How do I customize the "Assistive Touch" menu?

"Assistive Touch" is an accessibility tool built into iOS that allows functions that would typically be performed through touch to be accessed via eye gaze.  This includes functions such as going to the home screen, switching between apps, scrolling, and swiping.  

When "Assistive Touch" is turned on, it appears as an onscreen button that looks like this:    

The button can be dragged to a preferred location on the screen.  When the "Assistive Touch" button is accessed, it pulls up an onscreen menu (see image below) that can be customized based on the tools that the AAC User needs quick access to.

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Turning on "Assistive Touch"

If you have a ProSlate 13 EE device on loan, or received one through the insurance funding process, "Assistive Touch" should already be turned on, and no action should be needed.  That said, these steps will walk you through how to turn it back on if it accidentally gets turned off.

1. Open "Settings"
2. Tap “Accessibility," and then "Touch." 
3. Select "Assistive Touch."  
4. Ensure that "Assistive Touch" is turned "on."  This tool will allow the user to navigate the tablet and program shortcuts, as needed.

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Customizing the "Assistive Touch" Menu

1. Open "Settings"
2. Tap “Accessibility," and then "Touch." 
3. Select "Assistive Touch."  

4. Select "Customize Top Level Menu."

   

5. Tap one of the existing icons to replace it with one of the available options from the list.  

   

6. What is included on the "Assistive Touch" menu, and how the menu is organized, will be specific to the AAC User.
   1. Some common tools that may be helpful to include are:
      1. Pause/Resume Dwell:  Allows users to pause/resume dwell independently.
      2. Scroll:  Allows users to engage in scrolling actions to more easily navigate the device.
      3. App Switcher:  Allows users to pull up all of the apps that are open and quickly select which one they would like to use.
      4. Home:  Allows users to quickly return to their home page.
      5. Shortcuts:  Once you create shortcut links to specific apps or eye gaze tools (How do I quickly access eye gaze tools via shortcuts?), these shortcuts can be programmed onto the "Assistive Touch" menu for quick access.

   2. You can  change the number of icons that are visible on the menu by using the -/+ buttons in the lower right corner.

      

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Our Team at Forbes AAC always wants to ensure that you feel supported!  If you need additional assistance, please reach out to your local Assistive Technology Specialist or to our Tech Support Team!