Macintosh SerialKeys

Some people cannot use the keyboard and mouse at all due to a physical impairment, and must use some specially designed input device (e.g., an augmentative or alternative communication [AAC] device) while accessing a computer. The Macintosh SerialKeys software is designed to allow an AAC device to communicate with the computer through a serial port connection, and changes that information into keyboard or mouse events, just as if the user were typing on the keyboard or using the mouse. Macintosh SerialKeys follows the connection and communication protocol outlined in the General Input Device Emulating Interface (GIDEI) Proposal*.

You can obtain a "free" copy of SerialKeys for the various computer platform/operating systems as follows:

Platform/O.S. Software Contact Information
DOS 3.3 or newer AccessDOS (SerialKeys included)
  • IBM (800) 426-7282
  • Microsoft (800) 426-9400, (206) 637-7098
  • FTP download off Trace Server at:
    <trace.wisc.edu>
    • Windows 3.0, 3.1, 3.11, and NT Access Pack (File name "ACCP.EXE," for Windows 3.x, SerialKeys included)
  • Microsoft (800) 426-9400, (206) 637-7098
  • FTP download off Trace Server at:
    <trace.wisc.edu>
  • FTP download off Microsoft Server at:
    <ftp.microsoft.com>
    • Windows 95 Built-In
  • Included as part of the standard commercial package, (default install)
    • Macintosh System 7.0 or newer SerialKeys
  • FTP download off Trace Server at:
    <trace.wisc.edu>
  • FTP download off the Apple Disability Server at:
    <ftp://ftp.info.apple.com/Apple.Support.Area/disability-solutions/shareware/>
  • Apple Server at:
    <http://www2.apple.com/disability/ shareware.html>

    • * Please contact the Trace R&D Center if you would like more information regarding the GIDEI. <last update 2/96>

    BACK to INFORMATION ON MAC SERIALKEYS