Accessibility for the 'Single-Handed' User

[Exertive]

I am posting this comment on the PhotoShop Discussion Forum, but it could equally well belong to any other Adobe Creative app's Forum.

I have been a committed user of a wide range of Adobe apps for decades. Throughout all that time, I have been consistently frustrated by Adobe's insistence on complicated key-mouse combinations. I am one of the rare breed of literally 'single-handed' users in that my left hand is of little reliable use.

Attempting esoteric combinations such as clicking on something while simultaneously pressing the Crtl and Shift keys, for example, is something I can only do clumsilily, unreliably, and with a certain amount of discomfort.

I am all too aware that manufacturers only pay lip-service at best to accessibility issues, and then only when legislation requires them to do something. There are simply too many forms and degrees of 'disability' to cater for them all.  The cost would become prohibitive.

However, for desktop or web-based software applications solutions to very specific (and uncommon) issues like mine can have wider benefits for all users. The search for a solution can encourage or even force a much needed rethink of the User Interface in general. Aren't weird combinations like I have described just a bit obscure for most users, even fully ambidextrous ones?

A solution to my problem, as just one example, might be to have a 'mode' toggle somewhere easily visible, which, when pressed with the mouse would have the same effect as the Ctrl+Shift key combination.

These are just a few of my thoughts. I would be interested in those of others, especially from within Adobe or from fellow users who face similar challenges.

[D Fosse]

I understand it's a real problem, and I haven't looked closely at this.

But you can use Photoshop without any keyboard shortcuts. There is a menu item for everything.

Another thing you could do is use a programmable mouse. The most common shortcuts can be assigned to mouse buttons. My own Logitech mouse has no less than 10 buttons, and all can be programmed.

[jane-e]

Attempting esoteric combinations such as clicking on something while simultaneously pressing the Crtl and Shift keys, for example, is something I can only do clumsilily, unreliably, and with a certain amount of discomfort.

By @Exertive

For macOS here are some sites for accessibility. I have not tested them.

https://support.apple.com/en-bn/guide/mac-help/mchlc74c1c9f/mac

https://support.apple.com/accessibility

https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/change-keyboard-settings-for-accessibility-mchlae61a6de/15.... 

If you turn on Sticky Keys, for instance, you can press a set of modifier keys one at a time in sequence, instead of all at once. For example, enter the key combination Option-Command-F5 by pressing each key in sequence.

Jane

[zain_5858]

You bring up a really important point about accessibility in Adobe apps. Complex key-mouse combos can be frustrating, not just for users with physical challenges but for anyone who prefers a more intuitive workflow. A mode toggle like you suggested would be a simple yet effective solution, making shortcuts more accessible without overhauling the UI.

It’s true that companies often only address accessibility when required, but small changes like this could benefit everyone. Have you considered submitting a feature request? If enough users push for it, Adobe might take notice. Thanks for sharing—this is exactly the kind of discussion that sparks change!

[jane-e]

@zain_5858 wrote: Have you considered submitting a feature request?

The OP put this post in Ideas, so it is already a feature request. Click the Upvote button to the left of the first post to let the program developers know you support it.

Jane

[PECourtejoie]

There was a modifiers panel with buttons you could click to have shift, alt and Ctrl, but it was removed. I championed to have it on Mac for accessibility purposes, but...

[amitchandra_9619]

Thanks for taking up this topic. I am a stroke survivor who lost the use of my left hand last year. What used to be simple control shift function with my left hand is now definitelyvery tough to accomplish. I have transitioned to using  single handed keyboard successfully. It would be great if companies like Adobe, Microsoft can make some improvements to their products. Potentially create an adaptive suite of products  and charge more for those licenses.

[thejanebradbury]

Hello Nico, I have a disability I was born with that affects my hands. So, I've spent a lifetime finding workarounds in unexpected places. As a rule I can manage shortcuts that are 2 keys e.g. Ctrl + G to Group, but it does mean I have to change my whole sitting position to be able to get my fingers in the right place. After a while it gets tiring and often painful. 

In both Photoshop and Illustrator I set up actions to perform the most common functions. As with Ctrl + G above: record it as an Action, then have the Actions panel docked to the side in Button mode - you can even give actions a colour to differentiate them - and all it takes is one tap to perform the command. In this Photoshop screenshot I've got more actions than I use, (mostly from Kyle Webster) but you get the idea:

Another method I have is Voice Attack, which is voice recognition software for operating a computer and gaming. I am indebted to @bluebrad for introducing me to this software a couple of months ago. I had tried searching for something like it, but never found it by using the traditional method of linking it to disability. Proof that stuff to help us make the world more accessible isn't always marketed towards those of us with difficulties; it's marketed to make gaming easier!  

Voice Attack takes some learning and it can get a bit complicated, but it has endless possibilities for programming shortcuts to work with voice or keyboard shortcuts. I'll be honest, I don't use it enough but I ought to because it would make life so much easier. 

Another possibility, but more expensive, is to use software/hardware primarily marketed for streaming e.g. Elgato Streamdeck. Again, you can program buttons to perform shortcuts and combine that with actions and it's another way of one button doing a lot for us with less effort or struggle. 

One other option is Wacom graphic tablets like the Intuos Pro. Within the tablet software there is a system of menus that you can program for each application. They can be button or pie wheel and they can overlay the screen so that you can just tap which command you want. Again, it's an expensive option (which is why when my tablet broke I haven't yet replaced it) but i absolutely loved the on-screen menus the tablet had in aaddition to its on tablet buttons. 

I hope my experience and suggestions give you a direction to hunt out your own solutions if mine don't quite fit the bill. 

@amitchandra_9619 tagging you in case you also find this helpful.