Does anyone have any experience using a USB dance pad as an alternative input device in Ubuntu? I've tried some experiments along these lines in Windows, but I'm trying to move as much of my computing as possible to Ubuntu. I'm especially interested in any specific dance pads that are known to work well with Ubuntu and any software that might be useful.
My first project is to try to use a dance pad to input to Dasher, so the first thing I'm interested in is emulating the mouse. I've also contemplated trying to turn the dance mat into a keyboard by using ordered sequences of button presses on the mat to correspond to characters. (I have some Java code that implements this on a very basic level. I've also played with EdgeWrite, which is unfortunately Windows-only, though the source is available.)
I have very little ability to type (but I do have basic programming knowledge), so I'm trying to use software that already exists as much as possible.
Just for reference, I have a medical condition that causes pain and weakness in my hands and arms. My ability to type is very limited, and I manage most of my computer use with a trackball, a dwell clicker, and speech to text software (which is unfortunately Windows-only and nonfree).
Any thoughts would be appreciated!