AAC with Switch access for iPad
Presented by Nichole Carubia, MA, CCC-SLP, NBCT
Learning Objectives:
Scanning features to consider
Auditory cues/auditory scanning: for someone with visual impairments, auditory scanning is necessary
Step Scanning: scan each button at a time
Row Scanning: more efficient than step scanning. Scan a row at a time. Select that row and then scan down the row and select a button from that row.
Consider all options when selecting a scanning mode for the individual. How is their speed? Can that feature be adjusted within the app? Can they utilize 2 switches or only one?
Other switch considerations
How many switches can the individual utilize? (typically 1 or 2; some interfaces support as many as 4- Pretorian)
Using a Bluetooth Switch interface (BSI)
Must have an interface to use a switch with the iPad. You can’t just plug in a 3.5mm switch into the iPad and have it scan (trust me, I have tried it).
How to pair bluetooth switch with iPad
Set up and use third-party Bluetooth accessories (from Apple)
**Generally advisable to follow pairing directions that come with the switch as they are usually device specific
Switch Accessibility in iOS
Single Switch Step Scanning in iOS 9 (Video)
iOS 7 Switch Control - An Introduction (Video) (from Pretorian)
AbleNet iOS 10 Switch Control User Guide
Assistiveware Switch Setup Guide (1&2 switches)
**iOS Switch Control is not necessarily compatible with scanning in many apps. May need to disable this feature to successfully use scanning inside an accessible AAC app (or other switch-accessible app)
Options for Switches
RJ Cooper’s Bluetooth Switch Interface
Blue 2- Ablenet
RJ Cooper’s Bluetooth Switch Box
Pretorian- Simply Works, APPlicator, and several other switch interface options
Tecla Shield
Tecla Shield with iPad- Blog
Tecla Shield Product Information- with video
RJ Cooper
RJ's list of switch-friendly apps
RJ's iPad Voice Over controller
*RJ Cooper has redesigned his website a bit. The new site looks fine but the old site is still available FYI.
Tap Speak
Tap Speak Sequence (Standard ($29.99) & Plus ($49.99))-
Tap Speak Button (Standard ($29.99) & Plus ($49.99)) has switch interface; limited settings, not much functionality.
Tap Speak Choice (Standard ($169.99) & Plus ($219.99))also with switch interface; many options for switch configuration. TapSpeak Choice Scanning Settings
Ted Conley- Developer Page (view all apps together on this page)
Proloquo2go
http://www.assistiveware.com/road-proloquo2go-4-alternative-access
Video: Using External Switches (12 minutes)
Video: Switch Access and Scanning (50 minutes)
*These videos are for Proloquo2go v3. Auditory scanning was introduced in version 4. Manual is located inside the app and also as a PDF. See pp71-77 and pp59-61 for scanning-related information.
predictable
Several options for switch configuration inside Predictable. Not compatible with iOS 7 Switch Control
Go Talk Now
Go Talk Now (available in a decent free version for trials and a paid version), works well with scanning/switches for users who need something rather simple.
Go Talk Now User Guide- see pp 33. Scanning options are relatively simple but should offer sufficient options for many users. Can only be used with a few different types of switches; verify prior to purchasing the switch/interface (free version of app works REALLY WELL for this purpose); also, consider checking out a switch interface and switch(es) from SETC! Great way to try before you buy.
Talk Tablet
Talk Tablet does include scanning.
Talk Tablet iOS manual- see p16 for scanning/switch instructions
Talk Tablet’s scanning options seem relatively simple compared with Proloquo2go v4.
Dynavox Compass App
Settings for 1 Switch Autoscan or 2 Switch Step Scan
Compass App User Guide- see p. 24 for scanning settings
TOBII Dynavox Training/Support page
Possible to download free trial version; can also get a complimentary copy as an SLP!
On modeling:
Interesting blog post on modeling AAC use
Modeling is necessary when teaching individuals to use AAC. They will learn faster if they see someone else doing it! That person may be you. The need for modeling is still there when using switches. Don’t be afraid to jump right in and model how to use a switch with the individual (in an appropriate way, of course; think of the person’s age, cognitive level, etc.)
On Language Development:
Tips and tricks for setup and implementation
If at first you don’t succeed:
VoiceOver
VoiceOver is Apple’s accessibility system for the iPad. Can be used by direct selection (touching the iPad), with a Bluetooth Keyboard, and/or with a Refreshable Braille Display.
VoiceOver Commands and Gestures
Using VoiceOver with a Braille Display
Switch accessible apps- Non-AAC