#alternative access

[m-e-isannoying]

Alternative access methods

I've recently tried multiple methods to access my iPad (and sometimes my phone) that cost less energy. (Comparison under the cut)

Problems that I face:

I have to move my arm a lot if I want to interact with my iPad

It's too bright and I sometimes can't see too well or seeing is exhausting

Stuff that I've tried (I've really only tried it for a little bit, so take it with a grain of salt):

Screenreader (Talkback and voice over):

Speed: okay

Control: multiple fingers, oftentimes big/ complicated gestures, you need to reach the whole screen. You can change gestures to meet your needs. Alternative: keyboard/ braille keyboard (haven't tried, sounds good though)

What it can make easier: using a device without looking. You can even make the display go black when using it though the black is still black with light, sadly.

Assistive Touch:

Speed: okay

Control: for example a little space on your device that you define as a trackpad. You can also use a normal controller/ joystick (that's what I do); you need the joystick, but not necessarily the buttons.

What it can make easier: controlling your device with very little movement. You can do most stuff by imitating touch gestures with a controller (a bit complicated and requires more coordination than switch control). You can't use voice over with this (as far as I've tried) so you still have to look at the screen.

Switch control:

Speed: slow af

control: from tapping on the back of your device or one or multiple buttons (there are buttons that can sense the smallest motion) to eyegaze or sounds you can basically use anything. I use multiple buttons on my controller. There is an option for speech output.

what it can make easier: basically any motor issue and complex disability. Though in my experience it bugs a lot and even more with speech output (some of these are probably also me being confused, but some are definitely bugs). This and the slow speed might make it frustrating to use. But it's also the most accessibel method I've encountered.

[five-thousand-loaves-of-bread]

shout out people who need speciality wheelchair/wheelchair parts/ways propel not often talk about or even other wheelchair users not even know exist!!

manual wheelchair people who can only use one arm propel!! (upper limb difference, other hand hold white cane, etc)

manual wheelchair people who use leg propel!

powerchair people who cannot use typical hand joystick! who need alternative access!

mini joysticks! or who use parts that not hand, like head chin tongue knee legs etc! who use sip & puff, touch pads, switch trays, multi switch access, single switch access, eye gaze! whose control not proportional (only on/off & not like, more stronger press equal faster)!

& other types of chair like adaptive stroller, activity chairs, non powered chairs w tilt in space, etc!

and to all types & all users who use stuff not listed here!

[nonspeakerlibrary]

How you know you’re expecting too much from your AAC user

I often see parents or Support staff (including Therapists) come into a group I am in, who tell the AAC user has had their device for a week

A DeafBlind, multiply disabled autistic AAC user talks about how much motor and processing effort goes into our communication , especially if we are using an alternative access method.

[m-e-isannoying]

My assistive touch has been acting up since an update recently so now I have trouble using my AAC.

Being dependent on technology sucks.

[m-e-isannoying]

I manage to use my AAC with my controller more these days. It's a pretty big hurdle cause I'm so slow and I wanna talk fast, but also my arm muscles can recover now so I think that's good

[m-e-isannoying]

Infos on alternative access methods for people who can't use keyboard, touchscreen or mouse. (Because I find it very interesting and it's honestly valuable information if you think about digital accessibility)

Understanding Alternative Access Methods for People with Physical Disabilities - NWACS

A plain language summary of a research article. The full article by Rameriz discusses alternative access for people with physical disabiliti

So... This is wild. They compared typing speed of different access methods. With a normal keyboard you can type around 10-13 words per minute and on touch screen about 7 words per minute, while you only get around 5 words per minute by using on screen keyboards and 2 (!) words per minute when using switch control. Brain computer interfaces seem to be the weirdest with typing speeds from less than 1 word per minute (average) to normal speech speed whith more than 60 words per minute.

TLDR: using switch control is very slow.

[m-e-isannoying]

Using a controller to access my iPad steals so much less energy.

[five-thousand-loaves-of-bread]

in try sort out my whole switch control issue, found someone non-switch user write about own experience of try out use switch for day. n it may be eye opener for anyone who not familiar with switch using experience or not know switches (accessibility device, not nintendo) or alternative access in general

I Used a Switch Control for a Day - 24 Accessibility

Hampus Sethfors uses a switch control for a day and shares his discoveries and insights, while encouraging you to give it a go.

n keep in mind person doing this non-switch user n so probably have about average motor & mobility control! which not true at all for switch users