Switch Use

1
Switch Use

• Adapted from
• AT Basics
• University of Buffalo

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Why would people with disabilities use switches?

• To access anything electronic, including devices
  that work with batteries.
• To begin experiencing independent control.
• To have new opportunities to learn and
  participate.

3
Types of Switch Use

• Environmental Control
• Appliances (radios, fans, blenders, TVs)
• Play Exploration
• Battery operated toys or games
• Movement
• Single and multiple switches with motorized
  mobility equipment (powered wheelchairs, cars)

4

• Computer access
• Single and multiple switch access
• Communication
• Single switch devices with recorded messages
• Multiple switches or internal scanning methods

5
Selecting a Switch

• Observe the student in the natural environment to
  determine the best switch site
• General tips
• Try a switch activity.

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Types of Switches

• In general, switches are often activated by the
  hand or arm, but can be used with any body part.
• Prerequisiteto voluntarily move any single body
  part with large or small movement.

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Types continued

• PUSH
• LEVER
• MOTORIC-SPECIFIC MOVEMENTS
• ACTIVITY
• SENSITIVITY
• OTHER INPUT

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Determining the match

• It is necessary to examine a switch to determine
  its match for a students abilities and
  preferences.
• See switch features handout.

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Additional Options

• Remote switches
• A receiver connects to the toy/device and the
  switch transmits information through radio waves
  to turn the device on.

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Proximity Switch

• No hands switch that requires simply a motion
  near the surface.

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Taction Pads

• Clear, adhesive-backed, touch sensitive pads that
  can turn any object or surface into a switch.

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Multiple Switches

• Several switches in one.

13
Mounting Systems

• To make switches easier to use and provide
  stability.
• A common mounting systems shown below, holds up
  to 5 lbs.

14
Switch Interfaces

• Electronic devices that work with batteries will
  need an interface to use a switch a place the
  switch can be plugged in.
• Then, the switch can control the flow of power to
  turn things on and off, such as a
  battery-operated toy or fan.

15
Examples of Switch Interfaces

• Battery Adapter
• Environmental Control Unit
• Switch Latch
• one touch turns the device on, the next turns it
  off
• A Timer
• device will run for a set amount of time after
  the switch is activated

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Continued.

• A Switch Latch-Timer
• Can be set to turn on a device for set amount of
  time then, the user must re-activate the switch.
• A Series Adapter
• An interface used between a target device and two
  switches. Both switches must be activated for the
  device to turn on
• A Jack Adapter
• Converts the size of the switch jack to match the
  size of the toy or interface.

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Positioning Tips

• See handout.

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Resources

• Website of Adaptivations Application Photo Album
• Ablenets Book of Possibilities