How do I pause "dwell control?"

It can be helpful for AAC users to have the ability to independently pause their "Dwell Control."  This can be especially handy if the AAC user wants to read something on the screen without selecting anything and/or if they would like to rest their eyes.  

On the ProSlate 13 with Enable Eyes, this function is referred to as a "Pause Dwell" button, and it can be programmed onto the "Assistive Touch" menu.

"Assistive Touch" is an accessibility tool built into iOS.  It 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.  If you are curious about programming the Assistive Touch button, please refer to this article:  How do I customize the "Assistive Touch" menu?

This article will walk through how to pause "Dwell Control," and how to program this functionality if needed. 

Please Note:  ProSlate 13 EE loan devices and funded devices will come with a "Toggle Pause/Resume Dwell" button, so no additional programming should be immediately required.

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How to Pause the Dwell Function Using Eye Gaze

1. Look at the onscreen "Assistive Touch" button.  
2. Select the "Pause Dwell" icon on the "Assistive Touch" menu.
3. "Dwell Control" will be paused.  The AAC User will still see the cursor as they look around the screen, but no icons will be selected.
4. When the AAC User is ready to un-pause their "Dwell Control," they can look at the onscreen "Assistive Touch" button again.
5. In the same location where the "Pause Dwell" button was, a "Resume Dwell" icon will be present.  The AAC User can gaze at this icon until it is selected.
6. "Dwell Control" will now be turned back on, and the user can once again select items on the screen.

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Programming a "Pause Dwell" Button

There are two main options for programming a "Pause Dwell" button on a ProSlate 13 with Enable Eyes device.  The first is recommended for most users, and the second is only recommended for users that would like access to more advanced functionality and commands.

Option 1:  "Toggle Pause/Resume Dwell" [Recommend for most AAC Users]

This button simply shifts back and forth between "Pause Dwell" and "Resume Dwell" when it is selected.  It will come pre-programmed onto the "Assistive Touch" menu on loan devices and on funded devices, so no additional programming should be needed. That said, these instructions can serve as a guide should this accidentally be removed.  

1. Open "Settings"
2. Tap "Accessibility," and then "Touch."
3. Tap "Assistive Touch."
4. Tap "Customize Top Level menu."
5. Tap the "Dwell" icon.  Select "Toggle Pause/Resume Dwell" from the list.
6. The "Assistive Touch" menu is now programmed with "Toggle Pause/Resume Dwell."
7. When the user selects the toggle button from their "Assistive Touch" menu, they will be able to turn on and off "Dwell Control" independently (as described in the section above)

Option 2:  "Dwell" [Only recommended for AAC users who want access to advanced controls]

With this button, users will have access to a few additional settings, but this also means that they will have to navigate an extra menu!  Here is how to program it:

1. Open "Settings"
2. Tap "Accessibility, and then "Touch."
3. Tap "Assistive Touch."
4. Tap "Customize Top Level menu."
5. Tap the "Toggle Pause/Resume Dwell" icon.  Select "Dwell" from the list.
6. The "Assistive Touch" menu is now programmed with "Dwell."

7. When the user selects the "Dwell" button from their "Assistive Touch" menu, they will be provided with the following options:

   

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You also have the option of programming both buttons onto the "Assistive Touch" menu if having both would be more useful than the other available functions!

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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!