Join us for this virtual workshop as we learn how to create 3D design files of custom keyguards. A keyguard is a physical overlay or barrier placed on a touchscreen device to assist users in accurately selecting desired areas of the screen. These overlays can help individuals with motor or cognitive impairments by providing physical boundaries around the selectable elements on the screen, reducing accidental selections, and improving accuracy during communication. Keyguards in AAC apps can be customized to fit the specific layout of symbols or buttons, allowing users to interact with the app more effectively and independently.

During this workshop, we will walk through the process of starting with an app screenshot and creating a custom keyguard using Volksswitch's Keyguard Designer. The workshop will cover the various customization and mounting options.

The target audience includes speech therapists, occupational therapists, assistive technology professionals, and 3D design engineers. All skill levels are welcome to attend. For this workshop, you will need to have access to the following:

Computer with:

OpenSCAD installed

Inkscape installed

Downloaded design files

Screenshot of the desired AAC app layout (taken from the device)

Ruler with mm measurements

Review the Getting ready to do keyguard design video to learn how to install the needed software and set up your files and folders. Please note, for Mac users, you may need to right click on the software icon and select "Open" from the dropdown menu in order to bypass security features given this software is not from an identified developer. You will only need to complete this step the first time you launch the program.

Presenters

Gemma White is an SLP with over 20 years of experience working with AAC. She graduated from the University College London as a Speech Therapist in 2000. Gemma has served on the AAC SIG12: PDC and is a member of RCSLT UK. Gemma developed applications and shared her clinical expertise presenting for Apple, and numerous CE courses for SLP’s, AT professionals, including formultidisciplinary at ATIA and ASHA. She is currently the Clinical Coordinator at WIHD Assistive Technology Program and Speech Department, NY.

Ken Hackbarth is the founder and president of Volksswitch.org (www.volksswitch.org) – an organization devoted to the democratization of assistive technology by leveraging the power and promise of 3D printing. Prior to this current position he worked for almost three decades as a systems architect for AT&T Bell Laboratories and its subsequent divestitures. He has a Master of Science in Evolutionary Biology and a Master of Science in Systems Engineering from the University of Arizona, and a Master of Education in Special Education, with a concentration in assistive technology, from Bowling Green State University.

Register