With so many tablets being used to support people with learning and communication difficulties, it’s no surprise that new ways to access these devices are being offered. The very sensitive screen and ability to only respond to a single point (rather than a fist, for example) has made tablets rather inaccessible for some. But not anymore! This range of tablet solutions will remove the barriers for many.
Upgrading to iOS 13 for iPhone or iPadOS for iPad is one way to unlock the ability to use a USB or Bluetooth mouse with your device. Mouse support on iOS 13 and iPadOS is part of the operating system and does not require any special hardware outside of a USB adapter.
Coupled with an OTG (On The Go) adapter, any alternative mouse or keyboard with a USB connection, can be used with your iPad/iPhone. We offer many different styles to meet different needs, so have a look at our alternative mice and keyboards too.
Bluetooth resources are also valuable when you prefer a wireless connection, and there are many to choose from:
BLUE 2 (4th Generation) SWITCH
Provides single or dual switch access via Bluetooth connection to iOS, Apple OS X, Windows, Google Chrome, and Android devices. Includes an integrated rechargeable battery, two external switch ports, and tactile & auditory feedback when pressed. The Blue 2 switch can also be used as a proximity switch, meaning that a physical press is not required - just moving your finger near to the switch surface can activate it.
J-PAD JOYSTICK FOR IPAD
J-Pad is a unique, highly intuitive joystick interface providing ergonomic switch access to iOS Switch Control. Instead of needing to remember what each switch does in a typical switch-based configuration, J-Pad’s user-interface makes it obvious. If the user needs to scan upwards, then move the stick upwards. Similarly, to scan to the right, move the stick to the right. To select, touch the green switch and to close an app, touch the red switch. The red and green buttons are entirely touch sensitive using similar technology to a touch screen, so no pressure is required. Alternatively, external switches may be plugged in via the two 3.5mm sockets, in which case the touch sensitive switches are disabled, allowing the user to lean across them without fear of activation.
iSWITCH
The iSwitch is a very robust, flexible device which allows the
integral 75mm switch and up to two additional switches to be connected to iPad, iPhone, Android or any other platform supporting Bluetooth connectivity. The iSwitch may be configured so that a switch can give Enter on a brief press and Home following an extended press. This means that just one switch is all that’s necessary to achieve single switch auto-scanning using iOS Switch Control, allowing the user to scan to an app, open it, scan within the app and finally quit the app.
Each one of the switches can be independently programmed to be any of the 24 available functions which include everything you may need to achieve switch adapted app access, media access or full navigation using iOS Switch Control.
BLUELINE BLUETOOTH JOYSTICK
The BlueLine is a compact desktop Bluetooth Joystick allowing direct wireless connection to any computer or tablet that has built-in Bluetooth. Ideal for connection to iPad or iPhone using iOS Assistive Touch to give precise cursor movement without the need for fine motor skills. Also allows easy connection to Android devices.
BlueLine includes three recessed buttons and two sockets for external switches, all of which can be individually configured according to the user’s precise needs. The unit also supports four cursor speed settings which may be changed by the user. Other button options include swipe left and swipe right which are ideal for page turning in addition to drag-lock and dwell-click features.
This is just a small selection of our accessories to make using your tablet or iPad more accessible. Remember to visit our shop or catalogue to see more!