Mobile Phone Control
Controlling an iPhone is as easy as a Blink of an Eye!
We will be showcasing and demonstrating Hawkeye Access. Hawkeye Access lets you use eye and face movements to control your device hands-free. For people with motor impairments, this makes controlling an iOS device much easier. We will be joined by Matt Moss founder, creator and CEO of Hawkeye.
Phone control by voice
IPHONE
Requires iOS 13 or above.
ANDROID
Requires Android 5.0 or above.
PHONE CONTROL BY SWITCH
IPHONE / IOS SWITCH CONTROL
The video to the left is showcasing switch control on a iPhone. This is done exactly the same on MacOS. Take note that during the video a blue border is selecting the icons that can be selected this will be the same on your computer when you use switch control.
For this section we’re only going to discuss using switch control of the computer therefore we will leave android out. All you need to do this is how IOS on your computer as well as a means to control the switches. This can be done through an external switch or through wheelchair drive controls. Below are links to external switches as well is a device called Tecla which can enhance switch control.
AbleNet 10000017 Blue2 Bluetooth Switch
$169
AbleNet Micro Light Switch
$85.00
ANDROID SWITCH CONTROL
These groundbreaking features from Google and android provide individuals with mobility impairments the ability to connect with others, get back to work, stream video and so much more! Below is a description of each:
Switch Access lets you interact with your Android device using one or more switches instead of the touchscreen. Switch Access can be helpful for people with dexterity impairments that prevent them from interacting directly with the Android device.
Switch Access scans the items on your screen, highlighting each item in turn, until you make a selection.
To use Switch Access, you'll first need one or more switches. There are several kinds of switches:
Use an external switch: A switch is a device that sends a keystroke signal to your Android device. Several companies sell these devices, such as AbleNet, Enabling Devices, RJ Cooper, and Tecla. These devices connect to your Android device via USB or Bluetooth. (Google does not endorse these companies or their products.)
Use an external keyboard: You can configure a standard USB or Bluetooth keyboard to work as a switch device by assigning one or more of its keys to actions.
PERMOBIL BLUETOOTH ACCESS
Most Permobil wheelchairs have Bluetooth access that will allow you to control your Android phone directly to your existing power wheelchair drive controls.
We live in a connected world. A world full of phones, tablets, and computers. Most of us use technology every single day. For many of us, it is difficult to even be without technology for a few hours. We are constantly looking at our phones whether it is to see the time, make a call/text, or use one of the thousands of apps available to us. For individuals with impaired hand/upper extremity weakness, being able to fully use a phone or computer is not always possible.
For many years now, most power wheelchair manufacturers have integrated Bluetooth into their chairs. What does this mean? It means that the wheelchair user can have their phone, tablet or computer connected to their wheelchair. The power wheelchair can control their phone, tablet, or computer with their driving device. Bluetooth can be utilised with any driver control: joystick, head array, chin drive, etc…
ACCESSIBLE PHONE SYSTEM
This system allows the user to easily control his/hers iPhone through either the controls they use to drive their power wheelchair or external switches/buttons that the user can touch with their face or any other body part they are able to move. What allows this to work is "switch control" that is programmed into iPhone's and either a device (works with per mobile chairs) or a tecla (works with most chairs) which lets switch control interact with the wheelchair or the switches/buttons. This system can be installed on most power chairs, but I have the most experience with per mobile and Invacare.
