NWACS

View Original

Keyguards: Improve Activation Accuracy

NWACS

by Carrie Elliot, MA, CCC-SLP (Speech-Language Pathologist); NWACS Board Member

What is a keyguard?

A keyguard is an accessory that can be placed on a communication device to create a barrier between buttons to improve motor accuracy. 

Two keyguards for tablets.

Why use a keyguard? 

Keyguards can help individuals with motor difficulties. Keyguards can help users avoid mis-hits and help guide their touches. 

An iPad in an Otter Box Case with a keyguard for the app Touch Chat by Saltillo.

Factors To Consider

When ordering a keyguard, there are actually a lot of factors to consider! 

  • Material

    • Plastic

    • Wood

    • 3-D Printed

  • Height From Screen 

    • Too flush to the screen and doesn’t make much of a difference

    • Too thick and it may make activating a button more difficult

  • Shape of Button Holes

    • Rectangular

    • Circular 

  • Size of Button Holes

    • Too large and the barrier between buttons can be broken more easily

    • Too small and it may cause more difficulty accessing a button

  • Attachment Method

    • Straps

    • Suction cup

    • Magnet

    • Snap In under the case

    • Velcro

An iPad with a clear keyguard for the app Proloquo2Go.


Before You Order

When ordering a keyguard you also need really specific information to make sure everything fits right! You need to know: 

  • The Device: An iPad? A mini? A Kindle? What size? 

  • The Case: What dimensions are the screen opening? 

  • Orientation: Will the user have the device setting horizontally or vertically?

  • The App: What version exactly? Sometimes the version updates make just the slightest changes which can impact the fit of the keyguard.

  • The Vocabulary: Within the app Touch Chat for example, there are many different vocabulary files to choose from. Word Power 42 Basic or Word Power 60 Basic? 


App Settings:

Once you decide on a keyguard there are a couple settings you can change in apps. This will be specific to whichever app you are using. Some examples include:  

  • Margin between buttons

  • Background color

  • Keyguard inset 

Where to Buy: 

There are several keyguard manufacturers. (Do you know of other ones? Please share in the comments!)

Keyguard on a Gridpad by Smartbox


What are your favorite keyguard tricks? Have you ever tried one?