Switch, Mouse and keyboard options/ resources

Open Source Assistive Technology (free how-to instructions to create typically high-cost AT)

Switch use

Switch Progression Roadmap

Switch Goals in IEPs by Linda Burkhardt

Sample IEP goals

Stages in switch development

Switch access updates with iOS 11

Switch control with iOS

Switch interfaces to allow connecting a switch to your device

Better Living Through Technology info on switches- lots of info on the hows and whys

SENICT- 298 free activities for young people who are learning to use a switch, touchscreen, mouse, or eye gaze system. Download them all to your Windows computer. Activities are fully supported with free teaching guides, printables for PECS books and choosing/talk cards. Everything you need to help you deliver amazing ICT. Have to sign up to use (free). Needs to be used on Windows OS!

HelpKidzLearn- HelpKidzLearn is a collection of software for young children and those with learning difficulties to play online. It allows for switch access. The software is available for 4 different activities: Games&Activities (fun learning games), Choose-it Maker (personalized choice-making activities), Chooseit Readymades (pre-made multiple-choice curriculum activities), and Inclusive Stories Each section can be trialed for free for 2 weeks. ($215/yr and up for each option).

EyegazeGames- Provides online games that are easily accessed via switch or eye gaze technology. Plays well with iOS built-in scanning! Has music access, too. Free

Shiny Learning- 4 free switch accessible learning games. Has subscriptions area with more games.

JudyLynn - website with multiple switch games. Links to iOS, Android, Kindle etc. apps, Windows downloads (with 10 free uses for trial)

SpecialBites- has 8 free switch accessible games.

MarbleTouch- iOS apps or desktop apps for switch use.

Switch Tetris- free

Switch Space Game- free

Access YouTube- An accessible interface for users of assistive technology to search for and play YouTube videos independently.

Monarch Reader- switch accessible picture books for any age (also for older kids!!). Can be used to create your own accessible book for your students!

Tarheel Gameplay- use already uploaded videos or upload youtube videos yourself that get interrupted at certain intervals and require switch use to continue video. Great for any age, can find age-appropriate content for older kids as well.

Priority Woods Switch/Touchscreen Videos and games- lots of videos for different interest and skill levels. Switch accessible. Needs Adobe Acrobat player to play online, but easy to download if you don't.

OwlieBoo- free accessible online games to teach computer skills (click, mouse movement, click and drag). The "Pressing keys" games should work well for single switch use. Other games will need a more complex interface to ensure the correct movements are emulated (i.e. cursor up, cursor down).

Ginger Tiger- has switch and eye gaze accessible, online educational games working on cause and effect, basic skills, timing, math and speech&language. 7 day free trial, then $10/month or $110/yr/$600 per year for site license for up to 15 computers at the same time.

OneSwitch Library- free downloadable games.

SimplyEntertainment- free downloadable games, no longer tech supported, fully accessible.

Hiyah- free online games- activate with "spacebar" emulation. Needs Adobe Flash Player

Papunet Games- Games with plain language and simple pictures. Most of the content on the pages is operated with the spacebar (move) and enter key (select), or their corresponding switches.

Learn Step Scanning App (iOS, $7.99)

SwitchWedge- Program that lets you customize what the switch activation does. Works on Windows OS. Download zip file

SensoryLive! online switch accessible games: visually fairly simple games for various levels of switch skills.

Procreate- art with many accessible options, integrates well with iOS accessibility features (switches). For beginners, use the Beginners Series iOS app $12,99

Adapted Playbook EIEIO!- iOS app with adapted books, switch accessible, beginning AAC skills $6.99 in app store

PRC switch resource PDF includes links for where to get switches and interfaces as well as apps/games to try!

Gaming with switches- how-to video playlist (YouTube)

The Writing Machine $0.99 iOS- Explore and identify levels of engagement, ABC and QWERTY keyboard layouts with upper and lower case options, direct selection, single and two switch scanning access methods options. At the Explore level, tap any key on the virtual keyboard to hear the letter, see a picture of a word that starts with the letter and watch the word being written as the word is spoken aloud. Use the Identify level to work on letter recognition and discrimination. The Writing Machine will ask to find a specific letter, and then visually prompt the correct answer after three attempts. 130 vocabulary words are included!

SuperKeys $12.99 iOS Assistive Keyboard gives you just 7 large keys to target instead of over 30 small ones! Just tap the cluster containing the letter you want, and then tap the letter in the enlarged cluster. Has context-sensitive word predictor. The suggestions are displayed on large buttons (you can customize the size), and updates the suggestions as a cluster is opened, making it much more likely that word you want is included. It shows up to 36 of your keyboard shortcuts, which are fully customizable in your iPad's settings to allow you to enter your full name or any other phrase with minimal key strokes.

Eda Play Pauli , Elis, and other Eda Play apps are designed for children with CVI and motor impairments to progress motor and visual skills.

Going fishing using switch access

Rad Sounds by RJ Cooper cause and effect music player for switch access. $1.99 iOS or $59 for Windows or Mac software.

Switch Accessible Boombox cause and effect boombox that can play both songs and videos with tons of customization options, including audio narration of buttons. Windows OS

AI Learners- accessible and CVI-friendly academic games with PK- grade 2 skills. Aligned with state standards.

