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5.6: AssistiveTouch

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    AssistiveTouch provides access to many hardware functions (volume buttons, screen rotation) through software alternatives. AssistiveTouch also makes it possible to use multi-finger gestures even if you do not have full use of all of your fingers.

    When you turn on AssistiveTouch, you will see a floating icon that looks like a dot (you can move this icon if it gets in the way). Tapping the floating icon will bring up the AssistiveTouch Menu with the following options:

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    Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): AssistiveTouch Menu

    • Home: the same as clicking the Home button (for people who do not have the ability to perform a click).
    • Siri: will activate the Siri personal assistant on devices that support that feature. When you are done, tap anywhere outside the popover window to dismiss Siri.
    • Device: for adjusting and muting the volume, rotating the screen, locking the screen, and other device functions. Tap More for options that allow you to take a snapshot of the screen that will be saved to the device’s Camera Roll, and open the task switcher, which can be used to see recently opened apps so that you can switch between apps. The Gestures option is for people who are unable to perform multi-touch gestures with more than one finger. For example, instead of swiping left or right with four fingers to switch apps (if Multitasking gestures are enabled on the iPad), you can do the same thing with one finger using AssistiveTouch.
    • Favorites: you can create your own gestures, in the AssistiveTouch section of the Accessibility Settings. A pinch gesture is already included for you.
    • Notification Center: for accessing notifications from apps without having to swipe down from the top of the screen.
    • Control Center: for accessing the Control Center without having to swipe up from the bottom of the screen.

    AssistiveTouch works well in conjunction with a number of special stylus designs, including some that can be mounted on a head harness or held in the mouth with a special mouthguard. These designs, along with others that have special grips, can be used by those who are unable to hold a traditional stylus.

    This page titled 5.6: AssistiveTouch is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Samuel Sennott, Sheldon Loman, Kristy Lee Park, Luis F. Pérez, Michael J. Kennedy, John Romig, & Wendy J. Rodgers (Portland State University Library) .