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SAP and Beit Issie Shapiro Introduce IssieBoard: An Adaptive iPad Keyboard for People with Disabilities

SAP laboratories in Israel and The Beit Issie Shapiro Technology Consulting Center have developed IssieBoard - a new adaptive Hebrew keyboard app for children and adults with disabilities. Designed for iOS operating system, IssieBoard will allow people with learning disabilities, visual impairments, developmental and intellectual disabilities to use all functions of a virtual iPad keyboard in Hebrew. The IssieBoard app is built-in to the iOS and also available for free download on the App Store: View the app on iTunes

Highlights

• IssieBoard features adaptations for children and adults with various disabilities, from visual impairments to learning and intellectual disabilities.
• Designed for the Apple IOS operating system, it will enable children and adults to type in Hebrew on their iPad
• Noa Nitsan, Beit Issie Shapiro Technology Consulting Center: “IssieBoard will help further inclusion and make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities in Israel”

Enhanced iPad Usage

The iPad has proven to be a powerful tool for inclusion of people with disabilities. Used in educational, therapeutic and recreational settings, this simple device has opened up a new world of communication and independence. But there are still factors to consider in making the iPad completely accessible, and one of them is the default virtual keyboard. SAP and Beit Issie Shapiro chose to collaborate in developing an adaptive Hebrew keyboard that makes typing possible for children and adults with various disabilities. The IssieBoard app enables making personal adjustments to suit the needs of particular users. The background color can be altered as well as the color of different keys and letters, and the board can be divided into different color sections for better orientation. Another important assistive feature is an option to choose only the letters that form a certain word to appear on screen at a given time – this allows children to practice typing the word without visual distractions. Revital David, SAP Project Manager: “The app was developed as part of our innovation labs community outreach. A team of developers researched the everyday difficulties people with disabilities experience when operating an iPad keyboard, and applied the knowledge to the development process. We are proud of the fact that our innovation and commitment to Israeli society made it possible for us to introduce this important tool, and change the lives of those who need it.” Noa Nitsan, Beit Issie Shapiro Technology Consulting Center: “IssieBoard will bring better inclusion of people with disabilities in Israel. The iPad is such a significant tool for communication, education and leisure, and now it is made accessible for everyone. This collaboration between SAP and Beit Issie Shapiro proves that connecting the business sector with the voluntary sector can make a true difference. We defined the need, SAP brought the resources, and together we created a true ‘win-win situation’ for all those involved, above all for the app users.”

About Beit Issie Shapiro

Beit Issie Shapiro is spearheading the integration of technology into the disabilities field, while changing attitudes in society, advocating for better legislation and sharing knowledge internationally through research and training - and has held Special Consultative Status to the United Nations Economic & Social Council since 2012.

About SAP

As the market leader in enterprise application software, SAP has approximately 300,000 customers worldwide in a wide range of sectors, including banking and insurance, energy, security, health and real-estate. In Israel SAP employs 650 professionals in a development center in Raanana specializing in strategic innovation.