Keygaurds, Cases, and Mounting Devices for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
Keygaurds -
A keyguard is a plastic or metal plate that sits above the keys on a keyboard. You can also get keyguards for other more specialist keyboards and even detached numeric keypads. Guards are also made for many communication aids and other devices that are designed for hands-on input.
Keyguards are an essential piece of equipment that can make a huge difference for people with a variety of needs like people with tremors and athetoid conditions where they tend to hit a series of unwanted keys as they are typing. It has also proven to be a successful tool for people with muscular weakness difficulties, such as Muscular Dystrophy. In these scenarios, the user can rest their hands on top of the guard while typing and therefore reduce strain on the upper limb.
Mounts - Mounts are great piece of equipment that makes the mobile devices accessible for people in wheelchair or hospital bed for a temporary or permanent disability. They come in different sizes and shapes. Some of the providers are Ablenet or Belkin companies.
Body Mounts - The mobile device or ipad can be mounted to the arm or leg of the person using straps.
Wheelchair Mount - It can be mounted to the wheelchair or bed using a clamp or a suction cup if a flat surface is available. We can even have custom made mounts for special cases.
Cases - There are numerous numbers of cases for iPad, iPhone, and iPod touches available through different companies. The following are some of my selections that are suitable in school environment or working with people with disability.
iGuy is a great cover for kids. It is Made out of a soft and squishy case and keeps it protected from the usual bumps and knocks against walls and furniture and the occasional drops that are bound to happen.
It is cute and appealing to kids in the event that you have to encourage them to play with the tablet. The iGuy also features legs and arms which make the tablet easy to grab hold of, as well as doubling up as an upright stand for watching movies on. For more info please click here.
Gripcase is the ultimate iPad case for maximum portability, handling, and protection. It has ergonomic handles, a lightweight, shock-absorbent foam body. It is a great case for primary and middle school students or adults and kids with special needs.
iAdapter is a durable case with rubberized corners and handle that fits
over an iPad. It is equipped with dual amplification speakers to provide
users with the volume needed to communicate in any setting. It also has
a built in handle and comes with a shoulder strap and a tabletop stand.
It also has a cover for the home button to avoid hitting it by mistake
or intentionally when working with kids or people with low intellectual
capacity.
- Threaded inserts on back for wheelchair mount plate
- Dual amplified speakers with hi/low volume switch
- Rechargeable lithium-polymer battery 10hr. run time
- USB charging port with LED
- USB charger and cable
- Stereo headset jack
When there is high chance of dropping the ipad, it is a great tool. It is great for people with involuntary movements of their body parts like cerebral palsy. The only problem is that it is very expensive. for more info please click here.
Other Accessories - People who have fine motor skills problem, it is hard to type
on iphone or ipad.
1- Direct Access Devices: Pen stylus gives a better control and aiming technique.
Mouth stick styluses or headpiece stylus are for people who are paralyzed or
have involuntary movement of their body parts.
It gives them freedom and independence.
2- TecEar's T-coil, offers people with hearing loss
clear audio without feedback and distracting background noise. Bluetooth
and Wireless Hearing Assistance Products help un-aided and hearing aid and
cochlear implant users talk on the phone, listen to TV, and hear conversations
more clearly.
3- Blue2 – Bluetooth switch from Ablenet - Video demo
4- Speakers – iMainGo X - video demo
5- iPhone 4/4S Physical KEYBOARD - Keyboard Buddy- Video demo
6- External battery - video demo
7- Audio and video Cables from Apple store
8- Car charger from Apple store
