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    This topic takes a brief look at environmental and games control and the integration of wheelchairs to access communication aids. We cover:

    • How to use wheelchair control joysticks as an access method for communication aids
    • environmental  and games control resources to help children to control videos television and other devices
    • The role of smart speakers such as the Amazon Echo for communication aid users

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    Wheelchair Controls

    
    If a child has learnt to control their wheelchair using a joystick then often they will be able to access an electronic communication aid also using a similar joystick. 

    Modern wheelchairs can have Bluetooth integrated into their systems which means it’s really easy to connect them to Windows, Apple and Android devices with apps or mouse devices. 
    

    For older wheelchairs without Bluetooth, it is possible to position and fix an additional joystick onto the wheelchair, usually in close proximity to the wheelchair joystick. 
    

    This also works for children who use switches to control their wheelchairs, although the set-up process is a little more complicated.
    

    Watch the first 2.44 minutes of this video to see how a joystick and switch, integrated with wheelchair access can be used with an AAC system.

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    Environmental Control and Access to Games

    Many AAC users also have physical disabilities which affects their ability to interact with their physical environment. 

    
    

    
    

    Some children find it difficult to accomplish every day tasks such as changing TV channels, putting on music, opening and closing curtains, and so on. Most dedicated communication aids, other than iPad and Android tablets, support some form of environmental control. This involves the addition of special symbols to their device that send wireless signals to the lights, television and so on to perform these essential everyday functions.   The lights etc also need the bluetooth or wifi enabled connections via a plug and it is essential to check any possible security issues when networ connection are used.

    Children might also want access to games and videos that allow them to play with others both off and online.  This may require some careful research on app stores if you are looking for tablet games in English.  There is a dedicated UK switch access website for Windows PC accessible games called One Switch.  

    Discussions about specific access ideas using assistive technologies often happen online between experts freely offering advice - one of the largest groups, with 3.1K members, is AT Makers on Facebook.  Enabling Devices have a large number of adapted or specially designed toys that provide ideal interactive communication moments. 

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    Activity - Online Games

    There are many online games that can be used in a browser such as Chrome, Firefox and Windows Edge and this means they can also be used on tablets whether they are iOS or Android with direct pointing - touch or when the switch is set up to work in the same way as a mouse. Keyboard access is possible using Mouse Keys on Windows and Mac OS.  Click into the Sensory web app below and select a game.  It can be saved onto your device and run later without internet access if required. 
    

    
    

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    The Role of Smart Speakers

    Recently smart speakers such as the Google Assistant and Amazon Echo have become very popular. On their own these can report the weather, give out reminders, tell jokes, play music and send messages; but with additional hardware they can also change TV channel, dim the lights, open the door, and adjust the heating. The great thing about these devices is that they can be purchased in many shops and installed very easily. They also work with all electronic communication aids as they rely on voice to work.

    The video below is not specific to children, but shows how an AAC device can be used to access Alexa. It is important to remember that the pauses between commands when using AAC may cause an issue for the smart speaker which is why there may need to be some set phrases linked to reequests such as 'turn the lights on', or 'today's weather' and Spotify 'Name of music' etc. 

    
    

    

    Try to imagine how you would access all your devices if you had poor dexterity and no verbal means of communication?  What would you do?  Use your reflective journal to make a quick note
    

    
    
  • Summary 

    • Using the wheelchair’s joystick or switches to access the communication aid is easy – so long as the wheelchair is compatible
    • Most electronic communication aids, other than the iPad, can have additional symbols to change the TV channel, operate the air conditioning and so forth 
    • Smart speakers are getting better all the time, can control the environment and are accessible 
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    Further Reading 

    • Ian Bean SENswitcher - free resources for young people who are learning to use a switch, touch screen, mouse or eye gaze.
    • Curtis Write CJSM2 Wheelchair Joystick with Bluetooth 
    • Possum Environmental Control 
    • Steeper Group Environmental Control 
    • Abilia Environmental Control 
    • Amazon Echo for Grid 3 
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    Reflective Journal 

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    Journal

    Reflective Journal

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    Presentation slides

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    URL (хипервръзка)

    Integrating Access Technologies URL

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