Switch Basics An EveryoneCan Production Brought to you by Rebecca Kowalczyk, OTR/ Assistive Technology Consultant at CESA 10 © 2008 Cooperative Educational Service Agency 10

When can a student/child benefit from a switch? Movement impaired Visually impaired Hard of Hearing Cognitive impaired Non-verbal or individuals with limited verbal abilities Severe and Profound Disabled Population Combination of any of the above Switches should be used to increase performance and participation with communication, curriculum, leisure, and life skills for all the above populations.

Choosing a Switch When choosing a switch ask yourself the following questions: What is the student/child going to activate (toy, device, computer)? What function do you wish for the student/child to perform (communication, participation, curriculum, leisure, life skill)? What body part (leg, arm, hand, head, body, finger, etcetera) can the student/child control the easiest and what does the movement look like? Would the student/child do better if the switch provided a specific feedback? (example-a child with low vision activates a switch that lights up) Does the student/child have adequate positioning that allows them to easily access the switch?

Keep in Mind Trial and error is usually the best way to determine what type of switch will work best and where to place it. So… – Try a lot of different switches! – Try a lot of different switch positions! – Try different body parts to activate the switch! Complexity of switch use can range from simple 1 switch to the very complex more than 1 switch. If the student/child is capable of doing 2 switches it is preferred that this is done due to the increased options with devices and computer programs.

Movement Deficits and Switches A student/child with movement deficits should be observed to determine his/her specific natural movement and of those movements, which are the most controlled and easily preformed by the student/child. Do not feel that switches need to or have to be accessed just by arms/hands. Any body part that the student/child is able to control easiest is the best to use. Once the movement that is most efficient and controlled for the student/child is determined use this as the switch activator. There are many different mounting systems for switches to help with placement in the ideal spot. Be Creative! Children with movement deficits also benefit from models that have intention, latch, timed, and momentary modes.

Visual Impairment and Switches Students/children with visual impairments need switches that they are able to locate. Because each student/child has different visual needs keep in mind what works specifically for that individual. The following are some switch features that would be beneficial for someone with visual impairments: – Bright colored button, large bright contrasted surface area, lights up when activated, light that is on to help with switch location, greater tactile sensation or vibration, and possible auditory feedback.

Hard of Hearing and Switches Students/children with hearing difficulties sometimes benefit from a switch that provides some visual cue or tactile cue when it is activated. The following are some switch features that would be beneficial for someone that is hard of hearing: – switch lights up when activated – switch vibrates when activated

Cognitive Impairment and Switches Students/children with cognitive impairments sometimes benefit from switches that provide means to a simplified task, curriculum modification, access to simplified programming on a computer, training with cause/effect, and entertainment/leisure. The number of switches used depends on student/child’s cognitive level. The following are some switch features that would be beneficial for someone that is cognitively impaired: – Multi-sensory switches may increase attention to task, theme and animal switches to increase interest and attention to task or provide entertainment. – Children with cognitive deficits also benefit from models that have intention, latch, timed, and momentary modes.

Nonverbal or decreased verbal abilities and switches Children that are nonverbal or have decreased verbal abilities benefit from switch use by creating an alternative means to communicate. Switches can be used with simple recorded messages to more complex systems allowing student/child to access communication programming on computers and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This can also be done with using more than one switch. Studies support the use of assistive devices in the acquisition of language. The auditory output is modeling the word to its respective picture/symbol re-enforcing correct pronunciation/enunciation.

Combined deficits and Switches Many children may have combined deficits of mobility, vision, hearing, cognition, and verbal abilities. It is important to individualize the switch to meet the needs of the child. Switches that provide a multi-sensory response when activated should also be considered. Children with combined deficits also benefit from switches that have intention, latch, timed, and momentary modes.

Severe/Profound and Switches The severe and profound disabled individuals benefits from switch use by: – Teaching cause and effect – Providing multi-sensory experiences enriching their lives – Giving them some control in their environment and lives. Switches that provide multi-sensory feedback should definitely be used with this population. Children with Severe/Profound deficits also benefit from switches that have intention, latch, timed, and momentary modes.

