The AIrturn Switch Interface

A wireless switch interface is preferable for many users because it’s neater with no wires trailing and you can use it while your device is charging (wired option uses the same connection as the charger). If you or the person you are supporting only requires 1 or 2 switches then you should look no further than the Airturn. The Airturn (pictured above) was originally developed and is marketed as a hands free page turner for musicians who use iPads for displaying sheet music. You can connect two switches to the small Bluetooth device and it will allow you full access to your iOS device using the Switch Control accessibility feature. If it looks familiar that might be because you have seen the Switch Box before, the Airturn is the exact same device with a different label and a 40% mark-up. The Airturn can be purchased from many online music equipment shops for around €65.

The Stealth Switch

The advantage of a wired switch interface over a Bluetooth option is mainly that it does not require batteries or to be charged. If your mobile device is mounted in such a way that the wire will not get in the way and become a hindrance this might be a good solution. Before being able to connect the stealth switch as outlined below you will first need to purchase a Camera Connection Kit from Apple (or get a cheap generic one on eBay or Amazon). The Camera Connection Kit (pictured below right) allows you to connect USB peripherals to your iOS Device.   

The Stealth Switch2 (pictured above left) is a programmable USB foot switch that has jack connections for four additional switches. The fact that it is programmable distinguishes it from most switch connectors used for AT like the Crick SwitchBox or the Joy Cable because it doesn’t need a switch driver application to be installed for it to work. When you first get the device you use the included software to program each switch (5 including the foot switch itself) to output a keystroke when activated. You only need to do this once and it will remember the keys programmed, you can of course reprogram it as much as you like if required. Once programed it is recognised by all devices as a USB keyboard and therein lies its strength; allowing it to work perfectly with most tablets. For example it can be connected to a Microsoft Surface RT and be used to operate the huge range of switch accessible games and apps on the web from sites like Priory Woods and Help Kids Learn. We have also tested it with the iPad and it works perfectly (aside from a mildly annoying error box that appears when first connected - outlined below). For the iPad you should program each switch to be a function key (f1 to f5 – it may work with other keys but we have tested the function keys and they definitely work). You then connect the Stealthswitch to your iOS device using the previously mentioned camera connection kit (here is the error box mentioned earlier - you will get the ““Cannot Use Device. The connected USB device is not supported.” However if you just go ahead and click OK the device will work fine). This solution allows you connect 5 switches to the iOS device (which will allow some power switch users very efficient access) and will cost about €50.

Update: The Stealth Switch2 reviewed here is still available from some web sites but it seems to have been superseded by the StealthSwitch3. We have not tested the StealthSwitch3 but although the hardware design is different it seems to use the same technology internally and so should work as outlined above also.