Switch Access to iPods/iPads Expands

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 access to iOS devices (except the shuffle, the picture is deceiving on the website it DOES work with current model devices) with adjustable scan speed
• Ablenet Hook auditory scanning of music with one or two switches designed to be adjustable in terms of cognitive load

Control an App with Switch(es)

• RJ Cooper iOS Super Switch and Switch Interface
• Ablenet Blue 2

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

High Tech Pudding

Today we made green and gold pudding in celebration of St. Patrick's Day (we like to get the party started early in our room). Here are some of my students making the pudding; differentiated instruction combines with assistive technology meaning everyone participates and learns independence.

For technology we used our Enabling Devices pouring cup with a "jelly bean" switch, some standard electric beaters with our Ablenet powerlink and an Ablenet "big red" switch. The students did 99% of the work them selves, with more able students handling the beaters, opening boxes, etc. and switch users doing the pouring (via the switch pouring cup) and powering the beaters via switch for their friend. The end result was four cups of gold pudding (vanilla), four cups of green pudding (pistachio), a bit of a mess and a good time.





































It was very yummy!

How to Create Switch Accessible Resources in Powerpoint