What Is a Custom Keyguard?
A custom keyguard is a 3D-printed grid that sits right on the surface of an iPad, creating raised borders between each cell on an AAC app, making it easier for the user to select the exact cell they are aiming for, improving their ability to communicate accurately and purposefully. The keyguard is fastened directly to the iPad, either with slide-in tabs for flexible cases or with Velcro/gel tape for rigid cases.
How Do I Know If My Child Would Benefit From a Keyguard?
While there are many different reasons that an AAC user might benefit from a keyguard, some signs to look out for include:
- Multiple fingers touching the screen at once when selecting icons
- “Mishits” caused by dragging the finger across the screen before lifting
- Open-hand tapping or slapping patterns
- Difficulty isolating one finger for direct access
- Motor control differences impacting accuracy (e.g., tremor, ataxia, dystonia, etc.)
- Reduced accuracy when fatigued, leading to more accidental selections over time
- Repeated communication breakdowns due to incorrect icon activation, leading to frustration
- AAC users who benefit from tactile feedback, such as those with decreased vision
Ultimately, the best way to figure out if a keyguard could help your child access their AAC is to talk to your child’s
speech therapist! NAPA has a few sample keyguards in each clinic, which can be tested with our iPads and AAC apps. While these may not be directly compatible with your child’s precise AAC device set-up, they can help get an idea of what kind of customisation might work best for your child’s AAC communication needs.
What Is “Customised” About the Keyguard?
Just about everything! We use a 3D printing design program that allows us to create a keyguard that will fit securely with any iPad case, regardless of the size of the case opening. We can customise the grid layout of the keyguard to account for any number of rows and columns, multiple message bars, thicker borders between icons, covering specific buttons, and more! If you have an unusual request in mind, just let us know, and we’ll see what we can do!
How Do I Order a Keyguard?
Please fill out this
Jotform and our 3D printing team will be in touch with you shortly. Once we have confirmed we have all the necessary information and payment has been received, we can commence printing! Please be advised that the customisation process takes some time to make sure we get everything right. Please allow us 2-3 weeks to process your request.
After your keyguard is printed, we will either notify you to pick it up from our Melbourne clinic or email shipping information, depending on your preference.
What is the Cost of a Keyguard?
- Your first customised keyguard costs $130 + GST + $10 delivery.
- An additional keyguard (same design) is available at the time of ordering for $20, meaning you will receive 2 keyguards for $150 + GST + $10 delivery.
- If you have previously ordered keyguards through NAPA, and require additional ones using the same design, these are available for $50 + GST+ $10 delivery.
- Standard Delivery is $10 in Australia, International delivery upon quotation. If you are able to pick up from our NAPA Melbourne clinic then there will be no delivery charge.
- Each Keyguard also includes an Information/care sheet and mounting instructions, including video links.
FAQ
What to do if the keyguard breaks?
- If your keyguard was broken during transport, reach out to melbourne@napacentre.com.au to coordinate re-printing and shipping. Please provide pictures showing where the breakage occurred so we can assess if additional structural support is needed before reprinting.
- If your keyguard broke at any other time, we offer re-prints for a fee, see above for additional details.
What to do if the keyguard doesn’t fit, the alignment off, or something else is wrong?
- If your new keyguard does not fit with your tablet and case, please reach out to melbourne@napacentre.com.au, and include “keyguard fit issue” in the subject line to ensure your email is promptly directed to our 3D printing team.
- Please include pictures and details of the issue.
- We will assess what happened and determine the source of the error – if we made a mistake, we can reprint at no further cost. If the information provided to us initially was inaccurate, there may be an associated fee to re-design the keyguard. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
NAPA’s custom keyguards are designed using the free, open-source keyguard designer from Volksswitch.
Keyguard Care and Mounting Instructions
Download our Custom AAC Keyguard Care Sheet and mounting instructions here.
