Customizing (or making my own) Accessibility Keyboard

Hi

It is possible to send a file with the layout and you could import it to your system. The one I have is not complete, so it would still require some work, but if you would like to have it as a starting point let me know.

If you want to start a to create a keyboard yourself I have put a video on you tube here: https://youtu.be/MoFOEGXWK78

I think it would be good to learn how to make the changes as you can then create the keyboard you want, and change it as you wish.

(Reminds me of the proverb "give a person a fish and they can eat for a day, teach them to catch fish and they can eat for a lifetime")

I am not sure the best and safest way to send the file. If you are happy to send me your email then use this address: akat1329@icloud.com - this is a temporary address which I will remove once I hear from you.

Hi sk

Hope the keyboard development is going OK.

I have loaded a second video to include some additional instructions on how to develop the keyboard. I also had to replace the first video so there is a new link. This takes you to the site where both videos are located.

https://www.youtube.com/chanhttps://youtu.be/kHfKfi9x2yk

The links directly to the videos are here:

Part 1

https://youtu.be/ZFJqJCB5QN4

Part 2

https://youtu.be/kHfKfi9x2yk

Hi sk

To answer your questions:

1) It is possible to open a finder window, but you will need to create a one line Applescript to do this. You then assign the applescript to the button. Do you know how to use Applescript? Here are some instructions:

You need to create the script using the Script editor app. (usually in the utilities folder)

Open Script Editor app

Paste the the following line into the editor:

tell application "Finder" to make new Finder window

Save this file somewhere giving it a name like "Open new finder window"

Now go to the panel editor and select a blank button

Give the button a name or add an icon

From the action list select "Applescript"

Click New Script and then navigate to the file "Open Finder Window" file and import it.

Your button should then open a new finder window when selected.

2) The function keys are dual purpose - F1 or dim screen. You could change this in the Keyboard settings, but I would just create a new button from scratch not using the one copied from the "Keyboard - Alphabetical". Then add the action "Press keys" and assign the F1 button. You may need to toggle "Use F1,F2 etc...." setting in this System preferences screen to get the keyboard press correct.

3) The images are not very clear. I have tried all kinds of image files and I could not get a good looking icon. I think I may have to see if Apple can suggest how we can get a decent image. I will let you know if I find out how to do it.

I might add these steps to a second video at some point. Let me know if it works.

Ak

It sounds like you're getting lots of great advice in this thread and that the Apple Accessible Keyboard is working pretty well for you! There's something else I also want to point out which is a great keyboard program called Keyboard Maestro.

It's a really advance keyboard and macro-ing system for the Mac. Here are some of the things I have done with it quite easily:

I've made a single full-screen recording key. If I press F15 it launches QuickTime Player, does the keyboard command key (control-command-n) for a new recording, hit's the space-bar to start the record button, and clicks in the middle of my screen to start the recording:

I've used to to make a Model F IBM Mainframe 122-2 key keyboard usable on the Mac. I've even used it for making a cat music video where I needed certain keys to be pressed in response to specific MIDI music signals. And I've used it even for making Mac special keyboard keys much easier to type: ⌘ ⌥ ⎇  → ↑ ← ⌫ ␣ ⇥

It's very powerful and easy to use from creating macros, to controlling windows, apps, tabs, running scripts, re-mapping keys, etc. Macros can be triggered by virtually anything, from screen gestures, to inserting a USB drive, and of relevance to you a floating/moveable on-screen tool bar:

(hovered, it reveals all the floating triggers)

So one could have a pallet of pre-defined clicking phrases triggered by whichever head/mouse/tracking system I presume you use.

Hi Sean

It should be possible to replicate the keyboard you want. I created a template (see pic) that is near to the layout.

I don't know if there are any videos etc. that show you how to configure the keyboard. Have you tried emailing the accessibility help desk to see if they have anything? They are at accessibility@apple.com

I learned how to change the keyboards by trial and error and have managed most things. It can be a bit of puzzle to work out how to get some things to work.

I would be happy to show you how to configure the keyboard if you would like to have a go at building one.

To answer you questions:

1) Finder Button

Try this Applescript instead of the last one provided:

tell application "Finder"

reopen

activate

end tell

This will activate the last used finder window, or open a new one.

2) Accessibility Keyboard on Start-up.

I assume this is because you want to be able to login using your accessibility keyboard?  This is an issue that has been raised before.  See here: https://discussions.apple.com/thread/8459762

The accessibility keyboard does appear if you Logout, or Sleep the computer, but does not appear on the Start up screen.

I suggest you add you voice to the number of people requesting this feature here: https://www.apple.com/feedback/macos.html

3) Keyboard background colour

I do not know how to do this. I don't think it is possible.

4) Change the colour of a button when pressed

Again, I do not know how to do this and don't think it is possible

5) Resize all buttons

Is this when you are using the keyboard - or when designing in panel editor?

If it is when you are using the keyboard, select the Settings wheel on the top right of the keyboard. In that menu you can see Zoom. This allows you to change the size of the keyboard on your screen. Alternatively, you can drag the corners of the keyboard to resize it. Resize proportionally, if selected, will keep the overall height and width of the keyboard in the same ratio.

If you want to resize all the buttons when in the Panel Editor, do a Select all and then Group all the items. You can then drag the corners of the selected area to resize all the buttons. When you have finished UnGroup. It does not look like you can maintain proportionality - you will have to do this manually.

You are welcome sk.

The nice thing about the Panel editor is that you can customise the keyboard to your exact requirements

Reach out if you any further questions.