The following tools and strategies are just some of the most common ways that disabled people access the Internet. All these tools rely upon the website designer using the correct engineering code (HTML) and following the basic accessibility guidelines.
Assistive alternatives for a mouse
Touch Screens 
A touch screen is an electronic device placed over, or built into the monitor of the computer. It allows the user to make a direct selection of an item on the computer screen by touching the screen with a finger or a stylus. These devices are usually plugged into the mouse port of the computer, and are available for either Macintosh or Windows. They provide a very simple and direct method of interacting with a browser or other application.
Joysticks 
Joysticks are an additional access method for computers. Some joysticks can be plugged into the mouse port on a computer, and automatically function as a mouse. Some can be also be used in game ports.
Trackballs
A trackball has the mouse ball on the topside of a stationary base. It can range in size from the pea-size (the Thumbelina), to larger than a tennis ball (the MicroSoft EasyBall). The ball is rotated to move the cursor on the screen. Most trackballs still require the user to be able to click to make a selection. Some have a "lock" button for dragging functions.
Glidepoint or Touchpad 
This is a small pad that allows one to use a finger to move the cursor in any direction without requiring arm movement. They are frequently found on laptop computers, but can be purchased for a desktop computer and plugged into the mouse port. Most of these systems need contact with skin to work. Can be found easily at office supply stores and computer shops and catalogue.
Electronic Pointing Devices 
These devices allow the user to operate the mouse using an infrared beam or ultrasound. Some require activating a switch to make a selection, some are used with utility software that makes a choice after a certain "dwell" time. This also includes eyegaze systems.
Pointing and Typing Aids 
Most often a wand or stick held in the hand, mouth; or strapped to the chin or head. Useful for individuals who have limited hand control.
Alternative types of keyboard for disabled users
Programmable Keyboards 
Programmable keyboards are often larger than a regular keyboard, with built in utilities that allow the user to change the sensitivity of the keys and other features. Some of the keyboards, with software that comes with them, or additional software allow the user to create a custom keyboard layout. Many alternative keyboards can switch between keyboard and mouse functions with the touch of a key, or can have the mouse functions as a portion of the keyboard. They are available for either Macintosh or Windows, and run simultaneously with the regular keyboard and mouse.
Miniature Keyboards 
Miniature keyboards are tools for an individual with limited gross motor skills, but good fine motor skills. The location of all the keys in a very small area gives the user access to all computer function. Many miniature keyboards can switch between keyboard and mouse functions with the touch of a key. They are available for either Macintosh or Windows, and sometimes run simultaneously with the regular keyboard and mouse.
On-screen Keyboards
On-screen keyboards allow an individual to access a keyboard with the mouse, joystick, electronic pointing device, or touch screen. The keyboard displayed may be a standard configuration, or modified. On-screen keyboards are a software option, and many offer a scanning function as well as a direct selection option.
Chording Keyboards
Chording keyboards use a combination of a few keys to create keystrokes for each letter. Most individuals can learn to chord within a few weeks. A Braille and Speak is a type of chording keyboard.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Devices.
Many AAC devices have the ability to communicate with a computer either by direct cable, or more often infrared connection. The AAC device is then used as a keyboard with whatever access method the user is already familiar with.
Assistive technologies for people with visual impairment
Screen Readers 
Screen readers are software programs that work in conjunction with the computer's sound card, or a dedicated speech synthesizer to provide verbal feedback of everything on the screen, including menus, text, and punctuation. They are available for DOS or text-based operating systems as well as for Windows. There is a wide variety of options with screen readers, with users having the ability to change the rate, pitch, volume of speech output. Some use an external keypad or touch tablet to operate the reader, others use keyboard commands.
With the addition of a scanner, and optical character recognition, one can use the computer to "read" text from books, magazines, letters or other printed materials. Books are also available on disk from Recording for the Blind.
Screen Enlargement or Magnification 
A magnification program is software based, and focuses on part of the screen and enlarges it. All magnify text by at least 200 percent. Many have variable magnification up to 12 times the normal size. Most can follow or track with the cursor automatically. Some have the ability to magnify graphics. And some magnification programs can have a split screen, with part of the screen showing magnification and the other unmagnified.
Braille Displays 
Refreshable Braille displays provide a line by line tactile output of information displayed on the computer monitor. This is done by means of small, rounded pins that are lifted in order to form Braille characters.
Accessibility utilities that can help disabled users
Programs that add a function to the computer, such as slowing down the key repeat, or allowing multiple key commands to a user who only uses one finger.
Optional Cursors
Software to install cursors that are larger than the standard cursors are available from a variety of sources. Some can be downloaded from the Internet. Some are shareware or freeware, others are sold be software companies.
Talking and large print word processors
Word processors that "read" the text as it is being typed, either by letter, word, sentence, or paragraph can offer an individual with a visual impairment, or with a learning disability an additional opportunity to "proof" their documents. Enlarging the font within the word processor can help as well. Generally, a talking word processor does not have all the capabilities of a screen reader.
Talking Dictionaries and Spell Checking.
Some word processors that speak also will speak while checking the spelling of a document. The program will speak both the word that might be misspelled, and the possible corrections. Many will read the word, and then each letter. There are some that will read the definition of the word as well, and will also notify the user of possible homonyms.
Word Prediction
Allows an individual to use fewer keystrokes to input data. Most are "intelligent", in that they learn from the words used most often by the individual and those words are brought up more frequently in the prediction list. Some of these programs offer speech feedback, and scanning as well.
Voice Recognition
Allows an individual to input data and/or control the computer functions and mouse using his/her voice. Many voice recognition programs must be "trained" to an individual's voice. If the user's voice is not consistent, there may be a problem with the training.
Switches and Switch Software
Allows an individual with limited but a consistent motion to input data into the computer, when a direct access method is not possible. Most switches need a connection (interface) to the computer. Switches are available from a wide variety of vendors, and come in many sizes, shapes, colours. Placement of the switch and the amount of pressure needed to activate it are important considerations in choosing a switch.