Apple iOS Device Configuration for Switch Control

Introduction to Switch Control

Starting with iOS7, Switch Control is a system-wide switch scanning capability built into the operating system. It allows a user to access an iOS Device with one or more adaptive switches. Switch Control can be used with external switches or using two built-in "switches": the camera and the touchscreen.

This user guide addresses using external switches. Tapio™ provides the interface for connecting industry-standard 3.5mm adaptive switches to the iOS Device (iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch). Attach Tapio to the iOS Device using the Apple Lightning to USB adapter.

If you see a compatibility message when plugging in Tapio, tap OK to dismiss the dialog box and continue.

This guide will set up the Apple iOS Device to do step scanning with two switches: switch one (SW1) for selecting, and switch two (SW2) for moving to the next item.

Accessibility Shortcut

The Accessibility Shortcut is a convenient method for turning a configured accessibility feature on and off. Once configured, a triple click on the home button or side button will toggle the accessibility feature. For initial experience with Apple's accessibility features, it is advisable to configure the Accessibility Shortcut solely for Switch Control.

Configuration Steps

1. Launch the Settings app.
2. Select General.
3. Select Accessibility.
4. Select Accessibility Shortcut (near the bottom):
   1. Check Switch Control and verify other options are un-checked.
   2. Tap the Back arrow [←] at the top of the screen and return to the Accessibility section.
5. Select the Switch Control heading under the INTERACTION section.

Switch Control Settings

This section offers many settings based on user preferences and scanning method specifics. Options include adjustments for the scanning cursor's size and color, and whether sound or speech is used to describe highlighted elements.

Timing Settings: Tap Behavior

A significant setting under Timing is Tap Behavior. This option automatically performs a TAP on an element when it is selected during scanning. While useful, a limitation is that it requires a double tap of your adaptive switch to access the Switch Control menu. With Auto Tap turned off, scanning to and selecting an element brings up a context-sensitive menu, allowing further scanning within that menu for actions like tapping the Home button, accessing the app switcher, or performing swipes.

With Auto Tap enabled, a double tap of the select switch is required to bring up the context-sensitive Switch Control menu. The double-tap time is set after Auto Tap is enabled.

Two-Switch Step Scanning Configuration

The configuration below is for two-switch step scanning, with a backup single loop, auto scan. Experimentation with different options is encouraged.

1. Set Auto Scanning Time to 1 second.
2. Set Loops to 1.
3. Turn Auto Tap On and select 0.75-seconds.
4. Turn Sound Effects on.
5. Turn Group Items on.
6. Turn Large Cursor on.

Defining Your Switches

Next, inform your iOS Device about your switches.

If you haven't plugged in your Tapio and adaptive switches, do so now. If a compatibility message appears, tap OK to dismiss it and continue.

1. Tap the Switches item and select Add New Switches...
2. Select External. The iOS Device will prompt, "Activate your external switch..."
3. Press your first adaptive switch (SW1). A New Switch dialog box will appear, asking you to name this switch.
4. Enter an appropriate name and select Save.
5. When the Actions screen opens under the Scanner section, configure this switch to Select Item.
6. Repeat steps (a) through (d) for the second switch (SW2). When the Actions screen opens under the Scanner section, configure this switch to Move To Next Item.

Activating Switch Control

Activate scanning by either returning to the Switch Control main menu and sliding the Switch Control slide-switch, or by triple-clicking the Home button (using the Accessibility Shortcut configured previously).

When Switch Control begins scanning, it typically starts in auto scanning mode until the switch for "Move to Next Item" is activated. From that point, each press of SW2 moves the highlight to the next item. Each press of SW1 selects and TAPs the highlighted item (since Auto Tap was enabled).

Troubleshooting: Switch Control Device Not Found

If you encounter the error "Switch Control Device Not Found," the iOS Device cannot detect the previously defined adaptive switches. This could mean the switch interface is disconnected, not functioning, or iOS is unable to communicate with it. Try unplugging and reattaching the interface. If this does not resolve the issue, delete the defined switches and follow the steps above to re-define them.