Switches
What am I?
I am a tool for access. Depending on the needs of the individual the use of the switch will vary. Switches are activated by: pressure, motion, air flow (pneumatic), light sensitivity (blinking) or sound (clucking of a tongue). Most switches will respond to minimal movement. Pressure switches will respond to pressure of hand, food, head or other body part touch. Air flow switches will move a wheelchair! Switches are as individualized at the child's needs are. The child needs to be assessed for the best switch and a trial period will ensure which switch type is best for the specific child.
When Would a Student Use Me?
Here are some ways a student might use me (from Switches: What are they and how do I use them? Glenda’s assistive technology and more blog spot)
Communication - Some students who use an electronic communication device also depend on an adaptive switch to operate the device. In some cases the switch is used to scan through message options. Other students may use switches that are recordable with single and multiple messages. Most communication devices are switch accessible if a student is unable to access the device directly.
Computer Access - An adaptive switch interface is needed to connect the switch to the computer. Students who are unable use keyboard or mouse devices may need to use an adaptive switch for computer input. This may be for a simple cause and effect type of program access or students may use a scanning method for entering text and commands.
Inclusion in Educational and Leisure Activities - Adaptive switches can be used to enable students with physical disabilities to actively participate in activities where they otherwise would be passive observers. For example, a switch operated game spinner permits all students to participate in many board games. Furthermore, when combined with an AC control unit, adaptive switches can provide access to small appliances in the home economics class, science lab or shop.
Accessing Toys - Play is a critical component of childhood. Children with disabilities may have difficulty interacting with objects and people due to the barriers that their disabilities present. Because these young children may be restricted in the ways they play, communicate, and move, innovative ideas must be found that promote new ways of playing and participating in daily activities. Assistive Technology (AT) has been used to provide new opportunities for children with disabilities to interact with and control their environment. One way we have found is to connect an adapter and a switch to a simple battery-operated toy --this provides a way for a child to make the toy go independently. It can also help the child to participate in playing with other kids, their brothers and their sisters. Source: https://www.ctdinstitute.org/sites/default/files/file_attachments/Playing%20with%20Switches%202.pdf.
This switch is worn around the neck and activated by moving your chin.
This is a switch adapted walking T-Rex. We have one of these in our lending library. You could use almost any of the switches on the page to activate this toy.
This is a pressure switch that is activated by pushing down on the top of the red button. These small round button switches are a common sight in schools.
This fan is designed to be switch activated. You could use it with any of the switches on this page. It is fun to use it with the Mini Beamer Receiver and Transmitter.
The mini beamer receiver and transmitter is a wireless system. The transmitter works as a proximity switch. The user does not need to touch it. The proximity sensor will activate when a person is within 10-mm of the activation surface. The receiver is plugged into a toy or other device and receives the signal from the transmitter to activate.
AbleNet Technology Tidbits: Mini Beamer Transmitter and Receiver
This is a video of a very accomplished switch user. He is using switch scanning on an AAC device.
The Tapio switch interface allows you to use one or two switches to access an iPad. It works using Apple's Switch Control.
This is another proximity switch. It can be plugged into any communication device, adapted toy or computer interface that uses a standard 1/8-inch jack.
This is small and light switch. It could be attached to a finger or a thumb. Its design allows for activation while in the hand, mounted on a table, or on an arm.
This switch activate spinner makes it easy for a switch user to participate in different activities.
Here is a video how switches might be mounted and placed for optimal by a user.
How to Make a Switch Adapted Toy
You can buy commercially available toys, but you can make them yourself!