Access

The Grid 2 has been designed to be accessed by everyone, from those with complex disabilities to people with good motor control.

Switches

Switches are one of the most common alternatives to a keyboard and mouse for people with disabilities.  Switches come in many shapes and sizes, and can be used almost anywhere there is a reliable, reproducible physical movement.

The Grid 2 supports the use of up to 8 switches, although most people use just one or two.

Making selections using switches involves a process called scanning, in which cells are highlighted in turn.  The Grid 2 has many options for scanning to allow all users to get the most efficient and least frustrating setup.  Some of the switch features include:

• Simple or row-column scanning
• Automatic, tap-to-advance or hold-to-advance scans
• Adjustable switch timing
• Hold a switch for a long time for a different action
• Use additional switches for extra functions
• Filtering of accidental switch presses
• Switch settings preview (for testing settings as you change them)

Touch screen

Touch screens are a very common way to access a communication aid.  A touch screen provides direct access to the options on the screen.

Using a touch screen in The Grid 2 is straightforward.  The following options are available:

• Ignore accidental presses
• Select "on touch", "on release" or by holding down your finger
• Magnified cells
• Fix grid layouts so that a keyguard can be used

Headpointer

Head pointers such as the SmartNAV detect head movement.  The Grid 2 allows you to make selection with a switch or by resting on a cell, and supports use with other programs via Computer Control.

Eye gaze

The Grid 2 has comprehensive support for several major eye gaze systems: MyTobii, Alea Intelligaze, LC eyegaze and EyeTech Quick Glance (other systems can be used via the mouse control options).  The eye gaze features include:

• Select with dwell, blink or external switch
• User-adjustable selection time
• Selection of ways to show highlight and dwell selection, including option to show/hide the gaze point
• Eye monitor to provide feedback from camera
• Rest function to provide a break from eye gaze

Keyboard and mouse

You can also access The Grid 2 with a standard or modified keyboard and mouse.  The speech and word finding features in The Grid 2 allow quick and effective voice output communication, whilst the simplified email and sms grids can allow people who are not proficient with computers to access these methods of communication.