An access method is the method you use to control your device—Touch, 1 Switch, 2 Switch, mouse, etc. If you need to attach a NuPoint head tracker to the device, please see the NuPoint User’s Guide. If you need to attach a Look eye tracker to the device, please see the appropriate Look manial.

Touch Access Setup

When Touch is selected, you touch keys on the screen to select them.

Step 1: Set the Access Method to Touch

Select Tools, then Toolbox.
Select Access Method Menu.
Select Choose Different Access Method.
Select Touch.

Step 2: Attach Keyguards and TouchGuides

If you are using keyguards or TouchGuides with the NuVoice software, attach them to the device. See the instructions that came in the box.

Step 3: Observe Performance

Observe the user’s performance while using the factory defaults and any recommended keyguards or TouchGuides. This information will help you decide if adjustments to the touchscreen are necessary.

Step 4: Adjust Settings

Acceptance Time is the amount of time you need to touch the key until it activates.

Release Time is the amount of time the key will remain depressed. Subsequent selections on the key will be ignored.

Activate Key When – Pushed: A key will activate when pushed.

Activate Key When – Released: A key will activate when the finger, stylus, etc. is removed from the key. This allows a user to drag a finger across the screen and release when the desired key is reached.

Auto Repeat allows the user to select the same key multiple times by maintaining touch on the key for the selected period of time.

Predictive Selection makes blank keys are inactive.

Switch Scanning Setup

Step 1: Decide on Number of Switches

1 Switch vs. 2 Switches: The number of switches, switch placement, and type of switch are areas that should be assessed by professionals who have experience helping individuals with complex physical disabilities. In general, two switches work best for individuals who have two natural movements that can be used to activate two separate switches. The primary advantage is that there is no timing element; the learner is in complete control. By contrast, one switch works best for individuals who do not have a clear second movement, or for whom fatigue is a significant consideration, or for individuals who simply work best reproducing the same movement repeatedly with a timing element.

Step 2: Connect the Switch to the Device

If you are using one or two wired switches, plug the switch into Switch Port A (and B) on the back of your device.

Step 3: Set Access Method to 1 or 2 Switches

Select Tools, then Toolbox.
Select Access Method Menu.
Select Choose Different Access Method.
Select 1 Switch or 2 Switch.

Step 4: Select Scan Type and Pattern

Many different types of scanning appear on the screen. You have two decisions to make before you make a selection—the type of scanning and the scan pattern.

Types of scanning:

Auto

Once the scan is started with the click of a switch, the scan box moves across the keys automatically at a desired speed. The next click of the switch will stop the scan and select the scan box that is highlighted.

Hold

Press and hold down the switch to move the scan box across the keys automatically at a desired speed.

Step

Click a switch each time you want the scan box to advance. This type of scanning requires more switch clicks (more motor movements). However, the primary advantage is that there is no timing element; the learner is in complete control. If using 1 switch, the act of not activating the switch for a set interval will result in selection of the highlighted scan box. If using 2 switches, switch A advances the scan box and switch B makes the selection (switch A = “the mover”, switch B = “the chooser”).

Types of scan patterns:

Row/column

First scans the grid in rows. Once a row is selected, it then scans each individual key in that row. First the grid is scanned from top to bottom via rows. Then the row is scanned from left to right via individual keys.

Column/row

First scans the grid in columns. Once a column is selected, it then scans each individual key in that column. First the grid is scanned from left to right via columns. Then the column is scanned from top to bottom via individual keys.

Quarter row/column

First scans the grid in four blocks and then the message window moving clockwise. Once a block is selected, the block is then scanned via row/column as described above.

Quarter column/row

First scans the grid in four blocks and then the message window moving clockwise. Once a block is selected, the block is then scanned via column/row as described above.

Linear

Each key is scanned one by one moving from left to right and top to bottom.

Extra Hit

Once the switch is clicked, select it again to get the auto scan to start again.

Step 5: Adjust Settings

You can adjust a variety of settings in the Access Method Menu.

Connect an AeroSwitch^® to NuVoice

You can pair an AeroSwitch or multiple switches to NuVoice. You can also use an AeroSwitch with other access methods.

Connecting an AeroSwitch

In NuVoice, select Access Method Menu.
If switch scanning is not already selected, select Choose Different Access Method, select 1 Switch or 2 Switch, and select a specific switch scanning method.
Note: To use an AeroSwitch with another access method, select NuPoint/Joystick and then Joystick Auto Scan, Joystick Hold Scan, Mouse/USB Joystick, or NuPoint.
The Access Method Menu will show the access method you selected.
Turn on AeroSwitch.
From the Access Method Menu, select Connect AeroSwitch. The following message will be displayed: “AeroSwitch is ON. Hit the switch to pair it with NuVoice.”
Within 10 seconds, press the AeroSwitch.
Note: If you do not press the switch within 10 seconds of seeing the message, the switch will not connect to NuVoice.
For each additional switch you want to connect, repeat steps 4 through 6.

Disconnecting an AeroSwitch

Select Disconnect ALL AeroSwitch to unpair an AeroSwitch from NuVoice on your device.

Important: If multiple switches are connected, you cannot disconnect only one. Selecting Disconnect ALL Freedom Switch or Disconnect ALL AeroSwitch disconnects all previously connected switches.

Mouse or Joystick Setup

Step 1: Connect the mouse or joystick to the device

USB mouse/joystick

Plug the USB mouse or joystick into a USB port on the Accent device.

Bluetooth^® mouse/joystick/wheelchair joystick

Set the Bluetooth mouse, joystick, or wheelchair joystick so it is discoverable. The wheelchair vendor will need to turn on the Bluetooth option before you will be able to connect a wheelchair joystick to the Accent device.
Go to the desktop of the Accent device.

For dedicated devices:

a. Select Tools.

b. Select Toolbox.

c. Select Maint Menu.

d. Select Hardware Diagnostics.

e. Select Network Setup.

f. Close the network setup window.