Page 185 - Handbook of Electronic Assistive Technology

Chapter 6 • Environmental Control 173

than the conventional means via the integral touchscreen. However, since Apple iOS7 and
Android v5.0 more has been possible:
• Mouse control: It is possible to connect some standard USB mice to Android tablets and
operate the cursor. Not all mice will work this way as some need specific drivers that
will not run on a tablet, but it gives users the option to control the tablet in a manner
similar to a conventional computer.
• Switch access: Switch access to a tablet became available in iOS 7 and Android v5.0.
An interface can be connected to the tablet, whether this is a hard connection such as
Perrero or iHook, or a wireless connection via Bluetooth, the iSwitch, for example. This
enables the user to connect one of the range of switches to access the tablet. The majority
of apps can be accessed using scanning options; however, there are some limitations.
A number of switches can often be connected to the interface and one switch can be set
up to have multiple functions. For example, a single press to initiate scanning or select,
and a long press to mimic the home button. There is also a form of cursor control under
switch control in iOS, using autoscanning crosshairs, which sweeps across the display
from left to right and top to bottom, until stopped by the user over the item required.
• Speech recognition: Tablets and smartphones have speech access apps included:
Siri on iOS, OK Google for Android and Cortana for Windows. There were limitations
with the earlier versions as they often needed a physical button press or screen tap
to initiate; however, Siri in iOS 11 has become completely hands free, and no longer
requires the device to be on mains power.

Alternative Access for Computer Gaming
There is a range of options for access to gaming and games consoles for users with physi-
cal impairment where using a standard controller is too difficult. In the United Kingdom,
charities can assist with assessment, trial and funding of these items.
Mounting: The simplest adaption is to mount the standard controller rigidly to stabilise
the controller or to remove the need for the user to hold it in their hand.
Switch-adapted console controller: Another option is to switch adapt the existing con-
soles. These are often provided as ‘one-off’ customised adaptations for specific patients
(e.g., Special Effects and ReMap ).
18
17
Specialised controller: These are market available controllers, many developed spe-
19
cifically for game play. Examples include the Quadstick, a joystick with multiple inputs
operated by mouth and breath control. Other options include specialised one-handed joy-
20
sticks and larger controllers (e.g., Lepmis ).

17 www.specialeffect.org.uk.
18 www.remap.org.uk.
19 http://www.quadstick.com/.
20 www.lepmis.co.uk/.