ANDREA HUNSBERGER and KRISTINE VILLANUEVA MACASERO SWITCHES ANDREA HUNSBERGER and KRISTINE VILLANUEVA MACASERO

Switches are tools for access and allow the user to be an active participant within their environment. They are used to elicit cause and effect skills, to communicate, play, access and use classroom tools, to provide movement, and help control one’s environment. Switches control the flow of electrical power to a device that the user wants to turn on or off. They can also be activated by almost any part of the body a person is able to voluntarily and reliably control. Less obvious movements, such as blinking the eye, moving the eyebrow or rib cage can also activate switches. There are two types of switches: mechanical and electronic. Electronic switches do not require pressure for activation. Instead, users activate the switch by moving an object or body part within the set range of the switch. No fine motor skills are required.

Electronic Switches

Impulse™ Bluetooth® switch Impulse is an EMG (Electromyography) sensing electrode that senses tiny muscle contractions. Using its patented technology, the Impulse detects and wirelessly transmits the EMG signal to a computer using Bluetooth wireless technology. (A Bluetooth receiver is included.) Impulse's software then processes the activity as a traditional switch “click”. Pairing the Impulse with popular accessibility programs such as EZ-Keys allows users to fully control their computer with the smallest of muscle activity. $2,200.00

Product Features Allows user to completely control their computer using any muscle with voluntary control when used in conjunction with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems. Wireless connectivity allows your caregivers to attend to your needs without being hampered by wires or disturbing switch alignment. Wireless connectivity allows you to remain connected to the computer even while being transported short distances (such as to the bathroom). Bluetooth Class II connectivity up to 10 M (30 feet)! No wires means the Impulse looks better cosmetically than many other similar switches available today. Wireless Active Electrode design gives Impulse ultra clean EMG signals and greatly reduces interference. Incredibly fast response time (<30 milliseconds) 

SCATIR Switch with Sensor The Self-Calibrating Auditory Tone Infrared (SCATIR) Switch is a momentary-contact optical switch with auditory feedback that works by detecting a beam of reflected pulsed infrared light. The SCATIR Switch can be controlled with an eye-blink, eyebrow movement, finger movement, head movement, and facial muscle movement. These switches are recommended for users who have difficulty activating push-button switches. In contrast to electronic switch components, mechanical switches rely upon a moving part for switch activation. Direct pressure is required to activate a mechanical switch.

Mechanical Switches

Big Red Switch Big Red Switch is easy to see and use and very durable. Activates no matter where you press on the large 5” surface. An audible click benefits those needing audible feedback. Ablenet, $42.

JellyBean Twist The Jelly Bean twist offers the original Jelly Bean's 2.5-inch activation surface with tactile and auditory feedback, but with a twist. Our iconic switch tops can be removed and replaced with the color of your choice: Red, Blue, Yellow, or Green. It's all up to your own style, tastes, or specific vision needs. Ablenet, $42.

Plate Switch Plate Switch is ergonomically designed so that only the slightest movement will activate the sloping plate. Enabling Devices, $20.

Ultimate Switch Ultimate Switch comes with a gooseneck and clamp; it is a universal, versatile, and multifaceted switch designed to be used by even the most profoundly challenged or neurologically impaired individuals. Requires a light touch but can withstand the abuse of gross body movements or severe blows. Enabling Devices, $65.

Wobble Switch Wobble Switch on vertical stand will activate a device through swiping action or any body movement and then return to its original position when released. Enabling Devices, $41.

Head Switch Head Switch is ideal for individuals in wheelchairs. It is activated by very light pressure, and can also be activated by a knee, elbow, ect. $39.95.

Floating Pillow Switch The Floating Pillow Switch has a large bumpy surface provides the user with a special somatosensory experience. The slightest pressure activates any device plugged into its back. $239.95

Saucer Switch Saucer Switch is ideal for those with limited motor abilities. It is especially designed for individuals who are unable to control or sustain the hand or wrist movements necessary to operate traditional plate switches. $66.95

Foot Switch Foot Switch operates with one step. It is easy to operate, durable, and activates with just a light touch of the foot. Hosa FSC-501 (Foot Switch Control/Toggle)

String Switch String Switch is a sensitive switch that is activated with a tug. It is durable and designed especially for people with limited movement. It requires less than 1/2 ounce of tension to activate. String Switch from Ablenet

Lighted Signal Switch Lighted Signal Switch is a low profile, sensitive switch with a texture which encourages activation; bright light provided.

Ellipse Switch Ellipse Switch offers a low profile along with a light touch and high tech styling. It is made for a small, medium, or large hand with muted colors which appeals to adults. One is suitable for the thumb or finger, the medium size is suitable for a hand or on a wheelchair tray, and the large switch provides a large target area.

