About Tecla Access
People with mobility impairments can access electronic devices through the Tecla Access Shield.
Tecla Access is a set of open software and hardware tools that facilitate switch access to electronic devices for people with mobility impairments.
Our initial goal is to enable access to mobile devices through standard ability switches and/or the driving controls powered-wheelchair users already employ to move around.
Availability and Status
We are currently focusing on the development of the following tools:
- The Tecla Access Shield, is a device that enables connection of powered wheelchairs and standard ability switches to Bluetooth-enabled devices. Device manufacturers and software developers may support the Tecla Access Shield on their current and future products in order to make them accessible to people with mobility impairments.
- The Tecla Access App is an input method for the Android platform, this is a special kind of application that integrates tightly with the operating system enabling access to most of its functions. The Tecla Access App also demonstrates how other devices and applications may use the Tecla Access Shield to become accessible to people with mobility impairments.
These tools are currently in pre-production stages. Assistive technology users, researchers, developers, manufacturers, re-sellers and distributors may evaluate them and send us their feedback.
You can tune in for the latest status from any of:
- IRC: Join irc.oftc.net:#idrc-mobile to participate in daily discussions or get help with running, developing, or designing for Tecla Access.
- Launchpad: Monitor the Tecla Access Project in Launchpad and use it to send questions, bug reports or feature requests.
Who is using Tecla Access?
Prototypes of the Tecla Access Shield and Android App have already been distributed for evaluation to key testing partners in Canada and abroad. These include:
- Switch and powered wheelchair users like @DaveyBean, who use Tecla Access on a daily basis.
- The ACE Centre in Oxford, UK, the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Centre in Toronto, Canada and the DART in Göteborg, Sweden, evaluating Tecla Access as a comprehensive mobile access solution for their powered-wheelchair and switch user client groups.
- The Inference Group @ the University of Cambridge, UK is adding the Tecla Access Shield as a supported interface for Dasher, a gesture-based text input method for Android.
- The Assistive Technology Group @ the Massachussets Institue of Technology, USA is using Tecla as the basis for a low-cost, comprehensive environmental control system for residents of the Leonard Florence Center.
- The Goldeneye Reading Project @ the University of British Columbia, Canada is evaluating Tecla as a gateway for e-book reader accessibility as well as contributing enhancements to extend access through adapted USB devices.