echolocation
Hear every key, send only when you hold
echolocation is assistive hardware that sits between a standard physical keyboard and a computer, tablet, or phone. Every key you press is spoken aloud. A keystroke is only sent to the connected device when you hold it.
That lets visually impaired users explore a real keyboard by tapping, then commit only when they are sure — over USB or Bluetooth, with no special software on the host.
Built for one person
A speech and language therapist from a specialised AAC service reached out for help creating a custom device for someone they were supporting. The AAC user wanted a standard keyboard, but a visual impairment reduced their accuracy with it.
They needed to hear which key they were on, and they needed presses not to go through until they were sure. The idea was simple: speak every key, and only send a keystroke when you hold it. Tap to explore. Hold to commit.
Open source, so it stays available
Assistive technology built for one client often disappears when the original project ends. We published the firmware, parts lists, flash instructions, and docs under the MIT licence on GitHub.
Buy a unit from us
Not everyone wants to source modules and flash firmware. AAC Tools can supply an assembled echolocation unit. Get in touch and we will talk through what you need.
Custom firmware
echolocation is also a starting point we can adapt. Hold duration, voice and wording, keyboard layouts, Bluetooth behaviour, UI changes, and other firmware or hardware adjustments: if it needs to fit a particular person, we take that on as a custom firmware project.
The open source core stays available to everyone. Paid custom work is how we fund making it fit. Contact us about a unit or custom firmware.