Glossary of Switch Features: Intention – This feature requires the user to hold the switch for a specific amount of time (1-15 seconds) before the device is triggered. Latch – Once switch is activated it will stay in the on position. Momentary – When switch is activated it will only remain on as long as the switch is be held in the activated position. Timed: – Once the switch is activated it will remain on for the selected time period.

The following slides are the most basic switches For all switches, keep in mind the student/child’s ability to activate the switch and match the placement of the switch to the student’s abilities.

Jumbo Switch Recommended for: –User who needs a large target area Provides: –Tactile feedback Options: –Some models have intention adjustment (great for those with uncontrolled movements or tremors) –Once the intention time is set, you can select momentary, latch or timed output (0-120 seconds). –Mounting plate is removable. –Includes clear cover for placing your icons

Gumball Switch Recommended for: –All user who can access a smaller target area. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Audible feedback Options: –Five colors –Detachable mounting plate –Smaller size available –Wireless version

Pancake Switch Recommended for: –User who needs a large target area with high sensitivity. Provides: –Tactile feedback Options: –Four colors –Clear cover to hold icons

Plate Switch Recommended for: –User with a very light touch, decreased movement, or visual impairments. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Audible feedback Options: –Many sizes –Vibrating, Sensory Stimulating, or Vertical Positioning models –Switch, Latch, or Timer mode on some models

Saucer Switch Recommended for: –User with limited motor abilities that are unable to sustain hand or wrist movements necessary to operate traditional plate switches. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Visual feedback when activated Options: –Adjustable Pressure from ½ to 32 ounces –Latch Timer version now has an intention adjustment that requires the user to hold the switch for a specific amount of time (1-15 seconds) before the device is triggered –Once the intention time is set, you can select latch mode, timer mode, or direct

Oval Texture Switches Recommended for: –All users who can access a large target area. Provides: –Tactile feedback Options: –Available in two sizes: Small (41/2"), Medium (9"). –Some models light up when activated for visual feedback.

Button Click Switch Recommended for: –All users who can access a smaller target area. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Audible feedback Options: –Separate model with clear window for symbol/picture

CD Switch Recommended for: –All user who can access a smaller target area. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Audible feedback –Visually Stimulating/interesting –Age appropriate –Low profile

In-Line Switches Recommended for: –User who is activating a device that requires two or more switches Provides: –Tactile feedback Options: –Comes in either two or 4 combinations

Big Talk and Small Talk Recommended for: –User who has communication needs and can also be used as a switch. (Recorded sound will play even when it is used as a switch) Provides: –Tactile feedback –Audible feedback –Slightest touch to activate –Total record time is 20 seconds Options: –Can be activated by an external switch –Comes with a free plastic cover

Super Switch Recommended for: –User who needs to access any special needs software and requires a large target area. Provides: –Tactile feedback Options: –Wireless interface –3 switch inputs allow you to mimic mouse clicks –Ability to configure each button to be any keystroke or mouse-button event. –PC and MAC compatible –Requires USB port Only works with a computer!

Specialty Switches Require specific action to activate Keep in mind student/child’s abilities to access switch and possible placements for the switch

Grip Switch Recommended for: –User that has difficulty moving arms to target location or has no movement in upper extremities except for hand grasp. Provides: –Tactile Feedback Options: –Five colors –Varying diameters (1/2”-1”) –Some models have different sensitivity to pressure.

