Grid 3

Using Join-In Pro with Smartbox Grid 3

Use Join-In Pro together with Grid 3 to access mainstream apps while continuing to communicate with your familiar AAC system.

Whether you use text-based or symbol-based communication, Join-In Pro integrates with Grid 3 to support messaging, searching, writing, browsing, AI tools, and more — using the access method and communication system you already know.

 

Note: If you already use the original Join-In for Grid 3, you can continue using it alongside Join-In Pro on the same device. This allows you to start using Join-In Pro while keeping the Grid 3 pages and workflows you already know, making it easy to transition at your own pace.

 

Before You Begin

Before using Join-In Pro with Grid 3, you’ll need to:

  1. Configure your Join-In Pro settings
  2. Prepare Grid 3 for integration
  3. Choose the integration mode that best matches how you communicate
  4. Download the appropriate Grid set

 

Once everything is configured, you can begin using supported apps directly from Grid 3.

 

Step 1: Configure Join-In Pro Settings

Open Settings from the Join-In Pro home screen.

Here you can customize how Join-In Pro works with Grid 3.

 

Choose Your Language

Select the Language option and choose your preferred language.

 

Configure Your Access Method

Open Accessibility Settings and:

  • Select your input device (eye gaze, switch, pointer, touch, etc.)
  • Adjust the access settings to suit your needs
  • Save your changes

 

Select Your Grid 3 Integration Mode

Open Keyboard, Voices & AAC Preferences.

Choose one of the four integration modes.

 

Mode 1 — Open Apps from Grid 3

Launch Join-In Pro apps directly from your Grid 3 pages.

 

Mode 2 — Use Your Grid 3 Keyboard

Use your existing Grid 3 keyboard or vocabulary whenever Join-In Pro requests text input.

 

Mode 3 — Type Everything with Grid 3

Use your Grid 3 keyboard for all text entry, including:

  • Usernames
  • Passwords
  • Searches
  • Messages
  • Forms

 

Mode 4 — Send Symbol Messages

Designed for symbol communicators.

Messages are sent as both:

  • Text
  • An image of the symbolized message

 

This allows recipients to see the original symbols as well as the text.

 

Configure Google Translate (Optional)

Join-In Pro can automatically translate messages.

Select up to three target languages.

These can be changed later at any time.

 

Choose a Toolbar

Join-In Pro offers three toolbar layouts.

 

Full Toolbar

  • Complete functionality
  • 6 × 2 layout (plus optional Action Bar)
  • Fast access to all features

 

Lite Toolbar

  • Larger buttons
  • 4 x 2 layout (plus optional Action Bar)
  • Most functions remain available
  • Reduced visual complexity

 

Basic Toolbar

  • Simplified interface
  • 5 x 2 layout (plus optional Action Bar)
  • Core functions only
  • Ideal for guided access

 

You can also customize additional settings such as color schemes, toolbar position, and other accessibility options.

 

Step 2: Prepare Grid 3 for Integration

Download the Join-In Pro Grid Sets

Open Grid 3 and go to: Menu → Add Grid Sets → Online Grids

Search for: Join-In

You’ll find six Grid sets:

  • Three for text communicators (Fast Talker)
  • Three for symbol communicators and other keyboards

Choose the Grid set that matches your preferred access method, such as eye gaze, switch, or pointer.

 

Using the Fast Talker Grid Sets

There are two ways to launch Join-In Pro apps.

 

Option 1 — Apps Explorer

Open the Join-In Pro home page and browse all supported apps.

You can:

  • Rearrange apps
  • Hide apps you don’t use
  • Restore hidden apps
  • Change the number of apps shown on each page

 

Option 2 — Individual App Cells

Each app cell opens a specific Join-In Pro app directly.

You can also copy these cells into your own Grid pages to create personalized layouts.

 

Using Symbol Communication or Other Keyboards

Import the Join-In Pro template pages into your existing Grid set.

You can then:

  • Copy Join-In Pro cells into your vocabulary
  • Add app launch buttons wherever they are most useful
  • Create personalized layouts that fit your communication system

 

Useful template pages include:

  • Apps Explorer
  • Send Text
  • Symbol Message (Mode 4)
  • Open Apps
  • App-specific pages such as YouTube Search

 

Everyday Examples

Send a WhatsApp Message

  1. Open WhatsApp from Join-In Pro.
  2. Select a contact.
  3. Choose Type Message.
  4. Your Grid 3 keyboard opens automatically.
  5. Type your message.
  6. Select Send.
  7. Review the message before sending.

 

Sending Symbol Messages

If you’re using Mode 4:

  1. Compose your message using your symbol vocabulary.
  2. Select Send.
  3. Join-In Pro creates a symbol image of your message.
  4. Confirm to send the message inside WhatsApp.

Recipients receive both the text and the accompanying symbols.

 

Search YouTube

  1. Open YouTube.
  2. Select AAC Search.
  3. Your Grid 3 display opens.
  4. Type a search or choose a saved search phrase.
  5. Select Send.
  6. Browse the YouTube results and play your chosen video.

 

Tips

  • Choose the integration mode that best matches how you communicate.
  • Personalize your Grid pages by copying only the app buttons you need.
  • Customize the Apps Explorer to keep frequently used apps easy to find.
  • Toolbar layouts can be changed at any time without affecting your saved content.
  • You can continue using your existing Grid 3 vocabulary while taking advantage of Join-In Pro’s simplified access to mainstream apps.

 

Additional Resources

 

You can also watch the video tutorial for a demonstration of the setup process and practical examples.

 

Video Tutorial: Using Join-In Pro with Grid 3

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