iPad Switch Recipes
Making your favorite iPad apps switch accessible is easier than you think! And while there are different switch interfaces that you can use, we’re going to focus on the Blue2 Bluetooth Switch from Ablenet. It’s simple to set up, easy to use, wireless, and works as both a switch interface and the switch itself. Here is a great downloadable guide from Ablenet to get you started:
1) Gather Your Ingredients
You’ll just need an iPad, a Blue2 Switch, and accessible apps.
2) Pair the Switch
In iPad Settings, turn on Bluetooth. Next, turn on the Blue2 switch. Then, select Blue2 under Bluetooth devices on the iPad.
3) Set up the Switch
In the Accessibility Menu, go to Switch Control, then Switches, then Add New Switch. Select External and then activate the switch (just push the white button).
Name the switch and save it. Select action, "Move to Next Item."
Go through the same setup process for the orange S2 switch and choose the action "Select Item"
4) Optional Tip: Add to Accessibility Shortcut
You can easily turn switch control on and off by adding switch control to the Accessibility Shortcut.
In the Accessibility Settings, go to Accessibility Shortcut and click on "Switch Control."
To access, simply triple click the side button.
5) Get Switch Accessible Apps
Guess what? There are many great iPad apps that are already switch accessible!
Check out apps from Inclusive Technology, Marblesoft, and Attainment Company.
Here is a downloadable PDF list of switch accessible apps:
Take a look at how we set up our switch accessible iPads for the AT4Kids Lending Library:
6) Using Recipes
What if your favorite app isn’t already switch accessible? Don’t worry … we can make a recipe!
The possibilities for iPad switch recipes are endless! But let’s start with three: Center, Turn Page, and Custom. Center taps the center of the screen every time. This is perfect for apps like “Peek-A-Boo Barn.” Turn Page swipes from right to left … just like you’re turning a real page in a book. This is perfect for reading books like “The Monster at the End of This Book.” Sometimes there just isn’t a pre-made recipe for your app and you’ll need to make it from scratch, perfect to put on the best show in the “Fireworks” app.
In the Accessibility Settings, go to Switch Control, then Recipes, scroll down and click Launch Recipe. Once there, select the recipe that you want to use.
Go to the app that you want to use, click the home button 3 times to activate the accessibility shortcut, and select switch control.
