I design databases for users who are not computer savvy and who inevitably scroll into the wrong record accidentally using the mouse wheel and screw up their records. Is there any way to turn that scroll function off?

If you hide and lock the status area, it will stop the scrolling.

You'll then need to provide all record navigation buttons yourself on each layout.

is there a way to allow scrolling between records with the status bar turned off either via some sort of script or plug-in?

Scrolling between records needs to be scripted. Use the Go to Record/Request script step.

I haven't tried this with the Status Bar hidden, but you might try Control Down and Up Arrow Keys (Mac)

Lee

These shortcut keys are disabled when the status area is hidden.

I thought that might be the case.