Herts ICT Conference: Independent Access for All

Making Something Happen!

Experiential Learning Engaging children with the computer Learning to look and listen Responding to stimuli Finding favourites Becoming proactive

Switches A switch is a device for making an electrical connection between two contacts Two categories: Contact and Non-Contact Ideal way for children with Profound and Complex Needs to control their environment and interact

Switches Contact Switches – meet most children’s needs Size – how big is the target area the child has to hit to activate the switch? Travel – how far does the switch move before it makes the activation? Pressure – how much pressure does the switch require to activate? Feedback – kinaesthetic, auditory, visual, tactile? Robustness – How hard will the child hit the switch? Mounting Options – how is the switch to be operated – hand, foot, head?

Switches Non-Contact Switches Activated by movement Blink of the eye Tilt of the head Making a sound Blowing or sucking Technically more difficult to set up Require a higher level of understanding to operate

Encouraging Switch Use Provide a variety of activities with plenty of interest Provide lots of opportunities to practice throughout the day Provide plenty of time to activate the switch. Some children will need additional time to process what is required of them

Encouraging Switch Use Operate battery powered devices Switch adapted toys Use a Battery Switch Adaptor with any toy that turns on/off Use a switch timer so they develop the skill of pressing and releasing the switch Develops skills of cause and effect – an action can cause a response Make it part of an activity to prevent boredom – knock the blocks over with the car

Encouraging Switch Use Operate any mains powered electrical device – lights, food mixers, fans Use Mains Control Unit with one or two electrical devices Built in switch latch timer

Connecting the Switch to the Computer Inclusive Simple Switch Box Plugs into USB port No software driver Connect one or two switches Sends Space and Enter key press Compatible with all Inclusive switch titles

Connecting the Switch to the Computer Inclusive MultiSwitch Plugs into USB port Connect up to 6 switches Automatically configures for software Programmable to emulate any keyboard or mouse function Works with any software from any manufacturer

Wirelessly Connecting the Switch to the Computer NEW Simply Works Range Family of wireless receivers, transmitters and access devices Uses RF technology with a range up to 10 metres (32 feet) Use up to six devices simultaneously with one receiver

Wirelessly Connecting the Switch to the Computer NEW it-Receive Connects to computer via USB Works with up to six Simply Works devices Supplied with Switch Centre software to choose settings for switches

Wirelessly Connecting the Switch to the Computer NEW it-Switch Low slanted profile Good tactile feedback 125 mm operating area No protruding base Industry standard mounting holes in base Choose switch function via built in digital display – emulates Gamepad1,2 and 3, left click, right click, drag lock, space, enter, tab, F7, F8, Numeral 2, Numeral 3, up arrow, down arrow, left arrow and right arrow

Wirelessly Connecting the Switch to the Computer NEW it-Send Plug in any switch with 3.5 mm jack Choose switch function via built in digital display Send to any Simply Works receiver

Wirelessly Connecting the Switch to the Computer NEW it-Send PRO Plug in up to 6 switches with 3.5 mm jack Choose switch function with Switch Centre software when using with an it-Receive Send to any Simply Works receiver

Wirelessly Connecting the Switch to Other Devices NEW it-Control LITE Connect to any switch adapted device using 3.5 mm output jack Operate with it-Switch or any switch connected to an it-Send. Small enough to fasten on to switch adapted toy

Wirelessly Connecting the Switch to Other Devices NEW it-Control Connect to any switch adapted device using 3.5 mm output jack Operate with up to 3 it- Switches simultaneously or any switch connected to an it-Send. Small enough to fasten on to switch adapted toy Support direct, latched, timed seconds and timed minutes modes

Wirelessly Connecting the Switch to Other Devices NEW it-Control PRO Two channel controller and receiver Connect to any two switch adapted device using 3.5 mm output jack Operate with up to 3 it- Switches simultaneously or any switch connected to an it-Send per channel. Support direct, latched, timed seconds, timed minutes and two cooperative modes

Cause and Effect Software The understanding that when the switch is pressed it will cause something to happen Bright animated rewards with lots of sounds and music Encourage the child to look at the screen after releasing the switch Check they have grasped the concept Choose a subject that interests the child e.g. dinosaurs Use framework program such as SwitchIt!Maker to include their favourite music, sounds and graphics

Switch Building Create a picture or scene step by step with repeated switch presses Next stage in progression from cause and effect to making choices Key skill is completing a sequence Use prompts when working with child to increase anticipation

Switch Timing Child needs to respond to an action by activating switch within a particular time frame Big cognitive leap from cause- and-effect and build Prerequisite skill for single switch scanning

Switch Timing Switch Skills 1 7 activities Racing Cars, Traffic Lights, Soccer Shoot, Gorilla, Sunflower and Catch the Crocs Monster House introduces early concepts of scanning

Switch Timing NEW Switch Skills 2 20 activities at beginning level Wait then press Wait for change Locate change Experimental play Ready, steady, go!

Switch Timing NEW Switch Skills 3 Fifteen activities at a higher level than Switch Skills 2 Scanning skills with progressively smaller targets placed around screen Static targets Variable targets Music for experimental play 3 exciting “video games” including “Jungle Adventure”

Choosing Requires: The ability to press and look/listen The ability to use either two switches or activate a single switch within a given time frame The ability to recognise pictures/symbols/auditory prompts To enjoy the activity and to be motivated by the outcome The ability to understand that when a an area is highlighted it can be selected by a switch activation to produce an outcome

Two Switch Use NEW Switch Skills for Two Set 1 16 activities in graded sections Two objects Two related objects Two interacting objects One object, two actions

Two Switch Use NEW Switch Skills for Two Set 2 11 activities progressing towards scanning Build up Move and get Suitable for two single switch users for cooperative play

Accessing Programs NEW MyZone Simple configurable desktop Launch programs, pictures, music, videos, documents or websites directly Create boxes to organise programs and content Access using mouse, touch screen or switches From 1 to 12 icons per page on screen Includes 12 simple touch games

Creating Resources NEW Slideshow Maker Make simple slideshows with accompanying music for early switch users Use with mouse, touch screen, one or two switches Choose between two to nine slideshows from picture board Export feature allows slideshows to be shared with those without the program

Remember! Provide a variety of activities with plenty of interest Provide lots of opportunities to practice throughout the day Provide plenty of time to activate the switch. Some children will need additional time to process what is required of them

Inclusive Consultancy and Training Riverside Court Huddersfield Road Delph Oldham OL3 5FZ Tel: