Keyboard Access
If students cannot access the standard onscreen iOS keyboard, there are other keyboard alternatives. Students may require an alternative onscreen keyboard such as Keedogo Plus which comes with the iPad bundle, or an external keyboard can be connected by bluetooth or USB (e.g. using a Lightning to USB 3 Camera adapter). There are settings in the iOS that can be changed to make keyboard access easier. If you have a student that you feel would benefit from alternate keyboard access contact Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapy Services to request an assessment.
Examples of Alternate Keyboards
Keedogo Plus (onscreen keyboard)
Replace the standard iOS keyboard with a keyboard made for students learning to type. Can be used with or without word prediction. Speech feedback can be turned on with the Spoken Content accessibility feature in iOS. This keyboard must be activated in keyboard settings. After activation, to find the Keedogo keyboard touch the 'globe button' on the standard iOS keyboard.
Clevy Keyboard
The Clevy keyboard has large colour coded keys with lowercase letters. A keyguard can be added to reduce accidental hits.
USB Keyboard
A USB keyboard (e.g. Visionboard, compact keyboard with keyguard etc.) can be connected to the iPad using a Lightning to USB 3 Camera adapter.
If you have questions about alternate access methods please contact Jennifer Mays at jennifer.mays@tdsb.on.ca