How to Become a Switch Control Expert

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Apple's switch control is an accessibility feature that allows users with very limited mobility to control their entire iPhone, iPad or iPod Touch in combination with ability switches and other adaptive devices for mobility impairments. No matter how comfortable users are with technology, researching and practicing switch control tips and tricks will lead to becoming a switch master in no time. Start your journey by joining online communities, watching video tutorials and connecting with Apple Support.

Join Communities

Apple Support Community

Apple's community is a great first place to look for frequently answered questions on all things to do with Apple products, including accessibility features. If you don't find the answer to your question, simply start a new discussion thread and wait for community members to give you an answer.

Tecla Community on Facebook

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Tecla Community is a Facebook group that includes members who are Switch Control users, experts on Tecla products and Android and Apple's accessibility features. Many of the community members have had years of experience using Switch Control and have up-to-date knowledge about how it has evolved from iOS 7 to today's iOS 11. Another similar group of equally awesome members is HandsOptional (you must request to be added).

Quora

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Quora is an online discussion-based community with a purpose to allow anyone with Internet access to ask a question that can be answered by anyone who reads it! As of March 2016, Quora had 100 million monthly users, meaning you're likely to have someone answer a specific question you have about switch control and Apple's accessibility tools.

Here are a few questions we found that had great answers from the community:

wikiHow

wikiHow is an online community consisting of an extensive database of how-to guides. Each consist of easy step by step instructions created by users that include visuals and cover an unlimited range of topics. Here are a couple wikiHow pages that outline Switch Control tips:

Read the book Handsfree

Handsfree is an international collaboration between Christopher Hills (a long-time Tecla user), an Accessibility Consultant and expert Switch Control user from Australia, and Luis Perez, an inclusive learning consultant based in the U.S. With step by step directions supported by closed-captioned videos that explore each Switch Control feature in detail, these two fellows will have you well on your way to becoming a true Switch Master.

Watch Tutorials on Youtube

Youtube is a great place to learn, as well as be entertained. You can find countless tutorial videos covering a wide range of topics, including how to use and take advantage of specific functions of switch control. Tecla has its own Youtube channel with informational videos, but one of our favourite channels was created by Tecla user Christopher Hills who produces and edits his own accessibility-related Youtube videos using switch control. Below are a few videos that demonstrate important features of Apple's switch control.

Switch Control Overview

Point Mode vs. Item Mode

Making a Phone Call

How to Scroll Within an App

Connect with Apple Support

Apple genius appointment

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If joining communities and doing your research does not answer a specific question you have about switch control, or you'd like someone to walk you through a specific problem or feature, connect with Apple Support. You have three options for communicating with a customer or technical support representative:

1. Talk to Apple Support Now

With this option, you may provide your phone number and receive a callback as soon as the next available representative is free or begin a live chat.

2. Schedule a Call

Scheduling a call allows you to make an appointment for Apple Support to call you when it's convenient for you.

3. Call Apple Support later

With the last option, you may provide your contact information and give Apple Support a call when you're ready. This way they will already have the details of what you would like to discuss and saves you time trying to explain your issue.

During your conversation, ask the representative about scheduling an in-person appointment with an Apple Genius who has experience with your device's accessibility features. With one-on-one guidance, you can experiment and imitate the actions that were demonstrated to you.

You can also take a look at the Switch Control Article that was created by Apple Support and provides a brief overview.

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