Re: is there a way to disable the swipe down and up on ipad
Sorry ... None that I know of. However, according to the linked article below,
"... you can adjust how the iPad touchscreen responds to tap, swipe, and touch-and-hold gestures. You can have iPad recognize faster or slower touches and ignore multiple touches". which may be worth looking into to see how it works with the head-pointer..
Wondering which iPad OS version is installed on your Mum.s iPad in order to assist.
Eg: For iPad OS 26: Adjust how iPad responds to your touch - Apple Support
or
For iPadOS 18: Adjust how iPad responds to your touch - Apple Support
For accurate info. for your Mum's iPad:
If needed: open one of the above links and choose appropriate iPadOS version at the top.
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If you are not already familiar with them:
Apple support's article for use of the head-pointer has various options you can set
Eg: for iOS 26: See: Control iPad with the movement of your head - Apple Support
Article also says:
"To perform additional onscreen gestures or physical button presses, use the AssistiveTouch menu
. See Use AssistiveTouch."
Am unsure whether anything there could be useful to your Mum.
Seems it is those who rely on the use of the software who often have the most expertise.
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Also Apple's accessibility support team can often assist with an accessibility feature.
If you want to try reaching out to them, see:
How to contact Apple for help with accessibility features - Apple Support