Google Gboard for iOS adds Morse code with the help of cerebral palsy developer – BGR



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The developer Tania Finlayson has come a long way since her childhood, when doctors told her parents that their daughter – who was born with cerebral palsy – would probably not be much. Maybe they should even think about putting her in an institution.

Tania's parents ignored the advice. They raised her as they would a normal child. She got in trouble when she chose her brother. She had to finish dinner before she could have a dessert. Communication was a challenge, of course; when she was old enough to read, she used a communication panel containing about 200 words. She had to use a stick of head to point the words.

She has aged. She learned everything she could about the world. A natural curiosity that brought her to the current stage of her life, where she has now helped Google add Morse Code accessibility to its Gboard for iOS, allowing users to use the keyboard to communicate via the slashes of a communication system. changed his life.

"My experience with the Morse Code Communicator has brought me to a partnership with Google to bring Morse code to Gboard," Tania explains in a Google blog article. "By working closely with the team, I helped design the keyboard layout, added Morse sequences to the auto-suggestion tape above the keyboard, and developed parameters allowing people to customize the keyboard to their unique needs. "

on Gboard does exactly what you think, letting people use dots and dashes to enter text instead of the regular QWERTY keyboard. Gboard for Android has also made improvements, which also allow you to connect external switches to the device so that a person with mobility limitations can use it.

Tania is naturally thrilled with this update of Gboard because she uses technology to interact with her world as long as she is safe. remember it. The first thing she remembers about typing was: "You're an old fart, dad!" It was the first time she saw him laughing with tears in his eyes.

"I'm excited to see what people are going to do with Morse code – whether it's a keyboard like Gboard, a game or an educational app, the possibilities are endless," says Tania. "Most current technologies are designed for the mass market, but unfortunately it can mean that people with disabilities can be left behind.Developing communication tools like this is important because for many, it makes life more difficult. livable. "

With the updated Morse Gboard code, Google has also created a game – a Morse Trainer – that can help you learn. less than an hour. It is available on Android, iOS and desktop.

Gboard is available as a free download for iOS users in the App Store.

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