Does anybody have experience of using VoiceOver in conjunction with switch control?

By carrie.henshaws, 16 February, 2017

Forum
iOS and iPadOS

Hi All,

I am a professional working with people with sight loss who specialises in digital technology. I am looking to support a partially sighted individual to access an ipad but they also have restricted movement in their left hand and no movement in their right hand. As a result I am looking at using a switch such as the iSwitch or Blue 2 to access the device alongside voiceover to verbalise what is on the screen.

Apple have told me that voiceover will work alongside the switch controls, as have a supplier of inclusive technology whereas the company making the Blue 2 switch have said they cannot be used simultaneously.

This would mean relying on the speech feature in switch controls. Does anyone have any experience or knowledge that would help with this??

Many thanks

Carrie!

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Comments

By Simon on Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 18:43

Turning on Switch Control disables VoiceOver and vice versa currently (iOS10) - but you can enable Switch Control with the Speech option [found in the audio menu of Switch Control] which provides an auditory scan - the Switch Control Menu and few custom Recipes will then provide access to most apps [with the same provisos as VoiceOver]

Thanks Simon, looking at trying a J-Pad with switch controls and speech. Wish me luck!

By david s on Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 18:43

Hello,

Have you tried calling the manufacturer and asking if they can send you a demo unit? Tell them about the situation you are in and would like to try it out before you make the purchase. Let them know in return for providing you with a demo unit, you can provide them feedback and other things they might find useful in developing their products. I’m willing to bet they don’t have much customers that requires both VO and a switch device so they might be willing to do it for real world testing.

This is interesting and I hope you keep us posted.

HTH and good luck.

By Simon on Sunday, February 26, 2017 - 18:43

Good luck - J-Pad does actually have a couple of VoiceOver modes or it can operate as multi-switch device for Switch Control - so one way or another should do the job!

By MeggS924 on Sunday, March 26, 2017 - 18:43

Hi Carrie,

I came across your post and ironically have the same exact circumstances with a client currently. I am trying to figure out what is going to be the best recommendation. What did you have success with? Also, are there any recommended apps? I am in between a Blue 2 Switch control, or VO Controller box. Also trying to find information about a possible JPad. Any recommendations would be great!

Thanks,
Meggan