Last year with the launch of iOS 6 Apple launched a number of key features that included Guided Access, which was described as an accessibility aid that could also open up iOS Devices like including iPod Touches, iPhones and iPads to be used in a whole range of new ways.
What is Guided Access?
Guided Access allows users to selectively disable portions of a device’s screen from use, disable hardware buttons (including the home and volume buttons) and even disable certain portions of apps. When first presented at the keynote address, the use case example given was to aid in teaching children with disabilities, specifically Autism. This really hit home for me. I know that my children love using the iOS Devices (or iDevices as I generally call them) but can be easily distracted or use the device inappropriately … predominantly stimming (self-stimulatory behaviour), watching the same piece of video over … and over … and over again.
How can you use Guided Access today?
- Let a child use a iPhone Touch or iPad as an ACC (Augmentative and alternative communication device) and not be distracted by other applications
- Let a child watch a movie/tv show but not let them have control over the fast-forward, rewind play/pause or volume buttons
- Let a child play a game, but the child can’t exit the game to do anything else (like mess up settings, etc)
- When you’re playing a game keep you from
- accidentally tapping the Home button and leaving the game
- having notifications get in your way
- pull down the notifications area by accident
- Set up a device as a demo or kiosk showing an app or movie or slideshow
How do I set up Guided Access?
Tap Settings > General > Accessibility > Guided Access to set up Guided Access. From there you can:
- Turn Guided Access on or off
- Set a passcode that controls the use of Guided Access and prevents someone from leaving an active session
- Set whether the device can go to sleep during a session
Start a Guided Access session
- Open the app you want to run.
- Triple-click the Home button.
- Adjust settings for the session, then click Start.
Disable app controls and areas of the app screen
- Circle any part of the screen you want to disable.
- Use the handles to adjust the area.
Ignore all screen touches
- Turn off Touch.
Keep iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from switching from portrait to landscape or from responding to any other motions
- Turn off Motion.
End a Guided Access session
- Triple-click the Home button.
- Enter the Guided Access passcode.