Touchscreen seem out of touch? A solution may be just a tap away with the Tecla Shield DOS

 

 

 

The Tecla Shield DOS is a wireless device that can connect your iOS or Android devices to adapted switches. This device can be operated by using one or more switches, or even by the controls of a power wheelchair. I recently had the opportunity to try out the Tecla Shield DOS and learned quite a bit about what it’s able to do. Learn about my experience of getting started setting it up, using it with a single switch and trying it out on the go in the community. Discover if the Tecla Shield DOS is a must-have tool for you or someone you know!

Setting up the Tecla Shield DOS

When the Tecla Shield DOS, 4-Way Joystick, Tecla DOS Mount and cable first arrived at my home, I was eager to connect everything to my iOS devices (iPad and iPhone) to start exploring.

“The Tecla Shield DOS^™ is the only switch interface in the market that works with both iOS^® (iPhone^®, iPad^®, iPod Touch^®) and  Android^™ mobile devices”

(Quote from http://shop.komodoopenlab.com/products/tecla-shield-dos)

The Tecla Shield DOS was surprisingly smaller than I anticipated, being only 3.5 x 3.25 x 1.5 inches. (LxWxH).  The Tecla DOS Mount is fairly compact and easy to attach to my wheelchair and iPad stand, no tools required. The corners of the mount are magnetic making the Tecla Shield DOS easy to place and remove when needed.

There is a quick reference guide that comes in the box with the Tecla Shield DOS. The support link listed in this small insert which takes you to the Komodo website was extremely helpful in getting my devices set up to use this tool. This link is where the Getting Started Users Guide and Tecla Shield DOS: Unboxing and Setting the Mode YouTube video can be found. The platform manuals available at the Komodo website  offer step-by-step guidance including screenshots of how to set up your platform to access the Tecla Shield DOS modes. The available modes are listed in the following table.

Color of Status Light on the Tecla Shield DOS	White	Green	Blue	Purple	Pink	Aqua
Mode of the Tecla Shield DOS	Switch Control	Android	App Control	iOS Classic	iOS 4-Way	Mouse Keys

Single Switch Access Using the Tecla Shield DOS

On a daily basis, I access my iOS devices through the touch screen and voice activation features. In order to explore the functionality of using a single switch with the Tecla Shield DOS, I decided to pair my iPad and iPhone with the Tecla Shield DOS and the Ablenet Jelly Bean Twist Switch

 

Using the single switch, here are the routine activities that were explored:

• Unlocked Lock Screen and accessed Home Screen
• Opened and accessed email and text messages
• Made and received phone and video calls
• Opened, selected and listened to music
• Browsed news stories on the internet and through compatible apps.
• Checked the weather
• Changed and set my morning alarm

I was amazed to discover that most everything I normally access on both my iPad and iPhone were accessible to me using just one switch with the Tecla Shield DOS. The ability to use a single switch to complete these types of tasks opens up new opportunities to enable increased independence for people who have limited physical movement.

“As a parent, I have seen my daughter gain confidence in using switches to access her tablet as a stepping stone to build communication skills, have conversations and explore other apps she finds interesting. This type of technology is powerful for my daughter as an individual and has had a positive impact on our family.”

-Cherie Millan, parent of a daughter who has utilized Alternate Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices for 20 years. 

Tecla Shield DOS on the go in the Community

Once I became familiar with how to use the Tecla Shield DOS, I took it out into the community to get a better sense of what it would be like to use this tool on the go. This tool kept a solid Bluetooth connection with both my devices while in various locations. The battery life lasts several days before needing a re-charge. I utilized the Tecla Shield DOS while out on the nature trail to listen to an audiobook, and then switched to a phone call. I also used this tool with my tablet while getting caught up on news and emails at the coffee shop. Watch a movie highlighting my experience of using the Tecla Shield DOS and Tecla Mount.

 

 

 

For more information or to order the Tecla Shield DOS and related accessories visit the EnableMart website. 

(Photos: Courtesy of MRyan Images, Videos/Photos: RRyan, Movie/Music compilation Magisto App)

This blog was written by EnableMart Blog Writer Gabe Ryan from Sacramento, California. Gabe has used a wheelchair since he was three years old and is an experienced user of assistive technology tools. Some of these tools have been life-changing for him and he looks forward to sharing his experiences and perspectives with our blog readers. Gabe enjoys abstract paintings, is an avid music lover, and enjoys using his iPad and iPhone to connect with family, friends and the community.

Comments

[Sarah Morgan]

I am excited to see a device that is not just Android or iOS specific!

[Juanita Pritchard]

Wireless....absolutely the best

[Mike Osenni]

The fact that the user can control iOS or other touch screen devices using switches or their own wheelchair driving controls is amazing! The ability to use various types of switches to control the device and position them as needed allows more independence to the user. It allows those such as myself, who were once unable to be a part of the technical world via touch screen devices, the opportunity to receive the benefits from using such devices on a daily basis.

[Sarah Zieth]

Congrats Mike! You were selected to win the Tecla Shield DOS. We hope you enjoy using it and let us know your feedback after you have had the opportunity to try it out!