.com and can also be downloaded as a printable PDF. The Stroke Association also has a great software finder if you have Aphasia. 

Aphasia Now

Aphasia Now is a social initiative run by and for people with aphasia – to promote independence and communication with other aphasic people.

For more information, visit www.aphasianow.org

Communication Matters

Communication Matters supports people with little or no clear speech. It works to promote the best possible communication for people with complex communication needs, and aims to involve people using AAC in all its work.  The charity maintains a database of AAC Assessment Centres across the UK.

For more information, visit www.communicationmatters.org.uk

Living Made Easy

Living Made Easy is an online guide developed by the Disabled Living Foundation. It provides impartial advice about independent living for disabled adults and children, older people, their carers and families. Its section on AAC provides extensive information about available products in different categories – including prices, manufacturers’ details and suppliers.

For more information, visit www.livingmadeeasy.org.uk

Inclusive Technology

Inclusive Technology is a supplier of software and hardware for special educational needs – including a range of communication aids and communication software.

For more information, visit www.inclusive.co.uk or call 01457 819790.

 

6. How AbilityNet can help you

My Computer My Way

My Computer My Way is an AbilityNet run website packed with articles explaining how to use the accessibility features built into your computer, tablet or smartphone. The site is routinely updated as new features and changes are made to the Windows, MacOS, iOS, Chrome OS and Android operating systems. The site is broken down into the following sections:

  • Vision – computer adjustments to do with vision and colour
  • Hearing – computer adjustments to do with hearing, communication and speech
  • Motor – computer adjustments to do mobility, stamina and dexterity
  • Cognitive – computer adjustments to do with attention, learning and memory

Use it for free at mcmw.abilitynet.org.uk

Advice and information

If you have any questions please contact us at AbilityNet and we will do all we can to help.

  • Call: 0300 180 0028
    Please note: calls to our helpline number cost no more than a national rate call to an 01 or 02 number and count towards any inclusive minutes in the same way as 01 and 02 calls, and AbilityNet does not receive any money from these calls.
  • Email: enquiries@abilitynet.org.uk

IT support at Home

If you’re looking for in-person support, you can book a free visit from one of our disclosure-checked volunteers. Many of our volunteers are former IT professionals who give their time to help older people and people with disabilities to use technology to achieve their goals. Our friendly volunteers can help with most major computer systems, laptops, tablet devices and smartphones.

https://abilitynet.org.uk/at-home

 

Copyright information

This factsheet is licensed by AbilityNet under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. View a copy of this license at creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/

 
 
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