Purchase switches

Please note that the links aren't necessarily to the best price options, but will give you more details about the options and show you what you are looking for!

iOS:

APPlicator (up to 4 wired switches, wireless access to iPads/Phones etc)

iSwitch (single swittch with 2 ports, wireless)

Blue2 (2 switches, wireless)

Tapio (1 switch for older-style iPad or USB connections)

H66 switch interface (up to 2 switches, interface for iPads/tablets with USB-C connector)

Bluetooth Switch Interface (up to 2 switches, wireless)

Hitch 2- switch interface with USB connection to connect up to 5 switches on one joystick with 9-pin D plug. Compatible with Windows, macOS, Chrome, and Android devices with a USB connection.

The Hook+ (an iOS interface) is no longer available new, but is an option if you can find it.

For iOS and Adroid: 2- button iOS Switch Box and Interface (Requires a Lightning or Dock Connector to USB Camera Adapter, not included)

Laptops will require some sort of switch interface:

Hitch2 (up to 5 switches)

Switch Click USB (one switch only)

Swifty (2 wired or 3 wireless switches through Beam)

USB Switch Interface by AREC (up to 5 switches)

Mouse options

Rollerballs- Mouse alternative hardware that allows the user to move the mouse by rolling a mounted ball in the desired direction.

Joysticks- There are specially designed joysticks for people with difficulties using a mouse, but it is also possible to use a regular gaming joystick to move the mouse if you install some free software

Mouse options- Some students may be able to use a mouse if the mouse is smaller etc. Here are some options.

Mouth sticks/ Head pointers- Mouth sticks and head pointers provide an alternative method of using equipment for people with limited hand use, for activities including turning pages, drawing, as a keyboard aid or a pencil holder. They are sometimes used when a person is unable to use their hands due to tremors or uncontrolled movements (eg. cerebral palsy) or in the absence of movement (eg. quadriplegia).

Stylus- is a small pen-shaped instrument that is used to input commands to a computer screen, mobile device or graphics tablet. With touchscreen devices, a user places a stylus on the surface of the screen to draw or make selections by tapping the stylus on the screen. There are multiple options available.

Sesame Enable- a FREE (!) hands-free (head movement controlled) app for Android that allows accessing all mobile device options.

Cephable- free software download for PC/Mac that allows users to emulate a keyboard/mouse with voice commands/facial expressions/head movement.

Xbox Adaptive Controller ( XAC ) can be paired with and used as an ipad controller!

GlassOuse is a hands-free mouse alternative tool to assist individuals with mobility impairments. It allows users to navigate computers, tablets, or smartphones using head movements and facial gestures, eliminating the need for manual hand control. It can also operate environmental control devices, speech-generating devices, and other communication aids.

Joystick/Mouse accessible game options

OwlieBoo- online, free, simple games that work on mouse (and keyboard) skills

Wheels!- iPad app- one maze free, more for $9.99

Sensoryapphouse online, free. Very simple games. Not all are ideal for joystick use, but there are several that just require mouse movement (via joystick or mouse) and/or move and click.

CMPSR- adapted music via joystick

Keyboard options

Compact keyboards- great for users who have limited arm, hand, or finger movement as it can be positioned to suit themselves rather than the desk. It can be fitted on a wheelchair tray, for example, though you may need an extension cable to ensure that it will reach the computer.

BigKeys keyboard/ AbleNet Kinderboard- are standard push-button keyboards, but with bigger keys. The keys are 1″ square and are very clearly marked with text that is printed 11 times larger than that found on a regular keyboard. This makes this a popular keyboard for those with a visual impairment. As it’s based on the design of a standard keyboard, the BigKeys plugs straight into the back of your computer and no special software or drivers are required to run it. The BigKeys is also great for youngsters with motor difficulties (especially when using the optional keyguard) and due to its uncluttered design the keyboard is also suitable for pupils with cognitive difficulties.

KidGlove- was designed with the help of the RNIB to give a high-visibility keyboard option to partially-sighted users. These gloves come with a keyboard to make sure that they fit perfectly. It is possible to buy the glove on its own, but since there are thousands of models of standard keyboard out there it might not fit very well.

Keyguards- is a plastic or metal cover that matches a specific keyboard. The user types the keys through holes strategically placed above each key. With the guard in place, someone with poor motor control can push a key without inadvertently selecting nearby keys. It is also useful for people who get tired when typing, as they can rest their hands on the keyboard without pressing any of the keys. Using a keyguard will result in a fairly slow typing speed. As such, a lot of people chose to try prediction software to increase overall efficiency (however, this may not be effective).

Two popular manufacturers of these guards are KeyguardAT and Beyond Adaptive (part of Logan Tech who make the ProxTalker). Before deciding to purchase or make a keyguard you might want to explore the iOS TouchAccomodation settings. Tap Assistance, in particular, performs a similar function and may save you some money! OR print your own keyguards with a 3D printer with a Volksswitch file

You can also find keyguards for iPads that fit layouts of AAC apps.

On-Screen Keyboards (OSKs) are suitable for people who can’t access a standard or alternative “physical” physical. Most people are familiar with OSKs because they are in common use on iPads and smartphones, but most people don’t know that Microsoft Windows comes with a free built-in on-screen keyboard. The Windows on-screen keyboard can be accessed by mouse or mouse alternative, switch, or eye gaze, if you have the right hardware. Upgrades to the Windows on-screen keyboard include Clicker Writer, ACAT and The Grid software. ACAT is the free and open-source system used by Stephen Hawking. Follow this link to find out more about on-screen keyboards.