Hello All - I’m enquiring on behalf of a friend of mine with MS. I have been exploring ways for him to be able to use IOS devices - mainly an iPad, as a quadriplegic. (He can only use a head switch)
Finally it looks as though Apple’s devices could actually be made accessble to users with such limited physical abilities, now that companies are developing devices to to hook up to them. I have recently stumbled upon this device - Pererro
Potentially, he would be able to make phone calls, have Facetime or Skype chats with people, update his Facebook status, send text messages, etc
It looks extremely promising but would involve significant outlay to buy him the Apple device, new switch, and the Pererro device itself without getting to try it out first.
My questions: Does anybody with a similar level of disability here have any experience using one of these Pererro devices? Or can anybody recomment any other possible solutions?
Would it not be worth organising a trip up to Leeds so that your friend could try one?
It looks good, and the Apple OS is pretty good to work with some form of tracking device, but nothing beats a real-life trial. Then you could ask Assistive Technology for a few references to take up.
I thought I’d get in touch, I work for RSLSteeper Assistive Technology and have only just seen this forum post.
I would like to offer a loan of the pererro device for you to trial if you are still interested. Unfortunately I am unable to loan an iPad to you, but the pererro will work on iPad, iPhone & iPod touch, so if you know anyone with one of these devices you would be able to trial it. There are no settings to change and it is plug & play so if you do trial it on someone elses device there is no threat of messing with their settings!
If you want to see how the pererro functions please have a look at our ‘basic navigation using pererro’ video on YouTube:
There are also guide video’s on there for general usage & tips.
The head switch your friend uses presumably has the standard 3.5mm jack input so that would work fine with pererro also.
I like your friend am quadroplegic. I am constantly looking for ways to not get left out of this technological world. Here are a few things that i have found extremely helpful:
To use my pc i use a Smartnav mouse. Demonstrated here
I have recently bought an iPad and have been looking at the Pererro myself. It does look like a fantastic idea. Another solution though would be the Iportal. This actually works through the joystick on an electric wheelchair ! Or in my case my chin control.
There is always a major drawback with anything to do with disabilities…the cost. Contact your local health authority. They may help with the cost or even supply it free if it helps with daily living. Also remember you shouldn’t have to pay VAT on disability aids.
Hi all, The pererro is actually not that pricey. The current can be bought for £150. However, we have a new version coming out in a month or two which works with Apple Switch Control and not VoiceOver. It offers a bit more functionality and the option of using upto 4 switches. (It also will be a tad cheaper)
Also, worth checking out Komodo Open Lab if you are unable to use touchscreen controls for mobile devices.
The “Tecla Shield” they sell + the apps they’ve developed are pretty slick, can be used with iOS and Android and take multiple input devices (including wheelchair joystick, simple switch etc.). Works by controlling device through bluetooth, and can “wake up” the device unlike most other peripherals. Battery works for over a week between charges.
The Tecla is ideal for quadriplegics and for people with any severe upper body mobility problem (Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Cord Injury etc.)
Great company, the two main guys have 25 years experience in devices for the disabled before starting Komodo, and are super nice.
