What is eye tracking or eye gaze for AAC?🔗

Eye tracking for AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) is a technology that enables individuals to control a speech-generating device with their eyes. A camera tracks where the user is looking on the screen, and by focusing on specific words, symbols, or letters, they can select messages and communicate. This enables people with limited or no physical movement—such as those with conditions like cerebral palsy or ALS—to express themselves independently and interact with others.

Does QuickTalker Freestyle have eye tracking capabilities?🔗

Some QuickTaker Freestyle devices can access eye tracking capabilities through iPadOS 26 accessibility settings. Please see below for further details on how to determine if your QuickTalker Freestyle can access eye tracking.

How do I determine if I have a QuickTalker Freestyle with eye-tracking capabilities?🔗

On your QuickTalker Freestyle, go to Utilities Folder > Settings App > Accessibility > Physical and Motor > Eye Tracking. If you do not see Eye Tracking, your QuickTalker Freestyle may not support it, or you may need to update to iPadOS 26 or the current version. 

To see if your QuickTalker Freestyle is capable of eye tracking and just needs an iPadOS update, on your QuickTalker Freestyle, go to Utilities Folder > Settings App > General > About > Model Name. The following model names can access eye tracking:

• iPad (A16)
• iPad mini (A17 Pro)
• iPad mini (6th generation)

How do I update my QuickTalker Freestyle to iPadOS 26 or the latest version of iPadOS?🔗

On your QuickTalker Freestyle, go to Utilities Folder > Settings App > General > Software Update > Update Now

What to consider before using eye tracking on QuickTalker Freestyle🔗

• During the ableEXPERIENCE, conduct a thorough trial with your client to confirm it meets all their access needs and is compatible with the speech app you have selected for them. 
• When trialing eye tracking with your client, keep in mind that eye tracking capabilities offered through iPadOS may not provide the same level of customization or functionality that dedicated eye tracking systems may offer, and how that would impact your client today and in the future.
• Eye tracking available through the iPadOS accessibility settings could change in the future. Apple is continuously working to improve its accessibility settings and will make changes based on user feedback, bug fixes, and features outlined in its internal product roadmaps.
• If eye tracking through iPadOS experiences a bug, Apple controls the timeline of when it is addressed. This may be days or weeks, depending on the scenario.