Owen McGirr, is a Tecla user based in Ireland. We met him as teenager on Twitter and after become a Tecla user he expressed his interest in app development and has contributed to a couple of our projects. Since then, Owen has come a long way, developing an launching a couple his own apps, including a speech generation app. Currently, Owen is promoting his latest app, a switch accessibility service for Android called Switchify.

Owen is currently running an Indigogo Campaign to support the development of Switchify. You can visit the campaign page by clicking the Indigogo image below: 

Introduction

Hello, I'm Owen McGirr. As someone with cerebral palsy, I've been a long-time user of assistive technology. My journey with switch access began with Tecla, a device that first allowed me to use a mobile phone or tablet. This revolutionary tool transformed how I interacted with my mobile devices. However, my experience as a Tecla user led me to recognize the need for a more robust switch access system for Android devices. This realization became the catalyst for creating Switchify.

My Experience with Tecla

Tecla was my introduction to the world of switch access. It opened up new possibilities for me to interact with technology, despite my physical limitations. The experience of using Tecla was transformative, allowing me to communicate, work, and engage with the digital world in ways I hadn't before. However, as I became more proficient with technology, I began to appreciate the customization options offered by the Android system. This led me to see areas where improvements could be made, especially for Android users who require switch access.

The Birth of Switchify

Inspired by my experiences and driven by a desire to enhance accessibility for Android users, I embarked on creating Switchify. Switchify is an Android switch access system designed to provide a more intuitive, efficient, and customizable experience for users with physical disabilities. Drawing from my personal experiences as a switch user, I focused on developing features that I knew would make a significant difference in users' lives.

Key Features of Switchify

• Dynamic cursor system for precise navigation

  This feature allows users to move a cursor across the screen with precision, enabling them to select specific items or areas without relying on touch input. The cursor's movement can be controlled through various switch inputs, providing a high level of accuracy for users with limited motor skills.

• Item scanning system for efficient selection

  Switchify implements an intelligent scanning system that highlights items on the screen in a systematic manner. Users can activate their switch when the desired item is highlighted, making selection processes faster and more intuitive. This system can be customized to suit individual scanning speeds and patterns.

• Compatibility with various adaptive switches

  Recognizing the diverse needs of users, Switchify is designed to work with a wide range of adaptive switches. This includes sip-and-puff switches, button switches, and various other input methods. Notably, Tecla works perfectly as a switch input for Switchify, leveraging its established functionality. This compatibility ensures that users can interact with their devices using the method that works best for them, whether it's Tecla or another adaptive switch.

• Customizable settings to suit individual needs

  Switchify emphasizes personalization, allowing users to tailor the app to their specific needs. Key customizable features include:

  • Scan speed: Users can adjust how quickly items are highlighted, ensuring comfortable navigation.
  • Switch sensitivity: Fine-tune how the app responds to switch inputs, accommodating different physical abilities.

  These adjustments enable users to optimize Switchify for their individual capabilities, enhancing overall usability and efficiency.

The Impact of Switchify

Switchify is more than just an app; it's a gateway to technology for those who may have felt excluded before. By simplifying access and breaking down barriers, Switchify ensures that everyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can fully utilize their Android devices. Users can navigate their devices with ease and confidence, making the digital world more accessible than ever before.

Looking Forward

As I continue to develop and improve Switchify, I remain committed to the goal of making technology accessible to all. I believe that by sharing our experiences and working together, we can create solutions that truly meet the needs of people with disabilities. Switchify is just the beginning, and I'm excited to see how it will evolve and impact lives in the future.

If you're interested in trying Switchify or becoming a tester to help improve the app, please don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we can make the digital world more inclusive, one switch at a time.