Getting ready for iOS8

I recently reset my phone to factory settings, but before I went ahead, I thought carefully about the apps I had on my phone and the settings I was using. With the release of iOS8 in the next few days it’s important to take stock as a school, as a classroom, as a student, family or individual user. What features do I currently use? What apps am I using? Will my device be compatible with the new update? Visit the AbleNet site to see some great suggestions for things to think about before you go ahead and do the upgrade.

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A quick summary of the article:

1) Verify that your device is compatible with iOS 8. The compatible devices are listed in the AbleNet article.

2) List the various iOS features (eg. Switch control), apps, and hardware (eg. Bluetooth switch interfaces) that the user requires in order to use their device successfully and make sure they are compatible with iOS 8.

3) Back up your device (apps, music etc) by connecting to iTunes on your computer, BEFORE you do the upgrade. And also think about individual apps that you use and whether you should be backing up pages or vocabulary or settings of those also. For example, you should be saving a back up of your vocabulary or stored library in Proloquo2Go or Proloquo4Text.

4) When you decide that you are ready to upgrade, go into your Settings app and look in the General section. There you will find Software Update iOS and you can see if the update is available. If it shows, you can go ahead and download and install.

 

And what new features will be included in the new iOS8 update that will provide support to people with disabilities?

For a comprehensive look at new accessibility features you can read the following Assistive Technology Blog article.

Two of my favourite new accessibility features are keyboards and voice access! There will be a new keyboard called QuickType which will have word prediction (Woohoo!) and  iOS8 will allow third-party developers to develop keyboards for system wide use. I know that Assistiveware have created 2 educational keyboards for use across apps that will be available soon with the iOS8 update.

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And with iOS8 we will be able to activate the device by voice, using Siri, which means people with quadriplegia or other motor disabilities will have greater independence in accessing their devices (no physical access to home button required!).

Get excited! Get ready! Get the update!

We’ll be back soon with a new video for iOS8 tips and tricks.

Charlene Cullen

Charlene has worked as a speech pathologist, supporting people with complex communication needs and learning disabilities for the past 15 years. She has worked in a variety of roles within the Disability Services of Western Australia, including Senior Speech Pathologist, Rural and Remote Resource Therapist and Regional Team Manager. Charlene is a trained Key Word Sign (formerly Makaton) presenter, certified Hanen It Takes Two to Talk presenter and a member of the Apple Consultants Network. Charlene is also an official Proloquo2Go / Proloquo4Text trainer, and TBoxApps Trainer for Therapy Box. Charlene has developed strong skills in and a passion for, the area of AAC and assistive technologies. She enjoys presenting workshops and providing consultancy services to support and educate parents, teachers and therapists in the use and application of inclusive technologies. Charlene has been a full time member of the Professional and Consultancy Services Team at Spectronics. AGOSCI State Representative for Victoria (2012-present); Key Word Sign Victoria committee member (2012-present).