FAQ

The Tecla Shield

Can the same Tecla Shield unit be used to access both Android and iPhone/iPad?

No. Although the hardware is almost the same, the software running on the Tecla Shield for Android is completely different than that for iOS. They are two different devices.

Is my switch compatible with the Tecla Shield?

The Tecla Shield is compatible with any standard ability switch that uses a 3.5mm or 1/8″ mono plug. This includes buddy buttons, sip & puff switches, tongue switches and may other adapted switches.

Is my wheelchair compatible with the Tecla Shield?

Wheelchair compatibility with the Tecla Shield does not actually depend on the model of the wheelchair itself, but on whether or not you have an Environmental Control Unit (ECU) compatible with the Simple Electrical Transducer (SET) standard. If you already have access to a computer directly from your powered wheelchair, then your wheelchair is most likely ready to work with the Tecla Shield because computer access solutions typically have the same requirements. To confirm though, we recommend you talk to your wheelchair provider or a rehabilitation specialist near you. Ask them if your wheelchair has an Environmental Control Unit (ECU) compatible with the Simple Electrical Transducer (SET) standard (also known as the TRACE standard). If the answer is yes, then you are all set!

What are the requirements for wheelchair compatibility with the Tecla Shield?

The only requirement for powered wheelchair compatibility with the Tecla Shield is that the chair has an Environmental Control Unit (ECU) that follows the Simple Electrical Transducer (SET) standard (also known as the TRACE standard). If you are not sure whether you already have an ECU, you can ask your wheelchair provider or a rehabilitation specialist near you.

How does the Tecla Shield connect to my powered wheelchair?

The Tecla Shield connects to powered wheelchairs through an Environmental Control Unit (ECU), also known as Appliance Control Unit (ACU). The ECU/ACU is a device that allows external devices to be controlled directly from the wheelchair’s driving controls.

What accessories do I need to set up Tecla and how much do they cost?

Depending on how you want to use Tecla, different accessories may be needed. The simplest set up may involve, for example, having the Tecla Shield and the smartphone sitting on a bedside table with a power outlet nearby. In this case, all you may need is a holder for the smartphone, which we can include with your order for CAD$ 34.99 or CAD$ 99.99 for a higher-end model. In this case, the Tecla Shield may be plugged directly to the wall. On the other hand, the most complex set up would involve installing the Tecla Shield on a powered wheelchair. The accessories needed in this case will likely be a battery pack (CAD$ 74.99), a wheelchair mount (CAD$ 74.99) and the phone holder (CAD$ 34.99 – CAD$ 99.99). When you are ready to place your order, you will be able to choose the accessories you want to include with it!

Tecla for Android

Does the Tecla App for Android provide access to all other apps?

The short answer is: Yes. The built-in browsers in particular are quite compatible with Tecla. In general, the Tecla App is designed to work best with any app that follows best practices in design for accessibility. Like with most other app features, finding applications that can be controlled with the Tecla App will depend on your ability to pick out the best alternatives from among the numerous low-quality offerings typically available in public app markets.

Is my device (e.g., smartphone, tablet) compatible with Tecla?

In order to enable control via external switches, a full Tecla system requires both the Tecla Shield an the Tecla Access app installed on the host device (see the Tecla Basics page). Currently, a Tecla Access app is available for Android-powered devices. However, not all Android devices are created equal, and some manufacturers break the accessibility features that the Tecla Access app requires to work properly. The Tecla Access open-source project maintains a Tecla device compatibility list. With new Android devices coming into the market almost every day, this list is by no means comprehensive, but it will help guide potential Tecla users when choosing a suitable device.

I installed Tecla but couldn’t see any highlighting or frame to help me navigate the interface. Why?

Some manufacturers customize the Android user interface without providing the highlighting required to enable navigation with Tecla. In most cases, the issue is limited to the Launcher (also known as Desktop or Home), which is the screen from where other applications can be run, the one that appears when the “Home” button is pressed.

Our suggestion is to try substituting the Launcher for one that actually provides highlighting. A popular one that typically works well with Tecla is the ADW Launcher, which you can download for free from the following link:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.adw.launcher

Tecla for iOS

When will Tecla be available for iOS?

We are hoping to start shipping in May, 2012

Does the Tecla Shield for iOS provide access to all apps?

The Tecla Shield for iOS relies on compatibility with VoiceOver in order to access applications in the iOS. Most of the built-in applications are fully usable with the Tecla Shield. Examples include YouTube, Safari, and iBooks.

Is there a Tecla App for iOS?

No. The Tecla Shield for iOS is a 100% hardware-only solution. There is no need to install an App to use the Tecla Shield on your iOS device.