Eyebrow Switch Eyebrow Switch is a single switch that comes mounted on a lightweight adjustable visor. The switch is activated by slight upwards movement of the user’s brow. The Twitch Switch, model 1061, is an eyebrow switch designed for use by individuals with severe physical, neurological, or upper extremity disabilities or spinal cord injury. This switch is activated by a small muscle movement such as wrinkling the forehead or raising an eyebrow; the amount of muscle movement required for activation can be adjusted for increased or decreased movement. This switch operates in latching, momentary, or timed mode. The latch mode operates an attached device until the switch is activated a second time. In momentary mode, the attached device is operated until the switch is released. In timed mode, the attached device remains activated for a set period of time, from one to 120 seconds.

Mechanical Microswitch Mechanical Microswitch is a very small, versatile single switch. The most common use is to simply hold it in the hand and activate it with the thumb or forefinger.

Rocking Plate Switch Rocking Plate Switch can activate two devices independently with a seesaw action.

Switch Latch and Timer Switch Latch and Timer lets an individual use switches to turn devices on and off or turn on a device for a specific length of time. Latch mode and timed mode available.

Grip and Puff, Dual Purpose Switch Grip and Puff, Dual Purpose Switch is a pneumatic switch that is activated by slightly grasping the vinyl grip; remove the grip and use it as a puff switch. Enabling Devices, $46.

Sip-Puff Switch for Voting AirVoter™ is the leading sip-puff voting system for individuals with motor disabilities and limited dexterity. The padded, head-referenced design affords dignity, comfort, and convenience. AirVoter is a simple and cost-effective access solution in support of HAVA compliance. Features: Compatible with accessible voting machines Comfortable and adjustable headset Two (2) sealed mouthpiece assemblies, each with gloves and instruction sheet 6-foot air tube with quick-connects Compact Sip-Puff switchbox with integrated "sip" and "puff" pressure switches for testing purposes Single cable connection to voting machine No AC plug and no batteries

Categories of Switch Types Pressure: Push or Lever Pneumatic: air sensitive (Sip and Puff) Motion (mercury or infrared) or motoric (pinch, grip, etc.) Photosensitive: Blink Switch

Assessment for Switch Access Determine student’s ability to use single switch access (use switch toys, music, SLAT or Powerlink, motivating software with switch interface; no scanning) Identify activation sites student can use to activate one or more switches Identify possible switch types Determine student’s ability to: a. activate a switch on command (how quick, how easy) b. release a switch on command (how quick, how easy) c. reactivate a switch (how quick, how easy) d. hold and maintain closure on a switch (how easy) Complete listed on a variety of activation sites and switch styles.

Assessment for Switch Access Determine student’s ability to use two switches for potential dual switch/step scanning (two sites easily) Determine student’s ability to release and reactive switch to continue use of communication system. Determine student’s ability to using scanning access for communication system use live voice scanning or partnered visual scanning with single message voice output device. Assess student’s ability to watch a visual cue, process and activate the switch when it is on a designated target

Matching the Right Switch Cerebral Palsy: coordination is key Pressure, wobble, rocker switches D/D MR: bright, big, study Big Red, Bass, wobble, auditory Visual Impairments: Texture switch auditory feedback Neuromuscular: fatigue, strength, ROM Light touch, blink, microlite Spinal Cord Injuries: Sip and Puff, head controlled

Considerations for Switch Selection User Input Positioning / Environmental Concerns Movement Issues Performance Variables Support: Professional/Family

Physical Limitations Assisted by Device Limited or no motor capability Motor disabilities Limited dexterity / poor fine motor skills Visual impairments Moderate to severe upper extremity impairments Unintelligible speech Switches have been designed to accommodate a wide range of capabilities and skills. Activated by pressure, sound, motion, airflow, and even light sensitivity, switch activation is dependent upon the user and his/her individual abilities and needs.

Skills Needed to Learn and Use a Basic Switch

Sensation Seeing or feeling (if visually impaired) the switch, and touching it. Sensory input and feedback is needed to help guide the user’s motor actions. Eye hand coordination and coordination of various muscles and body movements would be needed to accurately locate and touch the switch. (Even though some switches require very little force to activate, the user must still learn to apply the necessary force.)

Perception The user needs the ability to distinguish the switch from other objects in the environment. Auditory and visual skills help in activating and attending to what follows after activating the switch.

Imagery-memory Skills involving temporal-sequential ordering, such as understanding the appropriate times to activate the switch are needed, as well. Motor planning movements need to be processed, stored, and retrieved to continue using the switch.