Switch Accessible Apps
Switch access to the iPad has been available for some time, and while the addition of switching to iOS7 has opened the iPad to many, particularly experienced switch users, the use of third party Bluetooth switch boxes allow for a simpler access method to specified apps. This can be useful for those who require an easier row column scan or a simple scan pattern.
Samples of switch accessible apps are outlined below, which may help switch users access the iPad for leisure, education or communication apps. If you want to find out more, please visit out blog site, ATandMe.com
Cause and Effect apps:
Apps such as Inclusive Technology’s Five Sharks Swimming, Five Little Aliens and Smarty Pants, as well as apps like Rad Sounds require a single switch hit to start an activity. Big Bang Pictures, Sensory iMeba and Sensory Magma are apps designed with individuals with visual impairments in mind, as the images are high contrast. Splodge is an app that splatters paint on screen with every switch press.
Switch Kids, TouchMe PuzzleKlick and the Sights and Sounds range of apps look at developing multiple switch presses to complete an activity.
Apps requiring timed switch activation:
Little Lost Penguin, Hurdle Champion, Jungle Adventure, Sensory Room and a personal favourite, Splat the Clown, all have elements of timing switch hits associated with them. Rather than “flyswatting” the switch, the user has to wait until an object is in position before hitting the switch. For example, in Splat the Clowns, you have to wait until the clown is in the target area before you throw a pie at him! For more idea of timed switch apps, visit ATandMe.com
2Player switch apps
Bumper Cars and Shhhh! from Inclusive and Turn Taking – Switch and Touch Accessible bundles allow two switches to be used by two separate individuals to work together on an activity.
Introducing scanning
Catch the Cow is a simple scanning game that introduces more complex scanning patterns. Racing Cars allows you to select which car to enter in a race. Scan and Match also targets multiple choice scan to match to a stimulus at the top of the screen, as does Switch Accessible Matching app. More apps can be found at www.ATandMe.com .
More complex scanning games
Train Tracker is a nicely designed game that allows you to set up a track for your train to travel along. Koppy Kattz requires memory skills in order to repeat a sequence of up to five locations. Find more at www.ATandMe.com .
Education apps
First Alphabet One Switch pro introduces the alphabet to switch users. Scan-a-word lets switch users work on letter matching skills, giving auditory feedback. Rather than moving across a set list of options, a target constantly changes in the one location.
ChooseIt! Literacy has approximately 250 activities that can be used to reinforce the curriculum, working on phonemic awareness, the alphabet and visual recognition of wards.
More literacy, maths and sciences apps that are switch accessible can be found in the blog post
Switch accessible books
Books that are easily switch activated include the Adapted Play books - EIEIO!, Peanut Butter, Dirty Duds and Hurry!Hurry!. MyOwnBooks2Go is an app containing many easy to read books. Interactive books include I Can Help, A Leader Is and Recycle It.
Communication apps
There are many switch accessible communication apps available, so only a selection are mentioned here. Check out ATandMe.com for more.
The TapSpeak range of apps, which includes the Button, Sequence and Choice options, allow communication from a cause and effect level to a choice making level, includes some options to customise how the switch works. Auditory scanning is also possible.
Alexicom is a subscription based app, where by you can create your own pages or purchase pre-made page sets.There is no message window to construct sentences, or text screen to spell out words.
GoTalk Now, an app version of the popular low tech AAC device, allows for linked pages with between 1 and 25 locations. There is no message window but auditory scanning is possible.
