Using a Keyboard to Test Switch Access

The Apple camera connection kit can be used to connect almost any keyboard to an iPad. However, were you also aware that you can then use this keyboard to test out switch access on apps if you don't have a proper switch box and switches handy? For example, if you are at home testing out apps for your students at work.

Plug in any regular keyboard via the Apple camera connection kit. If you are unsure how this works I have written an article about this previously. Once the keyboard is plugged in, you just need to know what switch presses the app you would like to use are programmed to.

Switch boxes work by converting the switch press into a keyboard symbol that the iPad can recognise. So once you know which keystrokes the app wants, it is just a matter of pressing these keys on the keyboard as if they were the switches.  'Space' and 'Enter' are common keystrokes used by many apps, but it can vary. Usually the app will tell you which keystrokes it accepts.

Knowing this trick can give you the freedom of testing out switch accessible apps for your students when you are on the go.