SwitchXS: Switch Access Solution for Complete Access To Mac OS X

The release of SwitchXS 2.2, the complete Mac OS X switch access solution for people who cannot use a mouse or keyboard, was announced by AssistiveWare. SwitchXS provides an excellent solution for access to Mac OS for people affected by neuromotor diseases or who are otherwise not able to use standard input devices. In the scanning mode, which offers complete mouse and keyboard emulation, each click on the switch selects an action from a menu.

With the Japanese DTalker application installed on the machine, SwitchXS can speak Japanese. Moreover, with the PCS for LayoutKitchen communication symbol collection, SwitchXS can act as a complete switch-accessible communication solution for deaf Japanese Mac users. For other languages, SwitchXS can be combined with Proloquo software from AssistiveWare.

SwitchXS provides the facility to save the last-used panel in each application and automatically load that panel next time. The simplified scanning feature that instantly scans any panel linearly is a gift for beginners. This feature eliminates the need for making dedicated linear scan panels. This makes things easy for beginners and saves a great amount of parents’ and educators’ time. Among the other features are LayoutKitchen 1.0.4, an expanded user manual and a rotating cursor beam, the color of which can be customized by the user.

Any HID compliant USB gamepad, joystick, keyboard and USB mouse or trackball can be used with SwitchXS. It is also compatible with USB switch interfaces emulating the above mentioned devices.

Currently, SwitchXS is available in English, French and Japanese. However, it works nicely with most other languages. Mac OS X 10.4 (Tiger) or higher version is recommended and Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar) is required. The retail price SwitchXS 2.2 is $ 299 USD. It is a free update for current users of SwitchXS.

PCS for LayoutKitchen can be used with LayoutKitchen to design scanning panels for SwitchXS and speech panels for Proloquo. The suggested retail price is $ 199 USD.

Source: AssistiveWare