People who have physical impairments can often find computers to be useful through a variety of devices. Some of these are sophisticated input systems, based on eye tracking or blowing in a straw for example. Current research has even used brain implants where one can "think" a cursor to go in a direction. (Not science fiction anymore.)
Others are as simple as "sticky keys" type changes to the interface. In this example, one holds down a modifier key for a little while longer than usual and then the modifier "turns on". A subsequent key press without the modifier key held down is interpreted as if the modifier key was held down.
Some input devices that could help these people could also help people that we don't usually think of as having physical impairments. For example, SpeechToText capability.
IndexPage | TableOfContents
