Switch Access to iPods/iPads Expands

iPortal Accessibility

Several companies have announced new ways for those with physical or multiple disabilities to access the iPod and iPad.  Here is the list of what is currently on the market.

Control the iOS Device with Switch(es)

• iPortal Accessibility allows users with certain brands of power wheelchairs to use their driving mechanism (joystick, switches) to control all aspects of an iPhone 

Control Music on iOS with Switch(es)

• iScan MP3 single switch (visual based) scanning of the music on your iPod (the picture is deceiving - it does work with current versions of the iPod)
  

  

  Ablenet Hook

• Ablenet Hook auditory scanning of music with one or two switches designed to be adjustable in terms of cognitive load
• Adapted 2 Switch iHome a two switch controller of an iHome dock for iPods
• Adapted 6 Switch iHome an adapted iPod dock system with switches for every function
• Big Button iPod Remote is a console of large switches that access music on the iOS devices
• Scan 5 is a console of switches that control iOS and include scanning, Select 5 is the same thing without scanning
• iPod Switcher is another remote console, it has 3 built in switches to control music

Control an App with Switch(es)

• RJ Cooper iOS Super Switch and Switch Interface
• works with the following apps
• Rad Sounds
• Alexicom
• Go Talk Now
• Predictable
• Scene and Heard
• Tap Speak Series
• Ablenet Blue 2 Switches with External Switch Ports
• works with the following apps
• Tap Speak Series
• Sounding Board

Use the iOS Device as a Switch(es) to Control Other Things

• Switchamajig turns your iPad into an adaptive remote control for adapted toys
• Attainment SWITCH is an app that turns your iPad into one or two switches to access any program on a Mac or PC and some apps on another iOS device wirelessly

A Request to App Developers:

• please make your apps switch accessible 
• please demand that the makers of switch interfaces add non-proprietary switch settings to their interfaces (i.e. make all iOS switches/interfaces compatiable with all accessible apps and let customers choose your switch or interface based on the quality of construction and the design of the product not which one gets more bang for the buck in terms of which apps it controls)
• when choosing non-proprietary switch setting to run your app consider using standard keystrokes that can be sent via a bluetooth keyboard (i.e. arrow keys, tab/enter), switch interface makers will eventually have to add these if you insist on them in your apps
• please be sure to make your apps auditory scanning as well as visual scanning

Device of the Day - iPod Adapted Remote

JR Cooper announced his new adapted iPod remote today in all of the assistive technology listservs I am on. The remote is has five buttons. It is a RF (radio frequency) remote. so you do not need to aim it at the iPod. It is angled slightly towards the user. Mr. Cooper states that a scanning version should be out in several months. This remote should be very useful for some students.

He incorrectly points out that his is the only adapted remote on the market for new iPods. He states that the iScan MP3 (distributed by Enabling Devices in the USA and Canada) does not work with new iPods, but it does, however it needs a tiny adaptor and the auditory scan feature (you can still see the scan) does not work. Thus his is the only large button remote on the market and the iScan MP3 is the only scanning remote on the market as of now.

A side note: you do not need in any way to buy JR Coopers AAC remote for iPod. First of all he calls it the Labtec Pure-Fi, most likely a typo, but it is a Logitech Pure-Fi (no such thing as a Labtec and if you enlarge his picture you see it is a Logitech). Secondly he does nothing to adapt it and it still is the highest priced Logitech Pure-Fi on the web. You can find them as low as $125.

Thus you should do your home work. Absolutely any IR (infrared) iPod remote will work to program your AAC devices if it accepts IR commands. Just Google "IR remote iPod". My favorite one costs about ten dollars, but you will need to use your ear buds, no speaker attached with the ten dollar one. You can also go to your local electronic store for one (with or with out speakers). A smooth talker may be able to get Best Buy or Circuit City to donate one.