Adjustable Angle Switch Recommended for: –User who is able to side swipe and/or has difficulty targeting objects in horizontal plane. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Good Visual Target –Large Target Area Options: –Adjustable angle from 32 degrees to 90 degrees –Lighted version to provide visual feedback

Leaf Switch Recommended for: –User that is just developing motor skills or has limited movement and strength. Provides: –Tactile feedback Options: –Activates both adapted toys and devices

Movement Sensor Switch Recommended for: –User with very little movement. Provides: –Access to hypoactive individuals Options: –Adjustable sensor –Momentary, latched or timed output –Smaller size available

Wobble Switch Recommended for: –User who is able to use swiping action most efficiently. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Rubber suction cups to prevent it from moving Options: –Gooseneck on stand or clamp with wobble switch allowing for use with other body parts as access (these are separate models that need to be purchased separately)

Pull Switch and String Switch Recommended for: –User who can grasp and pull. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Suction cups to prevent it from sliding Options: –String Switch activated by less than ½ ounce of tension

Gooshy Switches Recommended for: –User who needs a larger target area and would benefit from sensory feedback. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Audible feedback (optional) –Visual feedback (optional) –Vibration (optional) Options: –Special control allows the user to select any or all of the options above as rewards –It can be used alone as a sensory toy.

Ultimate Switch Recommended for: –User who is not efficient/able to access other switches. It is not limited to just being used as a head switch. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Audible feedback Options: –Wireless version –Transmits 20 feet through the air by radio waves –Comes complete with 19" gooseneck, universal clamp, transmitter and receiver.

Finger Tip Switch Recommended for: –User who has difficulty using whole/partial arm to activate switch or has better control with finger. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Slightest finger movement will activate it –adjustable Velcro band and is adjustable for finger length as well Options: –Separate models that have slightly different mechanics of finger placement/activation. –Finger extension model Finger Extension Activation Model

Thumb Switch Recommended for: –User who has thumb mobility and hand grasp Provides: –Tactile feedback –Momentary switch operation Options: –none

Sip and Puff Switch Recommended for: –User who has severe physical impairments can access a smaller target area. Provides: –Activate two toys or devices with a single switch –Sipping on the tube will activate one device, while puffing on the same tube will activate a second Options: –Switch is mounted on a 19" gooseneck with the 3-way mounting clamp.

Adjustable Pressure Pinch Switch Recommended for: –User who is able to pinch or target very small area. Provides: –Tactile feedback –Reacts to slightest pinch or touch (when mounted) Options: –Pinch pressure is adjustable –Surface mount allows for one-finger operation

Pillow Switches Recommended for: –User with limited head and limb movements Provides: –Tactile feedback (vibrates when activated) Options: –Decorative patterns –Vibration (adjustable) –Gooseneck model available

Head Switch Recommended for: –User in wheelchair Provides: –Tactile feedback –Light pressure activation Options: –Can be activated by a knee, elbow, etc. –Attaches easily to many of our switch mounting systems.

Eye Blink Switch Recommended for: –User who can efficiently control eye blinking compared to other body parts. Provides: –User to control communication devices, toys, or computers –Audible feedback Options: –Controls give momentary, timed (1 to 120 seconds), or latched output –Internal circuitry can be set to activate with each eye blink or with every double eye blink and to ignore normal eye blinking –Adjustable holder easily mounts to most eyeglass frames or head bands. (Eyeglasses not included)

Tilt Switch Recommended for: –User who is posture training Provides: –Switch activation when tilted Options: –Many attachments sites such as head, arm, leg or other body parts –Tilt sensitivity can be adjusted –Adjustable velcro strap

Rocking Plate Switch Recommended for: –User who is activating two toys/devices at once Provides: –Tactile feedback Options: –Operates two toys or devices can be independently activated with the "seesaw" action of this special switch. –The lefthand side operates one toy and the righthand side another.

Theme and Animal Switches Most of these switches provide a multi- sensory experience.

Theme and Animal Switches

Good Luck Getting Started! Please refer to the following mini-tutorials if needed: Connecting a Switch to a Computer Connecting a Switch to an Environmental Control Box Connecting a Switch to a Battery Interrupter If you have questions or need further assistance please contact Rebecca Kowalczyk, OTR/ Assistive Technology Consultant at CESA 10

For additional information please contact Rebecca Kowalczyk, OTR/Assistive Technology Consultant at A special thank you to Jake Elhert, Jan Adams, and Val Knobloch for their help and guidance. ROYALTY FREE MUSIC provided by Soundzabound